Birds of Paraguay…in the hearts
of South America
Foto: Ulf Drechsel
Foto: Oscar Rodriguez
Close to 700 species inhabit the diverse eco regions of Paraguay.
Whether you are climbing the cordilleras of Central Paraguay, walking
under the shadows of the deep forests of the Mbaracayú Reserve,
contemplating the extensive wetlands of Ñeembucú, enjoying the pristine
waters of the Tagatiyá River, or touring the immensity of that green ocean
called Chaco, the birds will accompany you every step of the way, with
the echo of their chirpings, the radiance of their colors and the freshness
of their flight.
Birdwatchers from everywhere agree in saying that Paraguay offers the
possibility of making excellent registries easily. The oscillation of its weather,
between tropical and subtropical, favors a biodiversity that reflects itself in the
birds and their habitats. The Great Pantanal and its complex system of
wetlands along the Paraguayan River, the Atlantic Forest of Alto Paraná and
the spectacular Paraguayan Chaco, nourish Paraguayan birds and facilitate
their circulation and distribution. We have traveled through Paraguay
extensively; birds fascinate us and we know where to find them. In fact, our
constant trips accompanying biologists and birdwatchers, as well as our
relationship with institutions that work for in pro of preservation, facilitate us with
a constant flow of information about the distribution of birds. 35% of the country
comprises wetland habitats. These wetlands are a meeting point for globally
significant numbers of Nearctic migrants (primarily shorebirds), austral migrants
and resident species. To date, a total of 179 species ecologically dependent on
wetland habitats have been recorded in Paraguay, consisting of both waterbird
and non-waterbird families. However, waterbird species are the most numerous
(115 species), of which 30 are shorebirds (Charadriiformes).
Paraguay´s biogeographic diversity allows for a classification of our products
based on key natural areas. A common biogeographical classification used in
South America divides Paraguay in seven ecoregions. In the vast Western
Region are the Lower Chaco (Humid Chaco), Upper Chaco (Dry Chaco) and
Alto Paraguay´s Pantanal Matogrosense ecoregions. In the diverse Eastern
Region are the Campos Cerrados, Atlantic Forest of Alto Parana, Ñeembucu
and Central Paraguay ecoregions. Semi deserted areas and palm savannas,
hills and cordilleras, wetlands and rivers, forests and subtropical jungles,
Paraguay has it all!.
You also can very easily take our excellent tours of regional extensions to take
advantage and make Birding in the spectacular Falls Yguazu in Argentina
(which are just 330 km from Asuncion, capital of Paraguay, a 45-minute flight)
and several nature reserves around that house the enigmatic birds of the
Atlantic Forest, or even does not know the great Pantanal or want to visit again
and spectacular birds of the Cerrado can offer another excellent extension that
will surprise you to visit the Pantanal of Miranda in Mattogrosso Do Sul and
Southwest Cerrado of Brazil. You can start or end the tour from Paraguay and
connect with our other options !.
CHACO
Foto: Oscar Rodriguez
The Great South American Chaco, which spreads from the southeast
of Bolivia to the west of Paraguay, the north of Argentina and a small
portion of Brazil, constitutes one of the most important, although least
known, ecosystems of the world. In fact, not too long ago, the mysterious
Paraguayan Chaco was so poorly studied by biologists, that the Chacoan
peccary (Catagonus wagneri), a species of wild pig believed to be extinct
for more than 15.000 years, was found wondering the Upper Chaco. In the
same zone, exists, until today, an indigenous ethnic group, the AyoreoTotobiegosode, which still maintains itself isolated and without direct
contact with our civilization. In Paraguay, the so-called Boreal o Paraguayan Chaco,
occupies 61% of the country’s territory. This unknown land has been classified in
diverse forms due to the great diversity of eco regions that describes it. One of those
classifications, based on satellite observations of the dominant plant communities,
divides the Chaco into Lower, Upper
and Matogrosense. Additionally, it is common to refer to the zones of the Chaco
according to whether they are humid or dry (Humid Chaco and Dry Chaco)
The Great Chaco constitutes a complex ecosystem where diversity is the most
assertive qualifier to describe it: from extensive palm savannas and xerophytic
brush woods of medium height in the zone of the Lower Chaco, to semi-arid zones
dominated by dense, thorny brush woods of small height, pastures and a variety of
cactus in the Alto Chaco; without mentioning the Matogrosense zone, part of the
extensive ecosystem of the Pantanal, where sub-humid forests of medium height and
jungles full of wetlands abound. The Chaco will not cease to amaze the tourist with the
richness of its territories, from dry to humid, from thorny brush woods to gallery forests,
a concert of eco-regions that make this place a real Mecca for the ecological or
research tourist.There are many specialty birds of the Chaco including the Quebracho-
crested Tinamou, Black-legged Seriema, Spot-winged Falconet, Black-bodied
Woodpecker, Chaco Owl, and Crested Gallito. With some luck and local knowledge, a
visit to this area allows one to see nearly 200 species of birds. Mammals include some
oddities such as the Plain Viscacha and the Chaco Mara.
The Humid Chaco is quite good for water birds including Roseate Spoonbills, Jabiru
and waterfowl as well as open country and wetland raptors such as Savannah Hawk,
Black-collared Hawk and Great Black-Hawk. The huge Giant Wood-Rail may make an
appearance. Water is at a premium in the Dry Chaco, but there are a few saline lakes
where waterfowl and sometime Chilean Flamingos can be found. The dry forests here
have an interesting assortment of birds, including some of the most spectacular
woodcreepers including Red-billed Scythebill, Great Rufous Woodcreeper (which is
huge), and the ground loving Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper. Restricted to this region are
the Stripe-backed Antbird and Chaco Earthcreeper. The local form of the Golden-green
Woodpecker is a real beauty, along with the cactus loving White-fronted Woodpecker.
The Many-colored Chaco-Finch and Orange-backed Troupial provide a good dose of
color. Chaco Chachalaca and Crested Horneros are not rare, but restricted to the
Chaco as is the “Chaco” Nothura, a form that is of dubious taxonomic status, but is
currently considered as Paraguay’s only endemic species. Lark-like Brushrunners look
like a species that you should see in Africa rather than South America. Black-crested
Finches walk like little quails in openings near grass, and at any time, the massive
Crowned Eagle could make an appearance. This rare and awe-inspiring raptor is
widespread in the Chaco. During a night drive, we have a decent chance to see the
Lowland Tapir, Greater Hairy Armadillo, and even three species of peccary including
the legendary Chaco Peccary, a species only known from the fossil record until
rediscovered in recent times.
PANTANAL
Foto: Ulf Drechsel
The Pantanal of South America is one of the most immense,pristine and biologically
rich environments on the planet.Often referred to as the world’s largest freshwater
wetlandsystem, it extends through millions of hectares of in Brazil,Bolivia and
Paraguay.This area is an unparalleled wildlife sanctuary of spectacular beauty, an
ecological paradise containing hundreds of species of birds,thousands of varieties of
butterflies, myriads of brightly colored
flowers, and swarms of fish of all kinds.In Alto Paraguay the periodic floodings from this
complex system of wetlands cover 660.000 hectares and in a tour through the area
isnormal to get in touch with its amazing wildlife: more than 91 species of mammals,
386 of birds, 37 of amphibians, 55 of reptiles and
173 of fish, including endangered species such as the blue macaw
(Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) or the jaguar (Panthera onca).
BOSQUE
ATLANTICO
Foto: Ulf Drechsel
The Atlantic Forest of Alto Paraná, known as BAAPA, conforms the regional complex
eco Atlantic Forest, categorized by the WWF as one of the most important places of
the planet, biologically speaking. This sanctuary of humid and millenary jungles
overflows with wild life and constitutes, nowadays, a true natural “luxury”.
The Mbaracayú Reserve and the Managed Resources Reserve of San Rafael, are top
exponents of this area, including a large variety of habitats, from lowland jungles,
natural prairies and wetlands, to caverns and forestall formations, such as Cerrado. In
these places, mountain ranges and hills undulate the green tapestry of forests that run
along the tributaries of the Paraná River, one of the mightiest rivers in the world. In
fact, many of these rivers have stretches of rapids that are ideal for kayaking.
