Tour Overview
| Duration | 12 Days / 11 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Paraguay — South America’s Wild Frontier |
| Price From | $2,895 per person (twin share) |
| Tour Style | Wildlife & Adventure |
| Data Source | traveloparaguay.com — 2026 |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1-2: Asuncion — Gateway to the Chaco
Arrive in Asuncion. Day 2: capital city tour — Government Palace, Independence House, the vibrant Loma San Jeronimo. Afternoon visit to the Chaco War Museum to understand the region’s dramatic history. Briefing on the expedition ahead. Overnight in Asuncion.
Day 3-4: Defensores del Chaco National Park
Journey into the vast Gran Chaco, one of South America’s wildest and least-visited regions. The Chaco covers 60% of Paraguay but has less than 3% of its population. Arrive at Defensores del Chaco National Park, home to jaguars, pumas, giant anteaters, and over 340 bird species. Two full days of guided wildlife drives and walks. Overnight at the park ranger station (basic but authentic).
Day 5-6: Chaco Adventure & Filadelfia
Continue through the Chaco to Filadelfia, center of the Mennonite colonies. Visit the Jakob Unger Museum to learn about Mennonite settlement. Explore the surrounding wetlands, a haven for waterbirds including jabiru storks, roseate spoonbills, and numerous heron species. Overnight in Filadelfia.
Day 7-8: Northern Pantanal — Rio Paraguay
Drive to the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. Board a boat on the Paraguay River for wildlife viewing — caimans, capybaras, giant river otters, and perhaps a stealthy jaguar on the riverbank. Two days of morning and evening boat safaris, guided walks, and spectacular sunsets over the wetlands. Overnight at a riverside lodge.
Day 9: Concepcion
Morning boat safari, then drive to Concepcion, a charming colonial-era port city known as the “Pearl of the North.” Visit the cathedral and historic center. Afternoon at leisure to explore this authentic, untouristy town. Overnight in Concepcion.
Day 10: San Rafael National Park
Enter the Cerrado ecosystem at San Rafael, a biodiversity hotspot with over 430 bird species. This reserve protects one of the largest remaining fragments of Atlantic Forest in Paraguay. Guided nature walks to spot toucans, bellbirds, and if lucky, the endangered jaguar. One of South America’s premier birdwatching destinations. Overnight at the reserve.
Day 11: Mbaracayu Reserve & Return
Morning at Mbaracayu Biosphere Reserve, protecting critical Atlantic Forest and Cerrado ecosystems. Afternoon drive back to Asuncion. Farewell dinner.
Day 12: Depart Asuncion
Morning artisan market visit. Transfer to airport.
Inclusions
- 11 nights (mix of hotels, lodges, and basic ranger station)
- All meals during Chaco & Pantanal segments
- Specialized wildlife guide
- Boat safaris on Paraguay River
- All park entrance fees
- 4×4 transport in Chaco region
- Airport transfers
Why This Expedition
- Gran Chaco — one of the world’s last great wilderness areas
- Pantanal — better wildlife viewing than the Amazon
- Over 430 bird species in San Rafael alone
- Jaguar, giant otter, and giant anteater territory
- Fewer tourists in a year than Machu Picchu gets in a day
