Gmmv1980 · CC BY-SA 4.0Estación Biológica Los Tres Gigantes
A Pantanal reserve reachable only by boat, named after the giant otter, the giant anteater and the giant armadillo.
What it is
About 40 km from Bahía Negra, on the Negro River, this private reserve of more than 14,000 hectares managed by Guyra Paraguay protects a transition zone between the Pantanal and the dry Chaco. It can only be reached by boat, and the reward is silence: interpretive trails, lookouts, canoe trips on the Negro River, fishing and one of the starriest skies in the country. With patience, caimans, marsh deer and giant otters appear; with a great deal of luck, a jaguar. The station hosts only a handful of visitors.
What to see and do
- Three interpretive trails and lookouts
- Canoeing on the Negro River
- Birdwatching at one of the best sites in the country
- Photo safari of Pantanal wildlife
- Night skies free of light pollution
Did you know…?
Its name pays tribute to three threatened giants: the giant otter, the giant anteater and the tatu carreta (giant armadillo).
All food for visitors is brought in from Bahía Negra: there are no shops in the reserve.
It may close to visitors during the rainy season when access is cut off.
History
Guyra Paraguay opened it in 2008 as the operational base for its network of reserves in the Paraguayan Pantanal. It lies within the expansion area of Río Negro National Park, between Bolivia's Otuquis National Park and Brazil's Nabileque reserve, in a complex recognized as a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Tips
- Book well in advance with Guyra Paraguay (aviturismoguyrapy@gmail.com): places are very limited and the boat transfer has to be arranged.
- Bring insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, a flashlight and any medication you need.
- Confirm beforehand that it's open: it may close in the rainy season.
By prior reservation only; ask about rates and transfers (check before you go).
Best time: The dry season, July to October; opening depends on river levels and road conditions.
Activities
Where to stay
Nearby
Bahía Negra · Alto Paraguay
Parque Nacional Río Negro y Puerto Caballo (triple frontera)
Pristine Pantanal wetlands and the corner where Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil meet.
Bahía Negra · Alto Paraguay
Bahía Negra y el Pantanal paraguayo
The last Paraguayan town upriver: caimans, capybaras, otters and Yshir culture in the Pantanal.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 7 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.