Paolo Mendoza · CC BY-SA 4.0Lago Ypoá
A vast wetland of floating islands and lagoons, a little-explored Ramsar site south of Asunción.
What it is
The Ypoá is a world of water: lakes, marshes and floating islands of vegetation spread across the departments of Paraguarí, Central and Ñeembucú, part of a protected area of some 119,000 hectares. From the landing on the Quiindy side, canoes and motorboats head out to the floating islands and the Cabral, Verá and Paraná-mí lagoons, with herons, parrots and toucans. There are clear-water beaches, but infrastructure is minimal: this is raw nature, so come prepared and with a local guide.
What to see and do
- Canoe or motorboat trips to the floating islands
- The Cabral, Verá and Paraná-mí lagoons
- Waterbird watching
- Clear-water beaches
Did you know…?
Its named islands include Mocito, Ildefonso, Valdés and Marcelo.
Although it's still called Lago Ypoá National Park, since 2017 its legal status has been a Managed Resources Reserve.
History
It was declared a national park in 1992 (Decree 13,681) and is a Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance). In 2017 Law 5,859 reclassified it as the Lago Ypoá Managed Resources Reserve, covering some 119,000 hectares. In 2024 MADES was still drafting its management plan, and visitors were reporting that the access road had been neglected.
Tips
- In September 2026 it was reported that the road to the landing in Quiindy had been closed off with a locked gate: check whether it's passable before you travel.
- The rural road becomes impassable in the rain: a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is best.
- There are no services: bring water, food, insect repellent and bags for your trash.
- Hire a local boatman or guide; don't navigate the marshes on your own.
No formal hours; access depends on road conditions — check before you go.
Best time: April to October, with less rain and firmer roads; dawn and dusk for birdwatching.
Activities
Festivals and events here
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 5 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.