Birdwatchers will not find a better place than BAAPA, home of more than 530 species
of birds, 76 % of all the species registered in Paraguay. In the Mbaracayu Reserve The
rich forest is pristine enough to provide habitat for Jaguar and Tapir, although rarely
seen. Special birds of this area include Black-fronted Piping-guan, Helmeted
Woodpecker and the spectacular sounding Bare-throated Bellbird. Also here is the
Saffron Toucanet, known as the ‘flying banana’, as is its darker plumaged relative the
Spot-billed Toucanet. Restricted to this part of the world are other large and colorful
species including Red-breasted Toucan, Purplish Jay, Rufous-capped Motmot,
Surucua Trogon, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, and a host of parrots and tanagers. The
drab but always interesting flycatchers are represented by some unusual ones, such
as the rare Russet-winged Spadebill. The Sharpbill, a species that at one time was the
only species in its family, is also found here. The list is rounded out with Black-capped
Foliage-Gleaners, Chestnut-bellied Euphonia, Rufous-crowned Greenlet, a variety of
hummingbirds, Buff-bellied Puffbird, Rusty-breasted Nunlet and the garrulous Redrumped Cacique to name a few. Night birding opportunities are available, with Blackcapped Screech-Owl, and even some rarer species such as Ocellated Poorwill, Blackbanded Owl and the Silky-tailed Nightjar. Perhaps we will hear, or even see, the Brown
Tinamou. There are Three-striped Flycatchers here, the oddball and attractive White
Woodpecker, as well as the Spot-backed and Tufted Antshrikes. The Plovercrest, a
hummingbird with a crest like a lapwing, can be seen here. The San Rafael forest includes areas of Chusquea bamboo with species of birds restricted to this habitat
including Dusky-tailed Antbird, Blackish-blue Seedeater, Yellow Tyrannulet, Rufouscapped and Gray-bellied spinetails, as well as the Chestnut-headed Tanager. There is
a diversity of woodpeckers and woodcreepers in this forest, including Robust and
Blond-crested woodpeckers and Planalto, White-throated and Scaled woodcreepers.
There are canopy forest flocks with euphonias, tanagers, and Blue Dacnis, as well as
the Creamy-bellied Gnatcatcher and the unusual Wing-barred Piprites. There are bird
communities in the forest undergrowth such as the auspicious sounding Drab-breasted
Bamboo-Tyrant, Large-tailed Antshrike, White-eyed Foliage-Gleaner, and the beautiful
sounding White-browed Warbler.
Grassland birding includes some of the Capuchino seedeaters we may not have found
elsewhere, such as the Capped Seedeater. Several unusual flycatchers are found
here, such as the amazing Cock-tailed Tyrant and Bearded Tachuri. The rare and
brilliant Saffron-cowled Blackbird also inhabits these grasslands. The Red-winged
Tinamou is much easier to see than the forest tinamous. With luck and perseverance,
a night trip may provide sightings of the Giant Snipe or Rusty-barred Owl.
ÑEEMBUCU
Foto: Ulf Drechsel
Vast pastures and extensive wetlands attract aquatic birds that feed themselves gently
during the day. With the sunset, they take off and, like a large swarm, let themselves
be heard them in thousands of voices until nightfall.
Such is the spectacle offered each day by the great wetlands of Ñeembucú, a region
that conforms the most extensive system of wetlands of the planet,
originating itself in the Great Wetlands of Brazil and connecting with diverse subsystems across the Paraguay River, including the Lower Chaco, Arroyos
y Esteros and the gigantic Ypoa Lake.This region is even more interesting due to the
fact that one can find areas in which the vegetation and fauna are those associated
with the Lower Chaco. This makes it able for the traveller to experience all the diversity
associated to the great wetlands, as well
as the typical connotations of the Chacoan profile. Enjoy canoe trips through wetlands
and pastures that look like oceans, hiding birds of vivid colors,
like the Scarlet-headed Blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus) and the Rusty-collared
Seedeater (Sporophila collaris), or families of otters that, once in a while, show their
moustaches above the surface.
The great wetlands of Ñeembucú is an encounter with southeast Paraguayan nature;
an encounter one can not postpone.
CERRADO
Foto: Oscar Rodriguez
In northeastern Paraguay, between the Paraguay and the Paraná rivers, one finds one
of the most fabulous eco regions of this country. The system of “Campos Cerrados”, a
very particular formation of savannah that includes a mosaic of forests and xerophitic
pastures, extends through a very important part of Brazil and Paraguay. Up until now,
this type of eco region was a mystery for scientists, since it is characterized by being a
relativelydry area and, at the same time, having an important vegetation mass,
endemic in its majority. During the spring months, crossing these forests means
becoming an spectator of a symphony of colors and forms played by the flora as well
as by the wild life that erupts everywhere. Flocks of Peach-fronted Parakeet (Aratinga
aurea) and Toucans (Ramphastos toco) accompany the traveler constantly and, when
heard on top of that humming silence that characterizes the jungle, in pristine places
like the Tagatiyá River, they give the sensation of being in a hidden paradise of the
world.
This is an area rich in rivers, streams and lagoons with forests and
extensive beaches of white sands. The diversity of the Cerrado makes it
perfect to enjoy snorkeling, fishing, trekking, canoeing and birdwatching.
Also, in the city of Vallemí, the traveler has the opportunity to deepen
himself in the insides of the earth and poking millenary caves where even
one’s voice can seem to come from a remote past. Meet the rich fauna
that inhabits these humid obscurities and witness the monuments that
nature took years to build: stalactites and stalagmites adorn this true
underground museum. Cerrado specialties birds include the Curl-crested Jay, Blackthroated Saltator and the Lesser Nothura, which is threatened and a near endemic to
Brazil. Other specialties of the site are the White-rumped Monjita, White-rumped
Tanager and the White-banded Tanager (a tanager that looks like a shrike). While night
birding, we may come across Rufous and Little nightjars, the fantastic Scissor-tailed
Nightjar, Tropical Screech-Owl and Common Potoo. At night, Crab-eating Fox is
possible, and maybe even the amazing Maned Wolf, as well as armadillos and
Collared Peccary. The moist grasslands could provide a diversity of seedeaters,
including the rare Chestnut, Marsh, Dark-throated and Plumbeous. Also in this area we
may find some other stunning birds such as Sharp-tailed Grass-Tyrant, Bearded
Tachuri and Black-masked Finch.
For a better service to the birdwatcher and knowing their necessities and expectations,
we have designed three referential itineraries to visit zones where the frequency and
diversity of sightings are greater. The programs can be modified to cover the specific
requirements of each birdwatcher or group, prolonging or diminishing the amount of
days, as well as eliminating or adding places. And while we search for birds, we also
offer tours designed for
those people interested in watching mammals! All of our products and services include
the assessment and support of guides and ornithologists,
as well as, professionals who are dedicated to the research and conservation of
nature.
DTP Phisolophy | Our company was built by people who love
nature. Our philosophy is to generate sustainable tourism to
promote and protect our natural resources and culture.
All of the products we offer are based on the concept of Sustainable
Ecotourism: a touristic and responsible modality consisting in visiting
natural areas with the aim of enjoying and appreciating nature, as
well as the cultural manifestations of the communities that inhabit it.
This type of tourism promotes the conservation of resources; has
low impact of visitation and promotes an active involvement which
is socio-economically beneficial for the local populations (definition
according to the UICN). We consider that this way of doing tourism is not only an
excellent initiative of sustainable development that benefits local communities, but also
an effective strategy for the conservation of natural resources of global importance.
Samoans reference program
Tour 1 “Birds and Fauna of Paraguay, wildlife of the hearth of South
America”
Day 1 – ARRIVAL IN ASUNCIÓN. Please book flights to arrive into Asunción during this day. If
time allows we will visit the wetlands and shores of the Bahia Asunción. Overnight in Asunción.
Day 2 – ARROYOS Y ESTEROS BIRDING. ON TO LAGUNA BLANCA. Before lunch we will
bird the Arroyos y Esteros area, hoping for many waterbirds but also some rare and unusual
flycatchers. The target bird is the Strange-tailed Tyrant. We will continue to Laguna Blanca after
lunch. If time permits, afternoon birding is possible at Laguna Blanca, and we certainly will try
for our first shot at the White-winged Nightjar. Overnight in Laguna Blanca.
