Day 1: Arrival in Asuncion

After arrival in Asuncion, you will be transferred to our hotel in the city, where the first group activity will be dinner on this night, when the plan for the following days will be outlined to all.

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Day 2: Asuncion to Pozo Colorado

Our first full day will start with an early breakfast at our hotel before checking out. Our first wildlife stop will be at a park on the outskirts of the Asuncion, where we will search for the beautiful Azaras's Capuchin. This “vulnerable” species has wonderful pale facial markings and can be truly captivating to watch when interacting with their troop. We will also be sure to enjoy some of the local birds found in the park, like Campo Flicker and Plush-crested Jay. Afterwards, we drive for several hours until we reach Monte Lindo Reserve, located in the transition between wet and dry forest in the Chaco. Here we combine wildlife drives and short walks, including visiting some bat colonies in abandoned buildings, hoping to find Common Vampire Bat and Woolly False Vampire Bat. We will then visit a roost for the Azara’s Night Monkey at sunset to watch them as they awaken for their nocturnal activities. We will continue with a night drive to search for species like Giant Anteater, Southern Tamandua, Crab-eating Raccoon, and Capybara. Birds we hope to encounter (during the daytime), are Southern Screamer, Red-legged Seriema, Giant Wood-Rail, Chestnut-capped Blackbird and Toco Toucan.

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Day 3: Pozo Colorado to Estancia Iparoma

After breakfast, we begin our 80-mile(130km) drive to reach Estancia Iparoma. Upon arrival, we will get settled in and have lunch. Afterwards people can rest up for a long night of mammal watching to follow. In the late afternoon and night we will drive throughout the property and search for species like Southern Tamandua and Six-banded Armadillo, as well as any birds that are frequenting the area, including Chaco Chachalaca, Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Chaco Puffbird, Ultramarine Grosbeak, and Blue-fronted Amazon. The property has water holes which are very useful for observing some of the area’s more elusive species. With some luck and patience, we may see the delightful Geoffroy’s Cat, Southern Three-banded Armadillo, Chacoan Mara, Lowland Yellow-toothed Cavy and Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk.

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Day 4: Estancia Iparoma to Laguna Capitan

This morning we will do some relaxed birding at the ranch before packing up and heading to our next destination, Hotel Laguna Capitan. There, we will enjoy lunch and allow people to rest following last night activities and before another night excursion on this night too. Afterwards, we will go to a local dry lagoon to begin our mammal watching activities, with a mix of hiking and driving. We will spotlight the nearby area to search for species like Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk, Pampas Fox, Lowland Tapir, Crab-eating Fox, and Gray Brocket Deer. Three nights will be spent at the same location close to Laguna Capitan Reserve.

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Days 5-6: Laguna Saladas Area

We will spend two days in this rich area for mammals in order to increase our chances of seeing at least some of the elusive mammals there. The routines over these datys will be the same, our mornings will start with a very early breakfast, before we drive to Laguna Saladas to visit the observation blinds at several waterholes. We will split the group up and use different hides, which should also offer some close-up views of some of the local birds, such as Many-colored Chaco Finch, Ringed Warbling Finch, and Golden-billed Saltator. Mammals such as Gray Brocket Deer, Tayra and South American Coati are also possible. We will spend the afternoons either driving the area around the dried-up lagoons, or return to the blinds, depending on the local activity and what we have seen by that stage.

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Day 7: Laguna Capitan Area to Fortin Toledo Reserve

After breakfast, we head over to our next destination, the Fortin Toledo Reserve. This small nature reserve is located right next to the Chacoan Peccary Breeding Center, a fantastic place in the heart of some unique cactus forests. In this habitat we will search for Conover’s Tuco-tuco, a member of the strange fossorial rodent family Ctenomyidae. We will also have more opportunities on the night drive and night walk to search for Geoffroy’s Cat, Screaming Hairy Armadillo, Crab-eating Fox and Lowland Tapir. On this day we will also be searching for several key bird targets too, like Black-legged Seriema, Blue-and-yellow Tanager and White-fronted Woodpecker. A single night will be spent around the reserve.

