Ybycuí National Park (officially Parque Nacional Ybycuí) is a protected natural area in the Southern Paraneña region of Paraguay. The park is a serene wooded forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural pools. There's also a scenic old iron foundry that makes a great photo backdrop.

Understand
[edit]History
[edit]Landscape
[edit]Flora and fauna
[edit]Climate
[edit]Get in
[edit]The nearest major city with a commercial airport is Asuncion.
By car
[edit]From Asuncion, it is about a 3-hour drive (150 km) to the park. Note that roads in the park are suitable only for 4WD trucks. A standard small car will have problems on the very rough dirt roads. From Asuncion, drive south on route 1 for about 75 km to the city of Carepegua where you will continue south by following route 18 about another 75 km until your reach the park. The park entrance is on route 18 and is open daily 08:00 - 18:00.
By bus
[edit]In Asuncion, go to the Terminal de Ómnibus de Asunción and find the bus operated by Salto Cristal that is going to Ybycui or Salto Minas. The bus leaves every 4 hours and costs about US$4. The village of Ybycui has places to eat and sleep, but is about 20 km from the park itself. You can get there by bus or take a local taxi to the park (about 25 minutes away from town).
Fees and permits
[edit]It costs GS 10,000 per person to enter the park plus GS 15,000 to park a car.
Get around
[edit]See
[edit]
- Museo de Parque Nacional Ybycui
- Ruins of old iron works
Waterfalls
[edit]The park is known for its abundant waterfalls and clear freshwater pools. Salto is a waterfall, and there are plenty of them to see, most connected via shaded trails through the forest.
- Salto Minas
- Salto Yruvu Kua
- Salto Kuñatai
- Salto Mbocaruzu - two waterfalls, with the whimsical names 1 and 2
Do
[edit]- Hiking
- Birdwatching
- Swimming (natural pools in the park, in-ground pools at lodges)
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]Lodging
[edit]- 1 Rancho Doña Eloisa - Ybycui, Caaguycupe, Ybycuí, ☏ +595 971 923154. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Guest house set on a ranch with views of fields amid a mountain backdrop. Rooms are generally spacious, but vary in amenities (but priced accordingly). Room rates include an excellent full breakfast and an option is available for dinner (GS 20,000). Outdoor swimming pool available. Pavilion with hammock available. GS 60,000 (single, shared bath).
- 2 Posada la Catalana, Ruta Carapegua - Acahay, ☏ +595 984 426591. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Rustic mountain lodge set on a working farm with pigs, chickens, ducks and more. 9 guest rooms and a couple A-frame cabins available. Outdoor swimming pool available. Pavilion with hammock, picnic tables, outdoor grills. Breakfast included in room rate.
Camping
[edit]Camping spots are available near the Salto Minas waterfall. Sites cost GS 20,000 per tent. Minimal amenities are provided.