The Chaco, Paraguay Travel Guide

Brahman Cattle Escaping From Their Corral, Running Away, Chaco Paraguay (1)

Discover the Wildlife-Rich Chaco – Explore Paraguay’s Untamed Frontier

A Haven for Wildlife, Adventure, and Cultural Exploration

The Chaco region in the north of Paraguay is a vast wilderness, largely uninhabited, and home to some of South America's most unique wildlife. This rugged landscape, featuring seemingly endless plains, salty lagoons, and savannahs, is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, as well as photography lovers.

The region is teeming with fascinating wildlife, including giant anteaters, tapirs, caimans, and armadillos. However, the real highlight of the Chaco is its rich bird-life. From woodpeckers and woodcreepers to eagles and rheas, the area is also a paradise for migratory birds and waterfowl.

Historically, the Chaco was primarily inhabited by remote indigenous communities until the 1920s, when European Mennonite settlers arrived in search of religious freedom. These settlers established thriving agricultural colonies in the challenging landscape and are now renowned for their dairy farming expertise, particularly in producing high-quality cheese and yogurt.

Why Visit the Chaco?
The Chaco offers an extraordinary experience for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a birdwatcher, or a photography aficionado, the region provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness untouched wilderness and diverse ecosystems. The Chaco’s isolation, combined with its fascinating history and unique settlements, makes it a truly off-the-beaten-path destination, ideal for travellers looking to explore one of South America's most untamed regions.

Location

Paraguay

Time Zone

-3 hours

Currency

Guaraní (PYG)

Don't Miss

The Wildlife

Best Time To Go

The best time to visit the rural communities and wildlife of the Chaco is from May to October, when the region comes alive with migrating birds. During these months, the weather is more temperate, with temperatures typically ranging in the high 20s°C and humidity levels remaining comfortable, making it ideal for exploring the wilderness and observing wildlife. This period also provides the best conditions for photography, with clear skies and a diverse range of bird life to capture in their natural habitat.

From November to April, the Chaco experiences its hot and humid summer months. Temperatures often exceed 40°C, combined with high humidity, which can make outdoor activities challenging, especially during midday. However, this period can still be rewarding for those prepared for the heat, with fewer tourists around and the chance to witness the unique landscape and wildlife during the quieter months. If visiting during this time, it's essential to plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the intense midday heat.

Overall, while the months of May to October are considered the most comfortable for travel, each season in the Chaco offers a unique experience, with the region’s wildlife and natural beauty remaining a constant draw.

About The Chaco and its surrounding areas

An adventure into the untamed Chaco region begins in the gateway town of Filadelfia, where Mennonite culture thrives amidst the vast wilderness. Filadelfia offers a unique glimpse into the heritage and way of life of the Mennonite settlers who established agricultural colonies in the region. The town is home to a range of simple yet comfortable hotels, making it the perfect base for day trips and explorations into the heart of the Chaco.

From Filadelfia, visitors can embark on exciting excursions to discover the region's wildlife, indigenous communities, and striking landscapes, from the arid plains to the dense, bird-rich forests. Whether you're interested in wildlife photography, cultural experiences, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of one of South America's most remote areas, Filadelfia provides easy access to unforgettable adventures in the Chaco.

Things to do and see in The Chaco, Paraguay:

Explore Filadelfia – Discover the Mennonite culture in the town of Filadelfia, the gateway to the Chaco, with its quaint hotels, local markets, and Mennonite-run farms.
Wildlife Watching – Encounter unique wildlife such as giant anteaters, tapirs, armadillos, and caimans.
The Chaco is also a birdwatching haven, home to species like eagles, rheas, and woodpeckers.
Spot the Chacoan Peccary – One of the region’s rare and endangered species, the Chacoan peccary can be seen in the wild in the Chaco's remote forests. It’s a special sight for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Visit the Defensores del Chaco National Park – Trek through one of the largest protected areas in Paraguay, known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including jaguars and native bird species.
Birdwatching in the Chaco – From woodcreepers to migratory birds, the Chaco offers incredible birdwatching opportunities, especially between May and October.
Explore Indigenous Communities – Learn about the traditions and lifestyles of the indigenous groups who have lived in the Chaco for centuries.
Discover Yrendagué – Visit this small Mennonite settlement to experience the region’s rural life and unique culture, offering a quiet contrast to the vast wilderness.
Cultural Tour of Mennonite Farms – Take a guided tour of Mennonite dairy farms, famous for producing high-quality cheese and yogurt.
Photographic Safaris – Capture the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and natural beauty of the Chaco on a photographic adventure.
Stargazing in the Chaco – Due to the region’s remote nature, the Chaco offers some of the clearest skies in Paraguay, making it a perfect spot for stargazing.

The Chaco Highlights

Some of the sights and experiences in and around The Chaco, Paraguay

Spot the Chacoan Peccary

One of the region’s rare and endangered species, the Chacoan peccary can be seen in the wild in the Chaco's remote forests. It’s a special sight for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Cultural Tour of Mennonite Farms

Take a guided tour of Mennonite dairy farms, famous for producing high-quality cheese and yogurt.

Stargazing in the Chaco

Due to the region’s remote nature, the Chaco offers some of the clearest skies in Paraguay, making it a perfect spot for stargazing.

Wildlife Watching

Encounter unique wildlife such as giant anteaters, tapirs, armadillos, and caimans. The Chaco is also a birdwatching haven, home to species like eagles, rheas, and woodpeckers.

Explore Filadelfia

Discover the Mennonite culture in the town of Filadelfia, the gateway to the Chaco, with its quaint hotels, local markets, and Mennonite-run farms.

Visit the Defensores del Chaco National Park

Trek through one of the largest protected areas in Paraguay, known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including jaguars and native bird species.