Day 3 – RESERVA NATURAL LAGUNA BLANCA. We have an entire day to devote to the
Cerrado habitat, lake shores of Laguna Blanca, and of course another round of night birding
particularly if we have not yet found the White-winged Nightjar. Overnight in Laguna Blanca.
Day 4 – TO MBARACAYÚ RESERVE. We will drive during the morning, starting out early in
order to maximize our time at the Mbaracayú Reserve. Overnight in Mbaracayú Reserve.
Day 5 – MBARACAYÚ RESERVE. All day birding at the reserve. Overnight in Mbaracayú
Reserve.
Day 6 – MBARACAYÚ RESERVE. All day birding at the reserve. Overnight in Mbaracayú
Reserve.
Day 7 – DRIVE TO SAN RAFAEL AREA. The drive to San Rafael will take all day. We will leave
early and have lunch on the road. If at all possible, we will look for birds once we arrive in the
afternoon. Overnight in San Rafael.
Day 8 – ESTANCIA NUEVA GAMBACH; PARQUE NACIONAL SAN RAFAEL. Birding in the
forests and grasslands of San Rafael. Overnight in San Rafael.
Day 9 – ESTANCIA KANGUARY GRASSLANDS. We will concentrate on grassland birding
today, hoping for Cock-tailed Tyrant and Saffron-cowled Blackbirds as well as Giant Snipe after
dark. Overnight in San Rafael.
Day 10 – ESTANCIA NUEVA GAMBACH, RETURN TO ASUNCIÓN. After some morning
birding, depending on what species we have yet to see, we will depart for Asunción. Overnight
in Asunción.
Day 11 – HUMID CHACO. We will cross the Paraguay River and begin our drive west towards
the region of Filadelfia. Known for its history as a settlement of Russian Mennonites fleeing the
Soviet Union in the 1930s, this is also the gateway to the Gran Chaco. We will bird our way
through the humid Chaco on our way to the west. Overnight in Loma Plata.
Day 12 – LAGUNA CAPITAN: CAMPO MARIA PRIVATE RESERVE. Our birding of the Dry
Chaco begins today. We will visit some saline lakes as well as Chaco woodlands and will make
sure to try some mammal watching at night. Overnight in Loma Plata.
Day 13 – FORTIN TOLEDO, PARQUE NACIONAL TENIENTE ENCISO. We will have some
time to bird and visit a breeding facility for the Chaco Peccary today in the morning. Later on, if
we have not found most of our Chaco specialties by now, Parque Nacional Teniente Enciso will
hopefully make up the difference as this is a key place for the rarer Chaco birds. Overnight in
PN Teniente Enciso.
Day 14 – PARQUE NACIONAL TENIENTE ENCISO. A final full day of birding the dry Chaco.
Overnight in PN Teniente Enciso.
Day 15 – PN TENIENTE ENCISO, RETURN TO NEULAND. Today will be the start of our
journey back towards Asunción. The road is slow and does not allow us to do it all in one day,
so we will stop in Neuland overnight. This gives us a chance to move at a more leisurely pace
and hopefully find the last of the Chaco specialties. Overnight in Neuland.
Day 16 – NEULAND. Early in the morning we go to the Selva Serena Reserve to have another
chance to see de the specialties of the chaco . Overnight in Neuland.
Day 17 – RETURN TO ASUNCIÓN. we have a day to make our way back towards the southeast, and we will make sure to stop and enjoy some birding and scenery as we head to
Asunción for our final dinner together. Overnight in Asunción.
Day 18 – END TO YOUR TOUR EXPERIENCE. final departure.
Tour 2 “Bird of the enigmátic Paraguay and Birding tour to Iguazú Falls”.
Day 1 – ARRIVAL IN ASUNCIÓN. Please book flights to arrive into Asunción during this day. If
time allows we will visit the wetlands and shores of the Bahia Asunción. Overnight in Asunción.
Day 2 – ARROYOS Y ESTEROS BIRDING. ON TO LAGUNA BLANCA. Before lunch we will
bird the Arroyos y Esteros area, hoping for many waterbirds but also some rare and unusual
flycatchers. The target bird is the Strangetailed Tyrant. We will continue to Laguna Blanca after
lunch. If time permits, afternoon birding is possible at Laguna Blanca, and we certainly will try
for our first shot at the White-winged Nightjar. Overnight in Laguna Blanca.
Day 3 – RESERVA NATURAL LAGUNA BLANCA. We have an entire day to devote to the
Cerrado habitat, lake shores of Laguna Blanca, and of course another round of night birding
particularly if we have not yet found the White-winged Nightjar. Overnight in Laguna Blanca.
Day 4 – DRIVE TO IGUAZÚ. We will drive across to Brazil past Ciudad del Este, and on to the
Iguazú Falls area. Birding stops will be made along the way, and at lodging in Iguazú. Overnight
in Iguazú.
Day 5 – IGUAZÚ FALLS. All day visiting and birding Iguazú Falls. One of these
days will concentrate on the Brazilian side, the other on the Argentine side. Overnight
in Iguazú.
Day 6 – IGUAZÚ FALLS. All day visiting and birding Iguazú Falls. One of these days will
concentrate on the Brazilian side, the other on the Argentine side. Overnight in Iguazú.
Day 7 – DRIVE TO SAN RAFAEL AREA. The drive to San Rafael will take all day. We
will leave early and have lunch on the road. If at all possible, we will look for birds
once we arrive in the afternoon. Overnight in San Rafael.
Day 8 – ESTANCIA NUEVA GAMBACH; PARQUE NACIONAL SAN RAFAEL. Birding
in the forests and grasslands of San Rafael. Overnight in San Rafael.
Day 9 – ESTANCIA KANGUARY GRASSLANDS. We will concentrate on grassland birding
today, hoping for Cock-tailed Tyrant and Saffron-cowled Blackbirds as well as Giant Snipe after
dark. Overnight in San Rafael.
Day 10 – ESTANCIA NUEVA GAMBACH, RETURN TO ASUNCIÓN. After some morning
birding, depending on what species we have yet to see, we will depart for Asunción.
Overnight in Asunción.
Day 11 – HUMID CHACO. We will cross the Paraguay River and begin our drive west towards
the region of Filadelfia. Known for its history as a settlement of Russian Mennonites fleeing the
Soviet Union in the 1930s, this is also the gateway to the Gran Chaco. We will bird our way
through the humid Chaco on our way to the west. Overnight in Loma Plata.
Day 12 – LAGUNA CAPITAN; CAMPO MARIA PRIVATE RESERVE. Our birding of the Dry
Chaco begins today. We will visit some saline lakes, as well as Chaco woodlands today and will
make sure to try some mammal watching at night. Overnight in Loma Plata.
Day 13 – FORTIN TOLEDO, PARQUE NACIONAL TENIENTE ENCISO. We will have some
time to bird and visit a breeding facility for the Chaco Peccary today in the morning. Later on, if
we have not found most of our Chaco specialties by now, Parque Nacional Teniente Enciso
will hopefully make up the difference as this is a key place for the rarer Chaco birds. Overnight
in PN Teniente Enciso.
Day 14 – PARQUE NACIONAL TENIENTE ENCISO. A final full day of birding the dry Chaco.
Overnight in PN Teniente Enciso.
Day 15 – PN TENIENTE ENCISO, RETURN TO NEULAND. Today will be the start of our
journey back towards Asunción. The road is slow and does not allow us to do it all in one day,
so we will stop in Neuland overnight. This gives us a chance to move at a more leisurely pace
and hopefully find the last of the Chaco specialties. Overnight in Neuland.
Day 16 – NEULAND. Early in the morning we go to the Selva Serena Reserve to have another
chance to see de the specialties of the chaco . Overnight in Neuland.
Day 17 – RETURN TO ASUNCIÓN. We have a day to make our way back towards the southeast, and we will make sure to stop and enjoy some birding and scenery as we head to
Asunción for our final dinner together. Overnight in Asunción.
Day 18 – END TO YOUR TOUR EXPERIENCE. final departure.
