Reserva para Parque Nacional San Rafael
One of Paraguay's last great Atlantic forests: tree ferns, hundreds of bird species and jaguar tracks.
What it is
In the San Rafael hills, between Itapúa and Caazapá, survives one of the largest remnants of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest. There is tall rainforest, streams, natural grasslands and tree ferns; it is a refuge for jaguar, puma, tapir and hundreds of bird species, several of them threatened. This is not a park with visitor infrastructure: you visit through private conservation reserves such as Guyra Retã (run by Guyra Paraguay) and the Pro Cosara programs, with interpretive trails and basic lodging.
What to see and do
- Atlantic Forest birdwatching at dawn
- Interpretive forest and grassland trails at Guyra Retã
- Tree ferns and giant trees
- A night at the biological station, surrounded by the sounds of the forest
Did you know…?
Guyra Retã means 'land of birds' in Guaraní.
The reserve protects the headwaters and streams of the Tebicuary, Pirapó and Tembey rivers, among others.
History
On 29 May 1992 the government declared the area a reserve for a future national park, covering some 73,000 hectares, but much of it remains in private hands and suffers from illegal logging and fires. Pro Cosara, founded in 1997 by Hans and Christine Hostettler together with neighbors and conservationists, works to protect it. Guyra Paraguay acquired Guyra Retã in 2002 as its first conservation unit; today it is a complex of more than 6,000 hectares.
Tips
- Visits must be arranged in advance: Guyra Paraguay (web form or +595 981 229097) or Pro Cosara (+595 717 20300; lodging: +595 985 710900).
- Dirt roads become difficult after rain: ask about conditions; a high-clearance vehicle is ideal.
- Bring insect repellent, hiking boots, a flashlight and cash; there are no services in the area.
- There is no phone signal and no shops nearby: stock up on supplies in Encarnación or the colonies.
By advance reservation only (check conditions and rates before you go).
Best time: Spring (September-November) for breeding-season bird activity; autumn and winter for less heat and fewer mosquitoes.
Activities
Where to stay
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 6 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.