Caazapá National Park Voyage Tips and guide

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The park covers an area of 16,000 hectares. It is managed as a strict biological reserve (IUCN type Ia), meaning that it is a pristine wildlife preserve that is generally closed to the public. It has no recreational or public infrastructure and the only humans allowed to enter are credentialed scientists with approved research projects.

The park was established as part of the Paraguay national parks system in 1976. It's territory was further expanded in 1990.

More than 150 bird species are known to live in the park including five species of toucan and several species of aquatic bird, such as the great heron.

A wide range of mammals live in the park including several endangered species whose populations are thought to possibly be increasing with the exclusion of humans from the protected area. Some of the animals living in the park are the nine-banded armadillo, the Capuchine monkey and the black howler monkey, the coatimundi, raccoon, agouti, several species of peccary, (which are sometimes called javelina). Several feline predators live in the park including the ocelot, tigrillo, and puma.

The nearest Paraguayan airport is Guaraní International Airport, about 25 km. The nearest large commercial airport is Foz de Iguazu (IGU ^IATA), which has flights from Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Santiago, among other cities. From Foz de Iguazu, you cross the Puente de Amistad (Friendship Bridge) into Ciudad del Este by walking, or on a bus or taxi.

From Ciudad del Este, La Yuteña operates buses to the town of Caazapá six times per week. The ride takes 5-1/2 hours and costs US$15. Buses are modern and comfortable with air conditioning and lots of space for baggage.

Alternatively, you can rent a car in Ciudad del Este and drive south to Caazapá via route 6. The drive takes about 3 hours.

Visitors are not permitted in the park.

• San Rafael National Park
• Ciudad del Este