Ybycuí National Park

Waterfalls and streams of the park

The waterfalls and crystalline streams of the Atlantic forest, the main natural and swimming draw of the park.

The great natural magnet of Ybycuí National Park is its waterfalls and streams. In the middle of the Atlantic forest, the waters come down the hills forming falls and pools of fresh, crystalline water, ideal for cooling off, especially in the hot Paraguayan summers. It's one of the few places in the center of the country where you can enjoy a natural swim right in the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation. The falls and streams are connected by trails that let you tour the park on foot, discovering different water corners among ferns, lianas and trees. The sound of the water and the birds accompanies the walk, and the pools at the foot of the waterfalls invite a pause and a dip. It's a perfect plan for families, groups and nature lovers. It's worth being careful with the flow: after heavy rains, the streams and waterfalls can grow and become dangerous, so you must respect the instructions, avoid non-designated areas and not get in the water if the flow is strong. Swimming is best enjoyed in safe conditions and in the designated sectors. Getting there: within the park, along its marked trails. Best time: summer for swimming (mindful of the flow); autumn and winter to walk with fewer people. Tips: bring suitable footwear, swimwear, water, food, repellent and bags for your litter; respect the signs and don't swim when the flow is strong.

ℹ️ Distance: Within the park, along marked trails · Best time: Summer for swimming; autumn/winter to walk (avoid heavy rains) · Admission: Included in general admission to the park, about Gs. 10,000-20,000 per person (MADES fee subject to update, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day to a day

Old La Rosada iron foundry (historic site)

The ruins of the nineteenth-century foundry, one of the first in South America, with a museum within the park.

La Rosada is the great historical treasure of Ybycuí National Park and one of the most significant sites of Paraguayan industrial heritage. It's the remains of an old iron foundry built in 1854 by the English engineer William K. Whitehead, during the government of Carlos Antonio López, within the impressive process of modernization and industrialization that Paraguay experienced before the War of the Triple Alliance. It's considered one of the first iron foundries in South America. In its time, La Rosada smelted iron to make cannons, projectiles, edged weapons and agricultural tools, and symbolized the ambitious project of a self-sufficient, modern Paraguay. During the war, in May 1869, the forces of the Triple Alliance reached La Rosada and bombarded the foundry: hundreds of people died —the figure of about 231 dead is cited, among them Captain Insfrán— and the establishment was destroyed. Its ruins were recovered and enhanced from 1973-1974, and since 1975 the La Rosada Museum operates there, exhibiting pieces, machinery, a model of the original foundry and a replica of the famous Christian Cannon. Visiting La Rosada in the middle of the forest lets you understand the dimension of that industrial project and the contrast between the pre-war vigor and the subsequent devastation. It's one of the most interesting visits of the park and a perfect complement to the natural experience. Getting there: within the park, on the main road near the visitor center. Best time: year-round; check the museum's hours. Tips: combine the historical visit with the trails and the waterfalls; ask whether there are guided visits and respect the ruins, which are historical heritage.

ℹ️ Distance: Within the park, near the visitor center · Best time: Year-round; check the museum's hours · Admission: Included in general admission to the park, about Gs. 10,000-20,000 per person (MADES fee subject to update, verified July 2026) · Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Atlantic-forest trails (Paranaense Jungle)

The walking paths that cross the remnant of Atlantic forest, with jungle flora and fauna.

Ybycuí National Park protects one of the few accessible remnants of the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest (the Paranaense Jungle) in central Paraguay, an ecosystem of enormous biodiversity today greatly reduced by deforestation. Touring its trails on foot is the best way to venture into this lush forest, with large trees, ferns, lianas, epiphytes and a dense, humid vegetation very different from that of the rest of the region. The trails connect the waterfalls, the streams and the points of interest of the park, and let you observe part of its wildlife and, above all, its rich birdlife: the forest is home to numerous bird species, plus mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects typical of the jungle. Walking calmly, in silence and attentive to the surroundings, rewards you with sightings and full contact with nature. It's essential to respect the park's rules: don't leave the designated trails, don't litter, don't disturb the wildlife and don't remove plants. It's worth going with suitable footwear, repellent and sun protection, and ideally with a guide or park staff who help interpret what you see. Getting there: within the park, along the trail network. Best time: autumn and winter to walk in cool weather; early in the morning for the wildlife and birds. Tips: bring repellent, water, trekking footwear and binoculars if you like birds; ask about guides and the state of the trails.

