Ybycuí National Park

Ybycuí Overview

Ybycuí National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Ybycuí, is a protected natural area in Paraguay, covering approximately 55 square kilometers (21 square miles). Located in the Paraguarí Department, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Asunción, it is one of the country’s most significant conservation areas.

The park is part of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest, a once-extensive biome now fragmented due to deforestation. Its name, Ybycuí, derives from the indigenous Guaraní language, referencing the region’s rich land and water resources.

The terrain of Ybycuí National Park consists of rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous streams and waterfalls that contribute to its lush environment. Among its most notable natural features is Salto Guaraní, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by dense vegetation.

The park is characterized by humid subtropical forests filled with towering trees, vines, and ferns, creating a dense green canopy. Several trails meander through the park, offering visitors access to its diverse landscapes, including rocky outcrops, clear pools, and small cascades formed by the many streams that flow through the area.

The combination of humid conditions and varied topography supports a thriving ecosystem, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in Paraguay.

Wildlife within the park is abundant, offering visitors the chance to see a variety of species native to the Atlantic Forest. Mammals such as capuchin monkeys, coatis, and armadillos are commonly spotted, while more elusive species like ocelots and pumas also roam the park.

The birdlife is particularly rich, with over 200 species recorded, including the vibrant toucans, trogons, and manakins. The park also provides habitat for several amphibians and reptiles, including colorful frogs and various snake species, adding to its ecological significance. Due to its location and habitat diversity, Ybycuí plays an important role in conservation efforts for Paraguay’s native fauna and flora.

One of the park’s popular features is the historic iron foundry, La Rosada, which dates back to the 19th century. This site, which played a key role in Paraguay’s early industrial development, now serves as a museum showcasing remnants of the country’s ironworks history.

The foundry was destroyed during the Paraguayan War but remains a fascinating site for visitors interested in history and industry. Additionally, the park is well-known for its scenic hiking trails, leading visitors through dense forest landscapes to viewpoints, waterfalls, and tranquil streams.

Visitors can engage with Ybycuí National Park through hiking, birdwatching, and swimming in the natural pools formed by the park’s rivers and waterfalls. The well-maintained trail system allows for easy exploration, with some paths leading directly to the most picturesque waterfalls.

The park is also an excellent location for photography and nature observation, given its rich biodiversity and stunning scenery. Camping is permitted in designated areas, offering an immersive experience in the heart of the forest, while guided tours provide deeper insight into the park’s history and ecological importance.

Ybycuí National Park faces conservation challenges, including threats from illegal logging and hunting. However, strong management efforts have helped preserve the area’s ecosystems, making it a key refuge for endangered species.

Park authorities and environmental organizations work together to monitor wildlife and prevent human encroachment. Successful conservation efforts have helped maintain healthy populations of native species, contributing to Paraguay’s broader environmental protection goals.

The park remains an essential area for ecological research and environmental education, highlighting the importance of Paraguay’s natural heritage.

Park Map

Ybycuí National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Ybycuí National Park, located in central Paraguay, is one of the most important remnants of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest and is known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and rolling hills. Ybycuí is one of Paraguay’s most visited national parks due to its combination of biodiversity, scenic beauty, and cultural heritage. Here are some hopeful wildlife sightings:

Jaguar
The top predator of the Atlantic Forest, the jaguar relies on the park’s dense vegetation to ambush prey such as capybaras, peccaries, and deer.

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

Lowland Tapir
One of the largest herbivores in the park, the lowland tapir plays an essential role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds.

Ocelot
A small, nocturnal wild cat, the ocelot is an agile predator that preys on rodents, birds, and reptiles in the dense undergrowth.

Giant Anteater
Using its powerful claws and long snout, the giant anteater consumes thousands of ants and termites daily, helping control insect populations.

Capybara
The world’s largest rodent, the capybara is highly social and thrives along the park’s riverbanks, grazing on grasses and aquatic plants.

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

Crab-eating Fox
An omnivorous canid, the crab-eating fox is often seen near water sources and forest edges, feeding on insects, fruits, and small mammals.

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

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

Birds

Ybycuí National Park is also a prime birdwatching destination, home to many species that thrive in its dense forests and along its waterways.

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

Harpy Eagle
One of the most powerful raptors 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 foraging in the treetops for fruits and leaves.

Spot-backed Antshrike
A secretive bird found in the dense undergrowth, the spot-backed antshrike uses its curved bill to catch insects and small invertebrates.

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.

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

White-bearded Manakin
Known for its rapid, acrobatic courtship displays, this small bird is often seen in the understory of the forest.

Great Egret
A graceful wading bird, the great egret is commonly found along the water’s edge, hunting fish, amphibians, and small aquatic creatures.

Ybycuí National Park’s dense Atlantic Forest, scenic waterfalls, and rich biodiversity make it one of Paraguay’s most ecologically and culturally important conservation areas. As a refuge for endangered wildlife and a site of historical significance, the park provides a rare opportunity to explore both Paraguay’s natural beauty and its past in one extraordinary location.