Tour 3 “The Great Paraguayan Chaco”, Ten days, Bigs “6” Chaco Birds and
Mammals
Day 1 – ARRIVAL IN ASUNCIÓN. Please book flights to arrive into Asunción during this day. If
time allows we will visit the wetlands and shores of the Bahia Asunción. Overnight in Asunción.
Day 2 – HUMID CHACO. We will cross the Paraguay River and begin our drive west towards
the region of Filadelfia. Known for its history as a settlement of Russian Mennonites fleeing the
Soviet Union in the 1930s, this is also the gateway to the Gran Chaco. We will bird our way
through the humid Chaco on our way to the west. Overnight in Laguna Capitan.
Day 3 – LAGUNA CAPITAN; CAMPO MARIA PRIVATE RESERVE. Our birding of the Dry
Chaco begins today. We will visit some saline lakes, as well as Chaco woodlands today and will
make sure to try some mammal watching at night. Overnight in Laguna Capitan.
Day 4– CHACO LODGE – Fullday in the main saline lakes of the central chaco area. Overnight
in Loma Plata.
Day 5 – FORTIN TOLEDO, PARQUE NACIONAL TENIENTE ENCISO. We will have some time
to bird and visit a breeding facility for the Chaco Peccary today in the morning. Later on, if we
have not found most of our Chaco specialties by now, Parque Nacional Teniente Enciso
will hopefully make up the difference as this is a key place for the rarer Chaco birds. Overnight
in PN Teniente Enciso.
Day 6 – PARQUE NACIONAL TENIENTE ENCISO. A final full day of birding the dry Chaco.
Overnight in PN Teniente Enciso.
Day 7 – PN TENIENTE ENCISO, RETURN TO NEULAND. Today will be the start of our
journey back towards Asunción. The road is slow and does not allow us to do it all in one day,
so we will stop in Neuland overnight. This gives us a chance to move at a more leisurely pace
and hopefully find the last of the Chaco specialties. Overnight in Neuland.
Day 8 – NEULAND. Early in the morning we go to the Selva Serena Reserve to have another
chance to see de the specialties of the chaco . Overnight in Neuland.
Day 9 – RETURN TO ASUNCIÓN. We have a day to make our way back towards the southeast, and we will make sure to stop and enjoy some birding and scenery as we head to
Asunción for our final dinner together. Overnight in Asunción.
Day 10 – END TO YOUR TOUR EXPERIENCE. final departure.
Tour 4 - Birds of Western Paraguay (Cerrado, Grasslands and Atlantic
Forest):10 days
Day1 – ARRIVAL IN ASUNCIÓN. Please book flights to arrive into Asunción during this day. If
time allows we will visit the wetlands and shores of the Bahia Asunción. Overnight in Asunción.
Day 2– ARROYOS Y ESTEROS BIRDING.ON TO LAGUNA BLANCA. (Included B-L-D) Before
lunch we will bird the Arroyos y Esteros area, hoping for many waterbirds but also some rare
and unusual flycatchers. The target bird is the Strange-tailed Tyrant. We will continue to Laguna
Blanca after lunch. If time permits, afternoon birding is possible at Laguna Blanca, and we
certainly will try for our first shot at the White-winged Nightjar. Overnight in Laguna Blanca.
Day 3– RESERVA NATURAL LAGUNA BLANCA (Included B-L-D) . We have an entire day to
devote to the Cerrado habitat, lake shores of Laguna Blanca, and of course another round of
night birding particularly if we have not yet found the White-winged Nightjar. Overnight in
Laguna Blanca.
Day 4– TO MBARACAYÚ RESERVE.(Included B-L-D) We will drive during the morning,
starting out early in order to maximize our time at the Mbaracayú Reserve. Overnight in
Mbaracayú Reserve.
Day 5– MBARACAYÚ RESERVE.(Included B-L-D) All day birding at the reserve.Overnight in
Mbaracayú Reserve.
Day 6– MBARACAYÚ RESERVE.(Included B-L-D) All day birding at the reserve.Overnight in
Mbaracayú Reserve.
Day 7– DRIVE TO SAN RAFAEL AREA.(Included B-L-D) The drive to San Rafael will take all
day. We will leave early and have lunch on the road. If at all possible, we will look for birds once
we arrive in the afternoon. Overnight in San Rafael.
Day 8– ESTANCIA NUEVA GAMBACH; PARQUE NACIONAL SAN RAFAEL.(Included B-L-D)
Birding in the forests and grasslands of San Rafael. Overnight in San Rafael.
Day 9– ESTANCIA KANGUARY GRASSLANDS.(Included B-L-D) We will concentrate on
grassland birding today, hoping for Cock-tailed Tyrant and Saffron-cowled Blackbirds as well as
Giant Snipe after dark. Overnight in San Rafael.
Day 10– ESTANCIA NUEVA GAMBACH, RETURN TO ASUNCIÓN. (B) After some morning
birding, depending on what species we have yet to see, we will depart for Asunción. Overnight
in Asunción
Day 11–END TOUR 1 EXPERIENCE, fly home or BEGIN extension TOUR
Tour 5 program Paraguayan Owl "The 4 beautiful of the night":8 days
Day 1
Search Asuncion Airport and departure towards the Central Chaco - Zona Colonial Mennonites.
Assumption We start early in a northwesterly direction towards the towns of Loma Plata and
Filadelfia - known as Colony Mennonites. Home to generations of ethno-German Mennonites,
the area is located within the area of transition between Ecosystem Dry Chaco and Humid
Chaco. On the way down the path Transchaco we find huge cattle ranches, cattle and flooded
large tracts of savannas of palm trees traditional Karanda'y (name in Guarani language means
palm water), which describes quite well because of the 22 species of palms of Paraguay is
prevalent in the Humid Chaco due to its excellent adaptation to temporarily flood areas.
On this stretch of road we could add important species of waterfowl and grassland for our
checklist. Among them, for example important groups of Jabiru, Southern Screamer, Plumbeous
and Buff-necked Ibis, Scarlet-headed Blackbird and possibly our first specialty Chaco, the
Chaco Chachalaca. We will make a strategic stop at the restaurant Pirahu to feed their delicious
empanadas and perhaps some input to a cattle ranch that has natural reserves where we can
add more species.
As we continue our way, we begin to enter a slightly drier habitat that changes the palms trees
and thorny bushes. Some embankments and lugunas house interesting waterfowl, the most
common are Black-backed Water Tyrant, Firewood-gatherer, Monjita Grey, Black-capped
Donacobius, Great Black Hawk and very colorful Chaco Finch.
At the end of the afternoon / evening we arrived at our accommodation, we ate a good roast
beef, specialty Chaco and then as we start to look for the star of the night, who may see appear
before us to raise us from the table: The Chaco Owl. We will leave equipped with reflectors to
search the night for the traditional paths where are the beautiful Chaco Owl and other surprises.
Once we find it, then we will enjoy rest.
Day 2
We leave early to enjoy an interesting complex salt ponds we can allow interesting findings,
most of them are outside Loma Plata. The weather in the Chaco can be quite unpredictable and
bird watching here is closely related to water, we can end up visiting several ponds and
puddles. A lot of special species of Chaco that could be seen on this day include: Brushland
Tinamou, Chaco Chachalaca, Cream-backed Woodpecker, Scimitar-billed and Great Rufous
woodcreepers, Chaco earthcreeper, Crested Hornero, Cinereous Tyrant and Blackcapped
Finch warbling.
The activity of bird watching is usually very good, brightness and type of vegetation del Chaco
provides excellent photographic opportunities. In addition to the Chaco specialties, also we look
to the Stripe-backed Antbird, Little Thornbird, Greater Scarlet-headed, American Rhea, Great
Antshrike, White-fronted and Checkered Woodpeckers, Blue-tufted and Starthroat, and always
beautiful, Many- colored Chaco Finch.
Despite being surrounded by stays, towns and Mennonites cities, the area offers us our first
opportunity to meet some of the usual larger mammals inhabitants of these airlines, where they
are very crepuscular to adapt to living close to man, such as the Puma and the Tapir, as well as
several species of armadillos, deer and peccaries.
After dinner we went back to look at our beautiful nocturnal birds like the wonderful Chaco Owl,
Tropical Screech Owl, and any of Little, Nacunda Nighthawk, Scissor-tailed and Rufous
Nightjars and others.