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Days 8-10: Defensores del Chaco National Park

After breakfast and some morning birding, we will pack up the vehicle and then drive several hours on a very rough dirt road to reach our next spot. However, it will be well worth the effort as we head into Defensores del Chaco National Park. This national park preserves one of the tallest stands of trees in the Dry Chaco, which provides crucial habitat for some large cats and other mammals the park is famed for. We will have three nights in the area, to help maximize our productivity here. Jaguar, Puma and Ocelot are all possible here. However, the most famous residents are a favorite food of these cats. The endangered Chacoan Peccary has vanished from most of its range, but the forests of Defensores del Chaco National Park act as the home for one of the last remaining populations of this elusive wild pig. We will make several drives in and around the park over the next few days to target this peccary, with other mammals frequenting the area also targets for us too. Some other major mammal possiblities include White-coated Titi Monkey, Paraguayan Punare, Pampas Fox, and (if we are exceptionally lucky), the Jaguarundi. As we search for these mammals, we will also be paying close attention to birds like Many-colored Chaco Finch, Cream-backed Woodpecker, Brushland Tinamou and Bolivian Slaty Antshrike.

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Day 11: Defensores del Chaco National Park to Mariscal Estigarribia

We will be leaving the impressive forests of Defensores del Chaco National Park after breakfast and driving 125 miles (205km) to our next destination, the town of Mariscal Estigarribia. Today is more about traveling, but we should have time for a late afternoon walk. Another night walk around the hotel property may reveal Six-banded Armadillo, Gray Brocket Deer or Conover’s Tuco-Tuco. A single night will be spent in the town.

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Day 12 & 13: Teniente Enciso National Park

The day will start out seeking birds like Blue-tufted Starthroat, Pale-crested Woodpecker, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, and Crested Gallito. Afterwards, we depart for a 102-mile (165km) drive to reach Teniente Enciso National Park. Quite different from the previous locality, it is the driest part of the country and characterized by low spiny shrubs and vegetation. We will check into a local ranger station, our accommodation for the next two nights. The park has waterholes which have been famously visited by Puma and a habituated Lowland Tapir. In the afternoon we will do some birdwatching and then spend the night searching for mammals. We will drive the nearby roads in hopes of seeing Plains Viscachas and then proceed with a night and morning session around the waterholes. We will have a second day here to increase our chances of seeing the key targets, but other species we hope for include Southern Three-banded Armadillo, Chacoan Mara and Chacoan Peccary.

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Day 14: Cañada el Carmen Reserve

After some morning activities, we will drive the 75 miles (120 km) to Cañada del Carmen Reserve. This NGO-owned reserve is important as it protects a unique Chaco xeromorphic forest. As we drive, we will be searching for birds and if we are supremely lucky, we may see a Jaguarundi. The landscape is harsh and dry, dominated by cacti and shrubs. The open habitat and water scarcity makes the water holes here productive, with potential for the very difficult Geoffroy’s Cat. We will then have a night observation session at two waterholes near the ranger station. Some other species we could see at the waterholes are Plains Viscacha, Molina’s Hog-nosed Skunk, Crab-eating Fox and Gray Brocket Deer. A single night will be spent at a ranger station in the park.

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Day 15: Fortin Toledo Reserve

After breakfast and morning birding, we will depart for the 175-mile (280km) drive to Fortis Toledo Reserve. Upon arrival we will have lunch and then rest at the cabins, which we wil stay in for a single night. Tonight we will be doing night drives to further search for species like Pampas Fox, Lowland Yellow-toothed Cavy, and Collared Peccary.

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Day 16: Laguna Bombacha Reserve

After breakfast, we will drive 85-miles (135km) to Laguna Bombacha Reserve, a Mennonite community reserve that preserves some of the last untouched salt lagoons of the central Paraguayan Chaco. Some of these lagoons can retain water throughout the year, making them productive for both waterfowl and mammals. We will do both afternoon and night drives here to search for species like Chacoan Gracile Opossum, Capybara, Crab-eating Fox, and Lowland Tapir. We will also have another chance at the near-mythical Geoffroy’s Cat. Several birds will also be on the target list like Red-billed Scythebill, Checkered Woodpecker, and Great Antshrike. A night will be spent in the nearby town.

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Day 17: Return to Asuncion

Today we make the long, mile 245-mile (395km) drive back to Paraguay’s capital, Asuncion. As we make the drive we will stop for lunch and check an old highway bridge for the potential of seeing several bat species. The Diminutive Serotine Bat is almost always present, but we also have a good chance at seeing the Brown Mastiff Bat. Afterwards we will check in to our accommodation near the airport for departures the following day.

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Day 18: Departures from Asuncion/START OLIVARES RESERVE & ATLANTIC DRY FOREST EXTENSION

Today is set as a departure day, clients will receive transfer to the airport where our services end. Those embarking on the post tour extension will continue today with the extension (see below).

