Reserva Natural del Bosque…: things to see in Paraguay

Víctor Azcona · CC BY-SA 4.0

The East: water, energy and borderlands Villa Ygatimí

Reserva Natural del Bosque Mbaracayú

Must-seeReserve

Paraguay's largest continuous Atlantic Forest: 64,000 hectares of rainforest, clear streams and 400 bird species.

310 km≈ 5 h from Asunción

2–3 daysDuration

₲₲₲Mid-price

DirectionsSee on map

What it is

In northeastern Canindeyú, Mbaracayú protects 64,405 hectares of Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest: tall rainforest, grasslands, marshes, lagoons and springs that feed the Jejuí River. It's the territory of the jaguar, tapir, giant anteater and maned wolf (aguara guasu), and one of the best places in the country for birdwatching. From the Mbaracayú Lodge, run by the Moisés Bertoni Foundation, you can set out on interpretive trails, paddle a canoe on the Jejuí-mí River, visit waterfalls, go rock climbing and gaze at a night sky free of light pollution. This is serious nature, far from everything.

What to see and do

Guided interpretive walks through the rainforest
A canoe trip on the Jejuí-mí River
Birdwatching at dawn
An excursion to waterfalls inside the reserve
A night walk and stargazing
A cultural exchange with the Aché community, arranged by the Foundation

Did you know…?

It is the largest continuous remnant of Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest left in Paraguay.

Two Indigenous peoples live here: the Aché, traditionally hunter-gatherers, and Guaraní communities.

The lodge is also where students of the Mbaracayú Educational Center train in hospitality and tourism.

Some 400 bird species have been recorded, among them the bare-throated bellbird (guyra campana), Paraguay's national bird.

History

The reserve was created by Law 112/91 in 1991, following an agreement between the Paraguayan government, the Moisés Bertoni Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and UNESCO; the Foundation has managed it ever since. In 2000 UNESCO recognized it as a Biosphere Reserve, and in 2003 it was put forward for the World Heritage Tentative List. In 2026 it marked 35 years since its creation.

Tips

Visits must be arranged in advance with the Mbaracayú Lodge (Moisés Bertoni Foundation): +595 985 191 000. This isn't a place to pass through: plan on at least two nights.
The last few kilometers are on dirt roads: check road conditions and opt for a high-clearance vehicle, especially after rain.
Bring insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, a flashlight and binoculars; cell signal is limited.
Visitor service hours reported by SENATUR: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00–15:00 (check before you go).

Visits by advance reservation only; SENATUR reports Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00–15:00. Ask the Foundation about lodging and activity rates (check before you go).

Best time: Autumn (April to June) and spring (September to November), with pleasant temperatures and lots of bird activity. Summer brings intense heat and heavy rain; in winter, nights can drop below 0 °C.