Day 3
The next day early in the morning we headed to reserve Mbaracayu, 64,000 hectares of high
biodiversity, will be a long way but with varying landscapes as we cross ecosystems like the
Chaco Seco, El Chaco Humid Grasslands Paraguay Central, part of closed to the Atlantic
Forest at the end of the afternoon. The first night after dinner and we will look to our nocturnal
birds: Ocellated Poorwill, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, Tropical and Black-capped
Screech Owls, Spectacled and Ferruginous Pygmy Owls and Little, Spottailed, Rufous and
White-winged nightjars, the latter if we move to the area AguaraÑu, which can be an optional of
this Tour.
Day 4
Early in the morning we can spend at least one full day watching birds in the Atlantic forest and
could further a tour to the grasslands of AguaráÑu closed. Some of the most significant bird we
could find are: Black-fronted Piping Guan, Saffron and Spot-billed toucanets and Helmeted
Woodpecker. Other species are: Red-breasted Toucan, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Surucua
Trogon, Blond-crested and Yellow-fronted Woodpeckers, Green-and-rufous Kingfisher,
Olivaceous and Planalto woodcreepers, Band-tailed and Helmeted Manakins, a number of
tanagers, spot-backed Antshrike, Streak-capped Antwren, Solitary Tinamou and Red-rumped
Cacique. In the area of Aguara wildebeest species are expected Rufous-winged Antshrike,
White-tailed goldenthroat, Collared Crescentchest, Grey Monjita and Ocellated Crake. Night
birds in this area also good to find the Ocellated Poorwill, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque,
Tropical and Black-capped Screech Owls, Spectacled and Ferruginous Pygmy Owls and Little,
Spottailed, Rufous and White-winged nightjars. As mammals we are likely to see: Azara's
Agouti, Spotted Paca and lucky to Maned Wolf mysterious and enigmatic Jaguar.
At night after dinner and we start again to watch our nightly specials.
Day 5
Early in the morning we headed to San Rafales reserve where we will be arriving in the
afternoon, along with Mbaracayú, this park protects more than 70,000 hectares covering a huge
coverage of virgin Atlantic Forest. We may make some remarks at the end of the afternoon, we
hope to find some species are: Green-winged Saltator, White-spotted, Woodpecker, Pileated
Parrot Saffron Toucanet and the gaudy Green-headed Tanager. We had dinner and then we
start to get our nocturnal species such as Common and Longtailed Potoos as well as the scarce
Tawny-browed Owls and Rusty-barred.
Day 6
San Rafael Mbaracayú and called for the Atlantic Forest Ecosystem Alto Parana (BAAPA)
therefore have a composition similar species, but individuals from each of the reservations
conditions and its geographical location give each its very special characteristics. Thus a
number of rare species of this ecosystem are much easier to find here. Endemic to the Atlantic
Forest are obviously the most sought after and desired, such as Spot-backed and Tufted
antshrikes, Solitary Tinamou, Southern Bristle Tyrant, Blackish-blue Seedeater, Drab-breasted
Bamboo Tyrant, Green-headed Tanager, Russet- winged spadebill and Rustybarred Owl. A walk
through these forests also allow us also to see other interesting species that inhabit this forest
as tiny Plovercrest, shy White-shouldered Fire-eye, Large-tailed Antshrike, Wing-barred
Piprites, Ochre-breasted and White-eyed Foliage-gleaners, White-throated. Woodcreeper,
Grey-bellied, Rufous-capped and Spix's Spinetails, White-spotted Woodpecker, Greenish
Schiffornis Red-capped Parrot, Red-crowned Ant Tanager, Dusky-tailed Antbird, Roughlegged
and Yellow Tyrannulets, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow and Chestnut-headed Tanager .
The bright and healthy rangelands near the Biological Station Kanguery also allow us to
observe species such as: Sedge Wren, Capped Seedeater, Saffroncowled Blackbird, Lesser
Grass Finch, Sharptailed Grass and Cock-tailed Tyrants, and possibly some migratory
seedeaters as Marsh, Dark -throated and Chestnut.
An important mirror of water near the site also could allow us to see some waterfowl and
associated water as:
Late afternoon / evening near this area and around the sunset could bring us surprises, some of
them could be: Giant Snipe, Nightbirds and always well received, Common and Longtailed
Potoos and our stars the Tawny-browed
Owls and Rusty-barred.
Day 7
If you do not find our stars or some of them will have a day and an extra night touring the
wonderful trails of Reseva in different areas of it and we will move in late evening to go to other
places to continue behind the ream this Tour: the Tawny-browed and Rusty-barred and where
insurance Owls have more surprises.
Day 8
Transfer to Asuncion to take the flight back and end of our services and the start of a long
friendship and wanting more output fields together in the charming Paraguay !.
Tour 6 - Jungles and Cerradones, of Paraguay Wild ...
8 days and 7 nights
Day 1
Arrival to Asuncion with overnight overnight in Hotel 3 * w / breakfast, meeting with the local
guide to discuss the details of the Tour. Depending on the time of arrival of the group could
perform near Asuncion our first foray into the field to unpack binoculars.
Day 2
Early in the morning departure to the Natural Forest Reserve Mbaracayu, an area that
preserves 64,000 hectares, the largest block of Interior Atlantic Forest is preserved in Paraguay,
several stops along the way we can allow interesting species such as our first Psittaceos:
acuticauda Aratinga Aratinga leucophthalma, popular but always beautiful: Nandayus nenday,
Brotogeris chiri, Forpus xanhopterygius. Scaly-headed parrot etc, besides other very interesting
birds always see them, as some carpenters: cream-backed woodpecker, golden-green
woodpecker, little woodpecker, Picumus cirratus and Campo Flicker (sub species of northern
black throat, be on sites sympatric with species white (more common in Argentina) throat, also
could be seen with a little luck, Pseudocolopteryx sclateri (Doradito Creston), strange-tailed
tyrant, Gubernetes yetapa, Donacobius atricapillus, thrush-like wren, some accipitridaes,
falconidaes and an interesting lot of additional surprises we always offer these oases of nature.
the environments associated with our intermediate stops preferably correspond to the Humid
Chaco Ecosystem, grasslands, savannas Karanday (Copernicia alba), quebracho forests etc.
Arrival in the afternoon, dinner, we review the list of the day and then if you are not too tired we
can give our first night back in search, where the star is undoubtedly the: white-winged
nightjar !!. Reserve Mbaracayu, a reserve of enormous biodiversity, this first night after dinner
we already will find our nocturnal birds: Ocellated Poorwill, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque,
Tropical and Black-capped Screech Owls, Spectacled and Ferruginous Pygmy Owls and Little,
Spottailed, Rufous and White and the next night we will try to reach the area of Winged
Nightjars, the latter if we move to the area of Aguara Wildebeest can be an optional this Tour
(depends on road conditions).
Day 3
Early in the morning we can spend at least one day of observation full birds in the Atlantic forest
and could add a tour to the grasslands of closed Aguará wildebeest if road conditions permit
(the strong period of children with heavy rains to roads disturbed significantly in this area of the
Reserve). Some of the most significant bird we could find are: Prognias nudicolis (National Bird
of Paraguay and endemic to the Atlantic Forest), Black-fronted Piping Guan, Saffron and Spotbilled toucanets and Helmeted Woodpecker. Other interesting species are undoubtedly: Greenbilled Toucan, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Surucua Trogon, Blond-crested and Yellow-fronted
Woodpeckers, Green-and-rufous Kingfisher, Olivaceous and Planalto woodcreepers, Bandtailed and Helmeted Manakins, a number of tanagers, Spot-backed Antshrike, Streak-capped
Antwren, Solitary Tinamou and Red-rumped Cacique. In the area of Aguara wildebeest species
are expected Rufous-winged Antshrike, White-tailed goldenthroat, Collared Crescentchest,
Grey Monjita and Ocellated Crake. Night birds in this area also good to find the Ocellated
Poorwill, Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, Tropical and Black-capped Screech Owls,
Spectacled and Ferruginous Pygmy Owls and Little, Spottailed, Rufous and White-winged
nightjars. As mammals we are likely to see: Azara's Agouti, Spotted Paca and with luck the
mysterious Maned Wolf (in the area closed) and the enigmatic Jaguar ... this is one of the last
places in the eastern region of Paraguay where even feline lives this fantastic !!! ...
