La Ruta del Gua'a (Puerto Valle-mí)
An educational circuit of trails and bird-watching stations to protect and reintroduce the blue macaw on the upper Paraguay River.
What it is
The Ruta del Gua'a is an ecotourism and educational circuit whose aim is to protect and reintroduce the gua'a hovy (blue macaw), one of the most emblematic birds of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, which in Paraguay came to be critically endangered. The route offers interpretive trails through native forest, observation stations for bird-watching and nurseries growing species for reforestation. Specialist guides explain the macaw's ecology, the threats it faced and the reintroduction efforts, along with information about other parrots of the region. It is an initiative involving local governments, Mades (the environment ministry), Senatur (the tourism secretariat) and young local guides. It was officially launched in June 2023 in Vallemí, in the San Lázaro district, and that year it won a tourism excellence award at the Fitur fair in Madrid. No public information on costs was found.
What to see and do
- Interpretive trails through native forest
- Bird observation stations
- Native species nurseries
- Talks on blue macaw reintroduction
Did you know…?
It also serves an educational and community role for students, researchers and local residents.
It includes nurseries growing species for reforestation programmes.
Tips
- Visits are with guides: arrange ahead through SENATUR or the Vallemí municipality.
- Bring binoculars, repellent and comfortable shoes.
Check hours and visiting conditions before you go.
Best time: May to September, with less heat and rain.
Activities
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Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 3 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.