San Rafael National Park

San Rafael Overview

San Rafael National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional San Rafael, is a vast protected area located in the Itapúa and Caazapá departments of Paraguay.

Covering approximately 278 square miles (720 square kilometers), this park is one of the last remaining significant portions of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, a highly threatened ecoregion in South America. The park lies in the southeastern part of the country, near the Paraná River, and is a critical area for biodiversity conservation.

While officially designated as a national park, its legal status remains somewhat unclear, as much of the land is still privately owned or managed under conservation agreements.

The terrain of San Rafael National Park is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous streams that feed into the Paraná River basin. The forest canopy is thick, creating a lush and humid environment that supports an incredibly diverse array of plant life.

Towering hardwood trees such as lapacho, guatambú, and cedro dominate the landscape, while bromeliads, orchids, and ferns thrive in the understory. The park’s undisturbed wilderness is also home to patches of grassland and wetlands, which further enhance its ecological diversity. Although lacking dramatic mountain peaks or large waterfalls, the park’s rich forested landscapes and hidden streams make it a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts.

San Rafael National Park is a sanctuary for many rare and endangered species. It is particularly renowned for its birdlife, as it serves as a critical habitat for over 400 bird species, including the harpy eagle, vinaceous-breasted amazon, and helmeted woodpecker.

The park is one of the most important areas in Paraguay for bird conservation, attracting ornithologists and birdwatchers from around the world. In addition to its avian diversity, the park harbors a variety of mammals, such as jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, and giant anteaters.

Smaller species like armadillos and agoutis can often be spotted foraging on the forest floor, while troops of capuchin monkeys move through the canopy. The dense vegetation and limited accessibility make wildlife viewing a challenge, but for those patient enough, the rewards are exceptional.

One of the most popular features of San Rafael National Park is its pristine Atlantic Forest, which remains one of the last unfragmented sections of this ecosystem in Paraguay. The park’s trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in an untouched natural setting, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography.

Guided tours provide deeper insights into the park’s biodiversity, with local conservation groups working to promote ecotourism and environmental education. While there are no major infrastructure developments such as lodges or visitor centers within the park, nearby communities provide accommodations and access points for those wanting to explore its wonders.

San Rafael National Park faces significant conservation challenges, primarily due to deforestation, illegal logging, and agricultural expansion. The park has been under threat for decades, as large portions of its land remain under private ownership, making enforcement of environmental protections difficult.

However, conservation organizations and local communities have made notable efforts to protect the forest, working on reforestation initiatives and promoting sustainable land-use practices. Despite ongoing threats, the park remains a crucial stronghold for Paraguay’s biodiversity, and continued conservation efforts are essential for preserving this unique ecosystem.

Park Map

San Rafael National Park Highlights

Wildlife

San Rafael National Park, located in southeastern Paraguay, is one of the last significant remnants of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, a critically endangered ecosystem that once covered much of eastern Paraguay. The park features a mix of dense rainforests, rolling hills, wetlands, and riverbanks, providing habitat for numerous endangered and endemic species.

Jaguar
As the apex predator of the Atlantic Forest, the jaguar relies on the park’s dense vegetation for hunting capybaras, peccaries, and deer.

Puma
A highly adaptable predator, the puma shares its habitat with the jaguar but primarily preys on smaller mammals such as armadillos and rodents.

Lowland Tapir
One of the largest herbivores in the park, the lowland tapir is a crucial seed disperser that helps regenerate the forest.

Ocelot
A nocturnal wild cat, the ocelot is an agile hunter that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles in the forest undergrowth.

Giant Anteater
With its long snout and powerful claws, the giant anteater specializes in consuming ants and termites, playing an important role in insect population control.

Capybara
The largest rodent in the world, the capybara is highly social and semi-aquatic, thriving along the park’s rivers and wetlands.

Collared Peccary
A pig-like mammal that forages in the forest for fruits, roots, and small invertebrates, often moving in small groups.

Crab-eating Fox
This omnivorous canid is well adapted to forest edges and open areas, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Neotropical River Otter
An excellent swimmer, the neotropical river otter hunts fish, amphibians, and crustaceans in the park’s rivers and wetlands.

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

Birds

San Rafael National Park is also a prime birdwatching destination, hosting one of the richest bird populations in Paraguay, with several species that are rare or endemic to the Atlantic Forest.

Bare-throated Bellbird
Known for its loud, metallic calls, this striking bird has a bright white body and a bare, blue throat, playing a key role in seed dispersal.

Harpy Eagle
One of the most powerful birds of prey in the world, the harpy eagle hunts monkeys, sloths, and large birds in the park’s dense canopy.

Helmeted Woodpecker
A rare species found in the Atlantic Forest, the helmeted woodpecker is easily recognized by its red crest and powerful drumming on trees.

Red-and-green Macaw
This vibrant and social parrot is often seen flying in pairs, feeding on nuts and fruits in the park’s forested areas.

Black-fronted Piping Guan
An endangered species, this large game bird is often seen in the treetops, foraging for fruits and leaves.

Spot-backed Antshrike
This elusive bird is found in dense undergrowth, using its curved bill to catch insects and small invertebrates.

Yellow-fronted Woodpecker
A striking woodpecker with a bright yellow forehead and black-and-red plumage, it plays an essential role in controlling insect populations.

Toco Toucan
With its oversized orange bill, the toco toucan is one of the most recognizable birds in the park, feeding on fruits and small insects.

White-bearded Manakin
Known for its energetic courtship displays, this small bird performs rapid acrobatic movements to attract mates.

Chestnut Seedeater
This small bird thrives in the park’s grasslands and forest edges, feeding primarily on seeds.

San Rafael National Park’s dense Atlantic Forest, rich birdlife, and diverse wildlife make it one of Paraguay’s most ecologically important conservation areas. As one of the last refuges of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, the park plays a crucial role in protecting endangered species and preserving one of South America’s most threatened ecosystems.