Day 4
Early in the morning departure to Laguna Blanca, lunch on the way, in the afternoon, around
Cerradon forest that surrounds part of the lagoon for bird watching Cerrado. The closed type we
have in place are called Dirty Natural Campos, with low shrubbery, and sandstone floors, also
some islets cerradon forest type, will be visited scenarios. We will be inside a nature reserve of
about 1000 hectares that preserves this oasis of birds in the Cerrado. dinner, we review the list
of the day and then if you are not too tired we can give our first round in search of night, where
we will have a second chance to find the elusive white-winged nightjar !!, visit the only two
places where it is registered in Paraguay, hopefully the luck on our side !!!.
Day 5
Early departure for observation around the lake then heading toward the northwest to go Garay
Stay cue where we will try to find large hyacinth macaw and Ara chloropterus and others such
as aurea Aratinga, Saltator atricollis, Xolmis velata and other spectacular specialized birds
Closed. Arrival at the end of the afternoon. This cattle ranch of over 18,000 hectares protects
about 6000 hectares of forest Cerrado, Spectacular Woods Gallery different stratification,
chalky streams, aerial transition between Forest Cerrado and Atlantic Forest Interior (BAI),
which allows species of both ecosystems an incredible amalgam of biodiversity
Day 6
In the morning we went to places Cerrado in search of the Aras and other local specialties, then
return for lunch and in the afternoon we make an interesting tour of the gallery forest of
calcareous rivers that run into the place we could afford observe the mythical and motionless
momotus momota, the Nystalus maculatus, we must be careful to try to observe the elusive
green-and-rufous kingfisher or bare-faced curassow, the blue-throated piping guan walking on
the floor of closed forest and others.
Day 7
Early in the morning we visit the foothills of San Luis where we have a chance more to seek in
their natural habitat to Ara chloropterus and other surprises of this very interesting and unique
place ... we will be touring a small part of La Estancia San Luis de la Sierra which has over
75,000 hectares, and within it a private nature reserve of about 34,000 hectares !!!, lies on the
slopes of the Serrania with the same name, a formation of limestone and granite that give
enigmatic contours and impressive biodiversity !!!, the scenery is simply spectacular !!! ... exit,
then towards Conception where we had lunch, we crossed the bridge over the Paraguay river
and head up the rugged Chaco, with this river crossing, really ended they crossing to a new
biogeographic region! ... will realize the dramatic change in vegetation in so few kilometers, we
will make several stops in some very interesting observation points along the route we will see
the transition between the xeric vegetation and Palmar sheets that will welcome us to the
Humid Chaco, at the end of the afternoon / evening arrival in Asuncion. Transfer to hotel and
end of services. End of this unforgettable adventure through the wildest environments of
Paraguay and the beginning of a long friendship aviary !!!
Day 8
Return to your country. or the option of taking some of the extensions.
Tour 7 - Forests, Pantanal and Cerrados Paraguay Northeast and
Southwest of Brazil, ... an intense experience of the 5 senses ...
9 days starting from Asuncion Paraguay:
Day 1
Arrival to Asuncion with overnight overnight in Hotel 3 * w / breakfast, meeting with the local
guide to discuss the details of the Tour. Depending on the time of arrival of the group could
perform near Asuncion our first foray into the field to unpack binoculars.
Day 2
Early in the morning departure to the Natural Forest Reserve Mbaracayu, an area that
preserves 64,000 hectares, the largest block of Interior Atlantic Forest is preserved in Paraguay,
several stops along the way we can allow interesting species such as our first Psittaceos:
acuticauda Aratinga Aratinga leucophthalma, popular but always beautiful: Nandayus nenday,
Brotogeris chiri, Forpus xanhopterygius. Scaly-headed parrot etc, besides other very interesting
birds always see them, as some carpenters: cream-backed woodpecker, golden-green
woodpecker, little woodpecker, Picumus cirratus and Campo Flicker (sub species of northern
black throat, be on sites sympatric with species white (more common in Argentina) throat, also
could be seen with a little luck, Pseudocolopteryx sclateri (Doradito Creston), strange-tailed
tyrant, Gubernetes yetapa, Donacobius atricapillus, thrush-like wren, some accipitridaes,
falconidaes and an interesting lot of additional surprises we always offer these oases of nature.
the environments associated with our intermediate stops preferably correspond to the Humid
Chaco Ecosystem, grasslands, savannas Karanday (Copernicia alba), quebracho forests etc.
Arrival in the afternoon, dinner, review the list of the day and then if you are not too tired we can
give our first night back in search, where the star is undoubtedly the: white-winged nightjar !!, I
hope luck is on our side! !!. Reserve Mbaracayu, a reserve of enormous biodiversity, this first
night after dinner we already will find our nocturnal birds: Ocellated Poorwill, Short-tailed
Nighthawk, Pauraque, Tropical and Black-capped Screech Owls, Spectacled and Ferruginous
Pygmy Owls and Little, Spottailed, Rufous and White and the next night we will try to reach the
area of Winged Nightjars, the latter if we move to the area AguaraÑu which can be an optional this
Tour (depends on road conditions).
Day 3
Early in the morning we can spend at least one day of observation full birds in the Atlantic forest
and could add a tour to the grasslands of closed Aguará wildebeest if road conditions permit
(the strong period of children with heavy rains to roads disturbed significantly in this area of the
Reserve). Some of the most significant bird we could find are: Prognias nudicolis (National Bird of
Paraguay and endemic to the Atlantic Forest), Black-fronted Piping Guan, Saffron and Spot-billed
toucanets and Helmeted Woodpecker. Other interesting species are undoubtedly: Green-billed
Toucan, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Surucua Trogon, Blond-crested and Yellow-fronted
Woodpeckers, Green-and-rufous Kingfisher, Olivaceous and Planalto woodcreepers, Bandtailed and Helmeted Manakins, a number of tanagers, Spot-backed Antshrike, Streak-capped
Antwren, Solitary Tinamou and Red-rumped Cacique. In the area of Aguara wildebeest species
are expected Rufous-winged Antshrike, White-tailed goldenthroat, Collared Crescentchest, Grey
Monjita and Ocellated Crake. Night birds in this area also good to find the Ocellated Poorwill,
Short-tailed Nighthawk, Pauraque, Tropical and Black-capped Screech Owls, Spectacled and
Ferruginous Pygmy Owls and Little, Spottailed, Rufous and White-winged nightjars. As
mammals we are likely to see: Azara's Agouti, Spotted Paca and with luck the mysterious
Maned Wolf (in the area closed) and the enigmatic Jaguar ... this is one of the last places in the
eastern region of Paraguay where even feline lives this fantastic !!! ...
Day 4
Early in the morning we headed to Campo Grande, arriving in the afternoon, lunch and go
looking for one of the stars of the place: the beautiful tricolor Alectrorus !!!, the tiny and restless
Polysticus pectoralis, sporophilas interesting possibility: bouvreuil , plumbeus etc ... with a bit of
luck and we will see the great interest present in the area, Ara Arauma and Ara Cloropthera ...
know that naturally some individuals of both species have "Hibridazado" resulting in incredible
winged beings fantastic colors ... some are macaws "orange and blue" party colors for the
eyes !!! ... maybe we meet some individuals individuals ...
Day 5
In the morning we later moved to a special area near the city, a reserve that preserves
environments Closed and Closed to offer us some specialties, our first chance to look for some
specialties like the Antilopia mitica galeata, the Cyncloides rectirostris the curious Grey-headed
tanager, incredible and unmistakable momotus momota, our first opportunity to observe this
peculiarity called Hylocryptus rectirostris, some very interesting parrots as Alopiopsitta
xanthops, Orthopsittaca manilatus, red-shouldered macaw, etc.
then we were off and the area of the Pantanal of Aquidaguana, located southeast of the wetland,
the largest in the world !, with over 150,000 km2, from arrival at the road enripiado we can have
spectacular surprises ... as our first encounter with the king of Aras, the Hyacinthinus (Blue
Macaw), our first giant anteater etc. We arrived at the Estancia to Late afternoon and as we
start to look after dinner our night, Pulsatrix perpicilliata and black-banded owl could be our big
surprises ... plus spectacular Cat Ounce inhabiting the Forest Gallery Rio Aguidaguana near our
site overnight and on certain nights be seen ... it will be great to find certainly some, we have
two nights to try ...
