Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 1.0Protected areasAlto Paraguay y Boquerón
Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco
The country's largest protected area: pure Dry Chaco, with the Cerro León massif rising from the plain.
720,724 ha1975
What to see and do
- Cerro León, a massif some 40 km across and up to 600 m high in the middle of the Chaco plain
- Jaguar, puma, taguá, giant armadillo, tapir and giant anteater
- Forests of white quebracho, palo santo, samu'ũ and cacti
- Part of the Chaco Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO, 2005)
- Night skies free of light pollution
Access
A remote area, reached from Mariscal Estigarribia along long dirt roads toward Madrejón and Cerro León. You'll need a 4x4, spare fuel, water and supplies, and must arrange your visit in advance with MADES park rangers. There are no tourist services. The coordinates mark Cerro León. The best time is the dry season, from May to September.
Nearby
Bahía Negra (acceso por Madrejón) · Alto Paraguay
Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco y Cerro León
Paraguay's largest protected area: dry forest, jaguars and Cerro León rising above the endless plain.
≈ 0 km
Verified · sep 2026
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 4 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.