Médanos del Chaco National Park

Médanos del Chaco Overview

Médanos del Chaco National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Médanos del Chaco, is a protected area in Paraguay that spans approximately 642 square miles (1,664 square kilometers).

Located in the western region of the country, in the Alto Paraguay department, the park lies within the Gran Chaco, a vast and arid lowland region characterized by its extreme climate and unique ecosystems.

The park is known for its expansive sand dunes, from which it gets its name, as well as dry forests and scrubland that support a surprising diversity of flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions.

The landscape of Médanos del Chaco National Park is defined by its undulating sand dunes, some of which can reach significant heights, shaped by the strong winds that sweep across the region. These dunes create a shifting environment that contrasts with the semi-arid thorn forests and grasslands that dominate much of the terrain.

The park’s vegetation is largely composed of drought-resistant species, including various types of cacti, spiny shrubs, and scattered quebracho trees, which are well adapted to the dry conditions. Seasonal waterholes and ephemeral streams provide essential hydration for wildlife during the wetter months.

Despite the extreme climate, the park is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including some of the most elusive and iconic species of the Gran Chaco. Among the mammals found in the area are the jaguar, puma, ocelot, and the endangered Chacoan peccary, a rare pig-like species that was once thought to be extinct. Other notable species include the giant anteater, tapir, and armadillos that burrow into the sandy terrain.

The birdlife in the park is equally impressive, with species such as the crowned solitary eagle, the black-legged seriema, and various parrots and tinamous thriving in this rugged environment. The Médanos del Chaco region is also an important habitat for nocturnal species, including owls and nightjars.

One of the most striking features of the park is its vast, unspoiled wilderness, making it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers looking to experience Paraguay’s most remote landscapes. Hiking and wildlife observation are the primary activities for visitors, though due to the park’s isolation and harsh environment, it requires preparation and a sense of adventure.

The shifting sand dunes provide a unique setting for exploration, and the solitude of the park makes it an exceptional place for those interested in nature photography and birdwatching. Unlike more developed national parks, Médanos del Chaco remains largely untouched, offering a raw and immersive experience.

Conservation efforts in the park focus on protecting its fragile ecosystems from illegal hunting and deforestation. As part of Paraguay’s national park system, Médanos del Chaco plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of the Gran Chaco region, one of the most threatened dry forest ecosystems in the world.

However, challenges remain, including encroachment from agricultural expansion and climate change, which affects water availability. Despite these challenges, the park stands as a critical refuge for endangered species and serves as a testament to the importance of conservation efforts in Paraguay’s wilderness areas.

Park Map

Médanos del Chaco National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Médanos del Chaco National Park is also home to a diverse range of bird species, many of which are specially adapted to dry environments.

Popular Bird Species in Médanos del Chaco National Park

Crowned Solitary Eagle
A rare raptor of the Chaco, the crowned solitary 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
Easily recognizable by its oversized orange bill, the toco toucan is commonly seen in the park’s forests, feeding on fruits and small insects.

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

Blue-crowned Parakeet
A vibrant and social bird, the blue-crowned parakeet is often seen in noisy flocks, feeding on seeds and fruit.

Many-colored Chaco Finch
A brightly colored finch endemic to the Chaco, this species is commonly seen foraging in Médanos del Chaco’s dry forests and open areas.

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 woodlands.

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

White-barred Piculet
A small woodpecker species, the white-barred piculet is often seen tapping on tree bark in search of insects.

Great Rufous Woodcreeper
A large, distinctive woodcreeper, this bird climbs tree trunks and probes into bark to find insects.

Médanos del Chaco National Park’s expansive sand dunes, arid forests, and extreme landscapes make it one of Paraguay’s most unique conservation areas. Despite its harsh conditions, the park supports a surprising diversity of wildlife, offering a rare glimpse into the adaptations of species in one of South America’s most challenging ecosystems.

Médanos del Chaco National Park, located in western Paraguay, is a unique desert-like protected area covering approximately 603,073 hectares. It is characterized by vast sand dunes, dry forests, and savannas, making it one of the most extreme and least explored landscapes in the country. Here are some of the favored species in the area:

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

Maned Wolf
Recognized by its long legs and reddish fur, the maned wolf is a solitary omnivore that feeds on rodents, birds, and fruit.

Puma
This adaptable predator roams the park’s dunes and dry forests, hunting small mammals, reptiles, and birds.

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

Lesser Grison
A small but fierce mustelid, the lesser grison is an agile predator that hunts rodents and birds, often using its speed to capture prey.

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

Nine-banded Armadillo
Well adapted to arid environments, this burrowing mammal digs for insects and small invertebrates in the park’s dry soils.

Chacoan Mara
A rabbit-like rodent unique to the Chaco, the mara is a fast-running herbivore that thrives in Médanos del Chaco’s grasslands and dunes.

Gran Chaco Tortoise
This slow-moving reptile is well adapted to the park’s dry conditions, feeding on vegetation and surviving with limited water sources.

Plains Viscacha
A large nocturnal rodent, the plains viscacha is commonly found in burrows and is an important prey species for carnivores in the park.