Day 6
After breakfast where we will be heavily guarded by Ramphastos I touch and Ortalis canicolis,
we went for an amazing safari by boat on the Rio Aquidaguana, which is the best way to draw
us to this resource which the marshland depends directly ... Water ... the walk along the river
we would try to birds and wildlife in general associated with the gallery forest specialists
Pantanal and Cerrado, like the elusive Piaya minuta, the beautiful and resaltante Pipra
fascicauda the melanaria Cercomacra, the restless Thryothorus guarayanus, Synalaxis albilora
and Cranioleuca vulpina and one that is very specialized Cerrado (as you see find big field) but
for some unknown reason, is one of the only parts of the Pantanal where it is also found and is
the Hylocryptus rectirostris, this will be our second chance ... with a little Surte we could see
flying the special Amazon Amazon.
In the afternoon safari in special 4x4 vehicle that will allow us to pass through closed and closer
to the sites of the specialties of closed fields and drier areas, such as the always enigmatic
Seriamas red legs, aquatic classics as bird symbol of Pantanal, the Jabiru and mandolins,
exclusive and bullangueros white-rumped tanager and Jump atricolis, the spectacular rufa
Formicivora, some Psittaceos singualres the Pantanal and Cerrado as Primoluis auricolis and
very particular Pyrrhura devillei where we could have our first obsevarla opportunity, we can
also have spectacular encounters with some unique mammals that inhabit the Pantanal, such
as Giant Anteater, Armadillos of various types, capybaras, deer white tail, coatis, agoutis,
peccaries, monkeys Capuchins etc. etc ... and of course alligators that we will see more of a to
step ... This site also enjoying traditional and delicious food to Pantaneiro fire ... that makes
significantly this experience of 5 senses ...
Day 7
We leave and headed for Nice, on the way several stops to try species of the Cerrado and the
Pantanal, lunch at Miranda and continued on to Bonito where we visit a particular environment
to which they call Bathed del Rio Formoso where we will have our second chance tricolor
Alectrorus , Tachuris and hopefully see another specialty of the Cerrado and Pantanal the
restless and beautiful hypospodia Synallaxis
Day 8
Early we left in the morning to visit a couple of magical places Cerrado, fantastic Buraco das
Araras, which is an interesting geologic formation called Dolina which we are nothing but a
major collapse of soil sandstone type by water erosion subfloors of calcareous origin in this site
inhabit more than 50 pairs of Aras Cloropteras naturally does who knows how long !!!, this
magical place and its strategic viewpoints allow observation of this species anywhere in the
world, then a visit forest Gallery of Rio de la Plata that will give us new chances for spectacular
and unique of these ecosystems as Antilopia galeata species, the mysterious blue-throated
piping guan and a place that attracts a lot to the great bare-faced curassow concurring
massively this instead, we had lunch at a nearby site that others can give us an excellent lunch,
also ornithological surprises ... and we bid farewell to this unforgettable experience that will no
doubt !!! ... we expect a continuous journey to Asuncion, arrival in night transfer to hotel and end
of this unforgettable experience 5 senses !!!
Day 9
Return to your country. or the option of taking some of the extensions.
Extensions
Tour 8 DTP – Southern Pantanal & Brazilian Cerrado (Campo Grande and
Bonito) Itinerary: From Pedro Juan Caballero (Paraguay) to Campo
Grande (MS-Brazil)
Day 1 Pedro Juan Caballero (city of border to Paraguay and Brazil) to Bonito MS
Early in the morning, we leave Pedro Juan Caballero to Bonito. Before we reach Bonito, we go
to have lunch at a ranch near by Buraco das Araras (Red-and-Green Macaw´s Sinkhole), after
lunch, we go to visit this marvelous place: Buraco das Araras (Red-and-Green Macaw´s
Sinkhole) considering the second larger dolina in the World. In the area besides the 40 Redand-green Macaws pairs that live and nest in the cliffs of the dolina we can enjoy many bird
species such as: Amazonian Motmot, Yellow-faced Parrot, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, so on.
Going on to Bonito (Araras Lodge), depending our schedule we may do some stops in the way
to search for Giant anteaters and Cerrado birds.
Day 2 Bonito to Pantanal
Early breakfast, and we go to visit Mimosa Farm. It is a beautiful area in the middle of the
Bodoquena Mountain ranges. There we have chances to sight: Chaco Puffbird, Blackish Rail,
Least Grebe, Blaze-winged Parakeets, Flavescent Warbler, Golden-crowned Warbler, Seriemas
and so on. We also have chance to spot our first Caiman´s species, the Broad-nosed Caiman.
Afterlunch, we will have 2:30h hours drive to our first lodge in Pantanal. In the way, we may stop
to looking for more Cerrado birds: Campo suiriri, Chaco Puffbird, and white-eared Puffbird.
Arriving in the afternoon at the lodge. Dinner.
Day 3 - Pantanal
Early in the morning Safari truck around the farm search for Pantanal bird species such as:
Maguari Stork, Bare-faced Ibis, Chesnut-capped Blackbird, Scarlet Blackbird, White-tailed
Hawk, so on. In the afternoon we gonna do boat ride along the São Domingos River. A private
river that harbors an amazing wildlife. Our targets in this tour: Black-collared Hawks, Bluecrowned Trogon, Pygmy Kingfisher, Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher, Sungrebe, Red-rumped
Caciques, Orange-backed Troupial. Caimans and Capybaras along the shore and Hooded
Cappuchin Monkeys and Howler Monkeys as well. Dinner. After dinner we gonna do a
nightdrive. In the tour we have a ride around the farm and looking for nocturnal birds such as:
Nightjar, Nighthawks and Owls. The highlight should be Striped Owl. In addition, mammals are
possible to sight in this tour like: Capybaras, Marsh Deer, Tapir and Ocelots.
Day 4 - Pantanal
Birding breakfast and we gonna do short truck ride to reach the board walk. It is a trail above
the marshland that provides to us great chances for: Yellow-chinned spinetail, Cinereousbreasted Spinetail, Scarlet-headed Blackbird, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Striated Heron, Boatbilled Heron, besides many parakeets and parrots flying around. After Lunch, we are leaving to
our next lodge. It will take about 2:30h hours, this second area is close to the east border of
Pantanal and slightly higher providing for us amazing chances for different fauna such as:
Hyacinth Macaws, Giant Anteaters, Pampas Deer and more Cerrado endemic bird species.
Arriving in the end of the day.
Day 5 - Pantanal
Early breakfast with many birds around. This morning, we will do a boat ride along the
Aquidauanariver. In the way, we can see the pristine landscape and great birds. Our main
targets are: Blue-throated Piping-guan, Chesnut-eared Aracaris, Toco Toucan and the elusive
White-banded Manakin, Henna-capped Foliage-gleaner, MatoGrossoAntbird. Lunch and in the
afternoon another safari truck to looking a mix of cerrado and pantanal birds, like: Blackthroated Saltator, White-banded Tanager, Yellow-collared Macaw, Pale-crested Woodpecker,
Nanday Parakeet, etc. Back to the lodge. Dinner.
Day 6 – Pantanal
Breakfast and walking in the surrounding areas that usually are quite productive. We may see,
Burrowing Owl, white Monjita, Peach-fronted Parakeet, Blue-crowned Parrot, Vermillion
Flycatcher, Brazilian Teal, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, etc. Just after the walk we will take the
truck and visit an area that improve our chances to sight one of the most rare birds in Brazil due
its restrict distribution the Blaze-winged Parakeet and White-fronted Woodpecker. We can see
PlanaltoWoondcreeper, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl and Great-rufousWoodcreeper in this place
too. After lunch, we leave to Campo Grande the last portion of Cerrado area that we will to visit.
The trip will take 3 hours and depending our time schedule, we may visit a field area just before
Campo Grande to search for endangered Seedeaters like: Plumbeous Seedeater, Chestnut
Seedeater, Capped Seedeater, Tawny Bellied Seedeater and Rufous-rumped Seedeater,
besides another birds. Check in, at the hotel, dinner.