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Olivares Reserve & Atlantic Dry Forest Extension

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This 6-day post-tour extension will begin in Asuncion and visit the Olivares Private Reserve. Here we will be visiting a section of the “Wet Chaco”, a more humid and tropical section of the Chaco Forest. Our target here is the Black-and-gold Howler Monkey, one of the largest New World primates as well as one of the loudest! These monkeys are regularly encountered, giving us a great chance to see them in their native range. We will also travel by boat along the Manduvira and Paraguay Rivers to enjoy several species of birds like Black Skimmer, Black-capped Donacobius, Gray Monjita and Striped Cuckoo. We will also go night walks to search for Chacoan Gracile Opossum and White-eared Opossum as well as reptiles and amphibians. Afterwards, the remaining three days of the  extension will take us to a completely new region of the area, full of many new species for the trip. On the first day we will be making a special stop along the way to an active Common Vampire Bat cave, where we will be able to see this iconic bat up close! Afterwards, we will spend the rest of the post-tour extension in the Atlantic Dry Forests of Ybycui National Park. Here will be focusing on seeing specialty birds of the region. Some birds we will search for include Surucua Trogon, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, Southern Antpipit, Red-rumped Cacique, Swallow-tailed Manakin, White-throated Spadebill and Crested Becard. The Atlantic Dry Forests are home to high levels of endemism in terms of birds, and sadly many of them are imperiled. While here, we will also make an effort to see several epic mammals like Azara’s Capuchins, Four-eyed Opossums and White-eared Opossums too.

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Extension Itinerary at a Glance:

Day 1: Asuncion to Olivares Private Reserve/night Olivares Private Reserve cabins

Day 2: Olivares Private Reserve/night Olivares Private Reserve cabins

Day 3: Olivares Private Reserve to Ybycui National Park/night in cabins near Ybycui NP

Day 4: Ybycui National Park/night in cabins near Ybycui NP

Day 5: Return to Asuncion/night Asuncion

Day 6: Departures from Asuncion

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Trip Considerations

PACE: Intense. Early mornings and late nights will offer us the best opportunities for wildlife activity, particularly for mammals. The timing of each day will vary slightly since some days we will prioritize nighttime activities, and other days we will prioritize early morning activities. Most days will allow for mid-day breaks, and we will be checked in to each night’s accommodation prior to nighttime activities, allowing guests to “sit it out” if needed. There are many single night stays on this tour, in order to cover more ground and increase our chances at getting a diverse list.

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PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate. Most major activities will be based around driving and sitting in blinds. Clients should be aware that sitting in blinds over long periods can cause discomfort and we will often be sitting on a mat to view the mammals. Hiking will also be done to watch some mammal species as well as birds. Most birding activities will be done through short hikes on mostly flat terrain. Weather can always impact trail conditions and clients should be prepared with proper sun protection, rain gear, proper footwear for hiking, and hiking poles if needed. The toughest physical challenges on the tour will be long days of driving and sitting in these blinds. The long days can also be physically impactful, so it is important for clients to pace themselves and sit out of certain activities when needed. Most roads we drive will be dirt roads and dusty and so can cause irritation in some cases due to prolonged exposure, this can be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines.

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CLIMATE: The days can be hot and dry, with the daytime temperatures ranging from 80F to 99F (27C to 37C), with the possibility of 3–4-day heatwaves bringing up mid-day temperatures to 110F (44C). The nights are usually warm, but occasionally the temperature can drop to 41F to 50 F (5C to 10C). Sun exposure is high, and skies are often clear, so sunscreen and protection are essential on this tour. We will be avoiding the peak of midday temperatures by remaining indoors or in vehicles with AC. Most, if not all, activities will be done in the early morning, late afternoon and night. We will not be visiting in the wet season, which is very beneficial to our tour. The vegetation will be less dense, and water will be limited to water holes, which will increase our chances of viewing elusive species seeking hydration during a dry period. However lighter showers are possible, so pack accordingly. 