ℹ️ Distance: Trail network within the park · Best time: Autumn/winter to walk; early morning for wildlife and birds · Admission: Included in general admission to the park, about Gs. 10,000-20,000 per person (MADES fee subject to update, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day to a day

Camping area and visitor center

The park's service areas for camping, resting and getting information about trails and rules.

Ybycuí National Park has areas open for camping and services for visitors, which lets you spend one or more days enjoying the natural setting. Camping is a much-chosen option for families and groups who want to make the most of the park with more time: enjoying the waterfalls unhurried, touring several trails, seeing dawn and sunset in the forest and observing the wildlife in the most active hours of the day. The park usually has an information center or point, where you get information about the trails, the waterfalls, the historic site and the conservation rules. It's the ideal place to start the visit, learn the regulations, ask about guides and plan the tour according to the available time and the day's conditions. The camping and park fees are set by resolution of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (MADES) and may be updated; it's worth confirming them in advance. Camping in a protected area implies responsibility: take away all your litter, be careful with fire (if allowed) and respect the flora and fauna. Getting there: within the park, next to the visitor center. Best time: dry season and days without intense rain to camp comfortably. Tips: check services, fees and regulations beforehand; bring everything you need (the park is a natural area) and leave no litter.

ℹ️ Distance: Within the park, next to the visitor center · Best time: Dry season, without intense rain · Admission: Camping: about Gs. 20,000-35,000 per day (MADES Resolution No. 418/19, subject to update, verified July 2026) · Duration: One or more days

Cerro Tuja and natural viewpoints

Heights and high points of the park with views over the forest and the Ybycuí range.

The landscape of Ybycuí National Park is marked by hills and heights that are part of the local range, among them Cerro Tuja, one of the reference points within the protected area. These reliefs, covered in Atlantic forest, offer those who tour the longer trails views over the green sea of the jungle and a different perspective of the park, away from the bustle of the most visited waterfalls. Climbing to these high points requires more physical effort than the walk to the main waterfalls, so it's worth going with trekking footwear, good hydration and, if possible, a guide or park staff who know the route well. The reward is the sense of the immensity of the Atlantic forest and the chance to see raptors and other species that move at height. These trails and viewpoints are ideal for those who already know the classic waterfall circuit and are looking for a deeper experience of walking and contact with the park's nature. Getting there: along the internal trails that ascend from the central area of the park. Best time: autumn and winter, with cool weather for the physical effort. Tips: check the state of the trail at the visitor center before climbing; bring enough water.

ℹ️ Distance: Internal trails of the park, access from the central area · Best time: Autumn/winter, cool weather · Admission: Included in general admission to the park, about Gs. 10,000-20,000 per person (MADES fee subject to update, verified July 2026) · Duration: 2 to 4 hours (round trip)

Interpretation center and park nursery

The park's educational space about the Atlantic forest, its wildlife and flora, and the conservation projects.

Next to the visitor center, Ybycuí National Park has environmental-interpretation spaces aimed at explaining the value of the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest, its characteristic species and the conservation challenges this ecosystem faces, one of the most threatened in South America. It's a good starting point before heading out to the trails, to understand what's being protected and why. The park staff and rangers usually provide information about the wildlife and flora species present, the rules of behavior within the protected area and safety recommendations according to the weather and the state of the trails and streams. This kind of space is also an opportunity for school groups and families seeking an educational experience in addition to the recreational enjoyment of the park. Getting there: in the central area of the park, next to the entrance and the visitor center. Best time: year-round. Tips: check opening hours and whether there are guided activities scheduled for the day of your visit.

ℹ️ Distance: In the central area, next to the park entrance · Best time: Year-round · Admission: Included in general admission to the park, about Gs. 10,000-20,000 per person (MADES fee subject to update, verified July 2026) · Duration: 30 to 45 minutes