Day 7 – Campo Grande
After breakfast, we go to visit a special conservation area near the downtown. It is an area that
holds a mosaic of Cerrado habitats and the highlights in the tall forest – “Cerradão”, could be:
Large-billed Antwren, Planalto-Slaty Antshrike, Plain Antvireo, Helmeted Manakin, Southern
Antpipit and Henna-capped Foliage-gleaner. Back to the hotel, lunch and in the afternoon, we
will visit a swamp area known as “Buritizal”, a road that crosses an area rich on Mauritia palm
trees in the Cerrado. We aspect to see the following highlights: Blue and Yellow Macaw, Hibrids
Macaws (Blue and Yellow X Red and Green), Fork-tailed Palm Swifts, Red-bellied Macaws,
Sulphury Flycatcher and Yellow-faced Parrot. Back to the Hotel.Dinner.
Day 8 - Campo Grande
After breakfast depending on flight schedules, we can go birding in the surround areas and or
take the guests straight to the airport (15 minutes ride). End of our services.
Tour 9 DTP - Magic Birds of Yguazu falls
Day 1: · Group arrival AGT Airport in Ciudad del Este or Foz Do Iguacu. Schedule dependiento
transfer for breakfast and then transfer to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina.
· Visit the Garden of Picaflores (Humminbird Garden) (Center Puerto Yguazu), lunch and
afternoon visit to Bird Reserve on the exit road to the Falls City. Dinner. Night in Puerto Iguazu.
Day 2: · Visit to Urugua-i Provincial Park, Seccional Uruzú throughout the day. Departure 4:30
am to 6:00 pm (Breakfast, Lunch and Refreshments on site). Travel Park (6km approx.) Dinner.
Night in Puerto Iguazu. · 195 km in total return to Urugua-i Provincial Park
Day 3: · Visit the National Route 101, Iguazu National Park. (5:00 am to 10:00 pm.) Travel by
car 66km approx. round trip with several stops for bird watching. · Lunch in Puerto Iguazu.
· In the afternoon overlooking the 600 hectares buffer zone of the Iguazú National Park (In the
City of Puerto Yguazu). Estimated travel 7Km.
Day 4: · Breakfast at the hotel. full day visiting the Iguazu Falls and doing bird watching. Lunch
at Niagara. Dinner. Night in Puerto Iguazu.
Day 5: · Departure to the airport where you take your flight, (AGT Airport, Puerto Yguazu or
IGU) End of services.
GROUP SIZE:
This tour will be limited to 15 participants with 1 local birding leader. (a minimum of 4 paying
participants).FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS (Net price):
The fee for the Tour 1 “DTP – Birds and Fauna of Paraguay, wildlife of the hearth of
South America” 18 days is
6 paxs USD 4.015 per person sharing.
10 paxs USD 3.880 per person sharing
15 Paxs USD 3.690 per person sharing
The fee for the Tour 2 “DTP – Bird of the enigmátic Paraguay and Birding tour to
Iguazú Falls” 18 days is:
6 paxs USD 4.535 per person sharing.
10 paxs USD 4.280 per person sharing
15 Paxs USD 4.050 per person sharing
10 of the 17 nights as the other nights are at lodges where single accommodation is
unavailable. Room sharing will be necessary on at least 7 nights, even if you choose not to do
so. If DTP cannot provide you with a rooming partner for these 10 nights, although you choose
to share, the single supplement will become applicable. We will make all reasonable efforts to
ensure that a rooming partner is found if you do wish to share.)
The fee for the Tour 3 “The Great Paraguayan Chaco”, Ten days, Bigs “6” Chaco Birds
and Mammals 10 days is
6 paxs USD 2.815 per person sharing.
10 paxs USD 2.675 per person sharing
15 Paxs USD 2.355 per person sharing
The fee for the Tour 4 “Birds of Western Paraguay” (Cerrado, Grasslands and Atlantic
Forest):10 days is
4 paxs USD 1.995 per person sharing. (in double room)
The fee for the Tour 5 program Paraguayan Owl "The 4 beautiful of the night":8 days
4 paxs USD 1.959 per person sharing. (in double room)
The fee for the Tour 6 - Jungles and Cerradones, of Paraguay Wild ...: 8 days
-
4 paxs USD ……..1.375 por persona en habitaciones dobles y/o compartidas
-
6 paxs USD ………1.510 por persona en habitaciones dobles y/o compartidas
-
8 paxs USD ………1.275 por persona en habitaciones dobles y/o compartidas
-
10 paxs USD.……1.195 por persona en habitaciones dobles y/o compartidas
The fee for the Tour 7 - Forests, Pantanal and Cerrados Paraguay Northeast and
Southwest of Brazil, ... an intense experience of the 5 senses ...
-
4 paxs USD ……..1.883 por persona en habitaciones dobles y/o compartidas
-
6 paxs USD ………1.872 por persona en habitaciones dobles y/o compartidas
-
8 paxs USD ………1.595 por persona en habitaciones dobles y/o compartidas
-
10 paxs USD.……1.475 por persona en habitaciones dobles y/o compartidas
Extensions Tours
The fee for the Tour 6 “DTP – Southern Pantanal & Brazilian Cerrado (Campo
Grande and Bonito) Itinerary: From Pedro Juan Caballero (Paraguay) to Campo
Grande (MS-Brazil)” 8 days is
6 paxs USD 2.210 per person sharing.
10 paxs USD 1.940 per person sharing
15 Paxs USD 1.835 per person sharing
The fee for the Tour 7 “ DTP - Magic Birds of Yguazu falls”5 days is
6 paxs USD 1.699 per person sharing.
10 paxs USD 1.430 per person sharing
15 Paxs USD 1.220 per person sharing
This Tours includes:
All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 10 or 18 (depend the tour you are choice.)
Bottled drinking water;
All lodgings;
Ground transportation;
Extra activities mentioned in the itinerary;
Reserve entrance fees; and
All guiding services (including tips for local guides and services).
The tour fee does not include:
Visa fees;
ANY flights (see above);
Any drinks;
Special gratuities; and
Telephone calls, laundry and other items of a personal nature.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
a) Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration (a
minimum of 4 paying participants) a small party supplement will have to be charged.
b) Furthermore, these costs are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs
and may have to be adjusted as a result.
c) Lastly, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary at short or no notice due to
unforeseen circumstances; please be aware that we will attempt to adhere as close to
the original program as possible.
Tipping:
As noted above, gratuities (drivers, hotel staff, porters and restaurants) are included on this
tour. However, this does NOT include your guide leader/s. If, therefore, you feel that he/they
have given you excellent service, it is entirely appropriate to tip them.
Special Notes:
This tour involves very little arduous walking. We will however spend large amounts of time
vehicle-bound while traversing the vast plains of Paraguay. If you have any physical limitations
or medical conditions of any sort please do let to as know in advance of the tour.
We will be birding in some remote areas well away from modern medical facilities.
The hotels fluctuate from a very good standard to quite basic in more remote locations.
Transport is by small coach or minibus, and 4x4 vehicles where required. Road conditions
fluctuate from good to rather poor. Some areas are prone to flooding, and may interfere with our
trip, though we have minimized this risk by undertaking the tour during the driest part of the
season.
We expect the weather to be dry, sunny and very hot in most areas. Broad hats, sunscreen and
sunglasses will certainly be required.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS:
This tour does not include ANY airfares. The tour will depart from the capital city of Asunción on
day 1 and, as this is an early departure, you are expected to be in the country the day before
the tour begins. Further meeting details in this regard will be forwarded to you in due course.
The tour will conclude in the mid-afternoon at Silvio Pettirossi International (ASU) on day 10 or
18. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance in this regard, kindly
contact the Dtp Tour Operator office.
Extensions tour are diferents, depends where are started or finich the tour. Please consult.
FLIGHTS:
Asunción is the main port of entry for international flights in Paraguay. We have the capacity to
advise you on the best route according to your preferences, but your local travel agent will best
be able to book these flights for you. IMPORTANT: please DO NOT book your international
flights until you have consulted the DTP Tour Operator office for confirmation on the status of
the tour.