Defensores del Chaco National Park

Defensores del Chaco Overview

Defensores del Chaco National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Defensores del Chaco, is the largest national park in Paraguay, covering approximately 2,360 square miles (6,145 square kilometers).

Located in the remote and arid Chaco region in the northwest of the country, near the border with Bolivia, the park is a vast expanse of semi-arid forests, savannas, and scrublands. Its terrain is largely flat but features rocky outcrops and small hills, with Cerro León being the most prominent elevation in the park.

Dry riverbeds and seasonal watercourses carve through the landscape, and the vegetation is dominated by dense thorny forests, quebracho trees, and palm savannas. The unique Gran Chaco ecosystem is characterized by its ability to withstand extreme drought and occasional heavy rains, making it a crucial refuge for a wide range of flora and fauna.

The park is home to an impressive array of wildlife, with some of South America’s most elusive and endangered species residing in its rugged wilderness. The jaguar, known as the apex predator of the region, roams the park’s forests alongside pumas and ocelots.

The giant anteater, one of Paraguay’s most iconic species, is frequently spotted in the open savannas, while the rare Chacoan peccary, a species once thought extinct, thrives in the park’s dry forests. Other mammals include tapirs, armadillos, and various species of deer.

Birdwatchers are drawn to the park’s diverse avian life, with highlights including the harpy eagle, red-legged seriema, and the vibrant blue-crowned parakeet. The region also supports a rich variety of reptiles, including caimans and anacondas, as well as a significant population of amphibians adapted to the park’s fluctuating water levels.

Defensores del Chaco National Park is renowned for its untouched wilderness, making it a destination for those seeking an authentic and remote nature experience. Cerro León, a striking geological formation, serves as a major attraction and provides a vantage point for panoramic views of the Chaco.

The park is a haven for ecotourism, with hiking and wildlife observation being the most common activities. Due to its remote location and limited infrastructure, the park is best explored with the help of experienced guides who can navigate the vast and often harsh environment.

The rugged terrain and sparse water sources make it a challenging yet rewarding destination for adventurous visitors. Camping is possible in designated areas, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the solitude and raw beauty of the Chaco.

One of the biggest conservation challenges facing Defensores del Chaco National Park is deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion and cattle ranching in the broader Chaco region. Illegal hunting and habitat degradation also threaten the park’s delicate ecosystem.

However, efforts have been made to protect this vital reserve, with conservation organizations working alongside the Paraguayan government to strengthen enforcement and increase awareness of the park’s ecological significance.

The park plays a crucial role in safeguarding the unique Chaco biome, and ongoing initiatives focus on habitat preservation and sustainable management. Despite the challenges, the park remains a stronghold for many of Paraguay’s most iconic and endangered species, making it an essential conservation priority for the country.

Park Map

Defensores del Chaco National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Defensores del Chaco National Park is also a prime birdwatching destination, home to a variety of species adapted to the dry Chaco forests and wetlands.

Popular Bird Species in Defensores del Chaco National Park

Crowned Solitary Eagle
A rare raptor of the Chaco, this eagle hunts small mammals and birds, playing a key role as a top predator.

Red-legged Seriema
This tall, ground-dwelling bird is known for its loud calls and its ability to hunt snakes and small rodents.

Toco Toucan
Recognizable by its large orange bill, the toco toucan thrives in the park’s forests, feeding on fruit and small insects.

Chaco Owl
A nocturnal species found only in the Chaco, this owl preys on rodents and small birds under the cover of darkness.

Many-colored Chaco Finch
A brightly colored finch endemic to the Chaco, this species is commonly seen foraging in dry forests and grasslands.

Black-bodied Woodpecker
A striking bird with black-and-white plumage, this woodpecker is well adapted to the dry forests, where it searches for insects in tree bark.

Spot-winged Falconet
One of the smallest raptors in South America, the spot-winged falconet is a skilled hunter of insects and small birds.

Blue-crowned Parakeet
This vibrant parakeet is often seen in noisy flocks, feeding on seeds and fruit in the park’s trees.

Chaco Chachalaca
A turkey-like bird with loud, repetitive calls, the Chaco chachalaca is commonly found foraging for fruits and leaves in the park’s forested areas.

Burrowing Owl
Unlike most owls, the burrowing owl is active during the day and nests in underground burrows, often using abandoned armadillo dens.

Defensores del Chaco National Park’s vast dry forests, savannas, and wetlands make it one of Paraguay’s most important conservation areas. As the largest national park in the country, it provides a critical refuge for endangered species and Indigenous cultures, offering a rare opportunity to explore and protect one of South America’s last wild Chaco landscapes.

Defensores del Chaco National Park, located in northwestern Paraguay, is the largest protected area in the country, covering approximately 720,000 hectares. The park is part of the Gran Chaco, a vast dry forest ecosystem known for its extreme temperatures, dense vegetation, and unique wildlife.

Jaguar
As the apex predator of the Chaco, the jaguar relies on the park’s dense forests and wetlands to hunt capybaras, peccaries, and deer.

Puma
A highly adaptable predator, the puma roams the park’s dry forests and open scrublands, preying on smaller mammals like armadillos and rodents.

Chacoan Peccary
An endangered species found only in the Chaco, the Chacoan peccary is a pig-like mammal that forages for roots, fruits, and cacti.

Giant Anteater
With its elongated snout and powerful claws, the giant anteater specializes in consuming thousands of ants and termites daily.

Lowland Tapir
The largest land mammal in the park, the lowland tapir plays an essential role in seed dispersal and maintaining the Chaco’s biodiversity.

Maned Wolf
This long-legged canid is unique to South America and feeds on small mammals, birds, and fruit, playing an essential role in the ecosystem.

Geoffroy’s Cat
A small, elusive wild cat, Geoffroy’s cat is a nocturnal predator that hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles in the park’s forests.

Nine-banded Armadillo
A well-adapted burrower, the nine-banded armadillo is commonly found digging for insects in the dry forests and grasslands.

Black-and-white Tegu
One of the largest lizard species in South America, the black-and-white tegu preys on eggs, insects, and small vertebrates.

Chacoan Mara
A rabbit-like rodent unique to the Chaco, the mara is a fast-running herbivore that thrives in open grasslands and dry forests.