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ACCOMMODATION: The localities we will be visiting do not receive many tourists, so accommodation options are quite limited. Accommodations vary from larger double rooms to more limited bunkbed rooms (no one will have to use the top bunks), with occasionally shared bathroom spaces. We will have three meals a day, with almost all meals being prepared in the field by a local cook.  The meals will be simple, but plentiful. Hotels typically have full-time electricity, but occasionally power cuts may occur. Many hotels will have WIFI, but it is not always reliable. Therefore, I would not expect a good WIFI signal to be available each and every day. Hot water and AC will be available in almost all accommodations except for Teniete Enciso NP and Canada el Carmen rangers stations (i.e., 3 consecutive nights of the main tour), but fans will be provided during this time. Patience is appreciated but adaptability is required. We will be changing accommodations frequently (on most nights), and so there many one-night stays on this tour. There is no camping done on this tour. PLEASE NOTE: Single supplements may not be available in all locations.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: This is an Enigmatic Wildlife Tour, meaning photography is not the top priority. Assuring everyone sees the wildlife will take precedence over getting good photos. Most wildlife will be seen from vehicles, blinds and trails. We will use flashlights to view mammals as they visit waterholes, and these instances will present the best mammal photography opportunities. Blinds will also be used during daylight hours, meaning flashes aren’t required for photography. As we walk trails in the morning and afternoon we will be searching for bird targets as well, which may present good field photography. Clients are welcome to bring camera gear for when any photo opportunities arise. Since we will be focusing on several groups of animals it would be best to bring an array of lenses. The most suitable lens would be a zoom lens with a focal length between 300mm and 500mm, to allow optimal reach for birds and mammals. For reptile, amphibian, invertebrate and plant photography a macro lens is best, between the 60mm and 105mm length. 

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GEAR: Binoculars are the most essential item for wildlife viewing, but photographers are encouraged to bring their cameras and lenses too. The guide will have a scope which is for group use. If you would like to bring your own scope you may do so too. However, scopes will be difficult or impossible to use in the blinds and vehicles, so will only be useful dring some activities. A tripod is always welcomed but keep in mind that all of our photography will be opportunistic which means you will have to be quick and then can get in the way of this. Monopods are often a better, quicker and more portable option. However, neither a monopod nor tripod is necessary for this tour.

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Proper hiking gear and attire is essential. Long pants are best due to the thorny and sharp nature of the forest. Light gloves are recommended for people on night sessions, especially those planning on spotlighting along with the guides. Sunglasses and wide-brim hats are essential too, for our walks in open areas with high levels of exposure to the sun. Mosquito head nets and insect repellent will not be provided, so if you are concerned about insects, it is good to bring both. Other gear requirements are good footwear (like hiking boots with good traction and ankle support), hiking poles, and a day backpack (something that will be sufficient for carrying camera gear, snacks, enough water, etc.), and sunscreen. Having a way to carry water on hikes is essential in order to avoid any heat exposure aliments, the water itself is provided but the reusable bottles are not.

In the case of hiking poles, most people don’t consider it to be necessary and regret not bringing them once they have arrived on the tour. I highly encourage everyone to bring hiking poles due to the varying terrain and trail conditions we will experience. In case of rain, which is low, a waterproof bag and rain jacket are recommended. It’s always best to prepare for the worst conditions! Lastly, many activities will take place at night. A flashlight and/or rechargeable headlamp are essential, and you will be happy to have these items on this tour and will very much regret not having them with you. If you wish to get recommendations of good flashlights for wildlife observation, please contact Tropical Birding and we will be happy to give some of our guide recommendations. A small power bank is also very useful for recharging headlamps and phones during long periods in the field.

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WHEN TO GO: This is an excellent time to visit the Chaco, as we will be avoiding the heart of the wet season, which can cause issues such as adverse weather or washed-out roads, leading to more likely cancelation of activities. July, August and September are the best months since many mammals and birds are very active, the vegetation is also sparser at this time, and the limited water supply in the area can increase visitation of species to the few remaining waterholes. The temperatures are also at their most comfortable during this time.

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Other Information

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay and should have at least on blank page. For tourist visitors, citizens of most western countries a visa can be obtained on arrival (although, please check this with your local consulate to see if anything has changed on this front!

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WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to drivers, local guides, and lodge staff; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night of day 17 on the main tour; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night of day 5 on the extension, if taking part in that too; meals on the main tour from dinner on day 1 (unless you arrive too late for dinner service) to breakfast on day 18 (if you have a very early departing flight, you may miss the included breakfast on the last day); If taking the extension, the included meals are from breakfast on day 1 of this to breakfast on day 6 (unless you leave before breakfasts are served at the hotel); safe drinking water throughout; Tropical Birding tour leader with scope and audio gear from the morning of day 2 to the night of day 17 on the main tour; from Day 1 through to the evening of Day 5 of the extension if also joining that too; one arrival and one departure airport transfer per person, (transfers may be shared with other participants of the same tour or other guests at the same hotel); ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary from day 2 to day 17 of the main tour in a suitable vehicle with a local driver; and if taking the extension from the morning of Day 1 through the afternoon of day 5 on that part; entrance fees to birding sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance).

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WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips to the TROPICAL BIRDING tour leader; tips for luggage porters in any city hotels (if you require their services); international flights; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included.