Wild Cat`s and Mammals of Paraguay…in
the hearts of South America
Foto: O. Rodríguez
No doubt that among all animals that share the planet with us, cats are the most
enigmatic and largely concentrating our attention, for several reasons ...: are the
most powerful predators that inhabit the earth, also are solitaries, mysterious,
spectacular !!! impossible, not to stay hypnotized when we are able to observe to
them, walking majestic in its habitat, giving the impression that more than walking
... levitate !, this event is likely to see the cats in their habitat, the more rewarding
and memorable for humans who love nature event.
About 40 species of wild cats inhabit the planet, 8 of which are in Paraguayan
territory are: Geoffroy's Cat (Oncifelis geoffroyi), Pantanal Cat (Lynchailurus
braccatus) Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), Atlantic Forest Oncilla (Leopardus
guttulus) margay (Margay) Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yaguarondi), Jaguar
(Panthera onca) and Puma (Puma concolor).
We are fortunate despite being a small country in central South America, have
20% of all cat species in the world co-inhabiting Paraguay us, we are very
privileged to do so certainly some !!!. Many biologists, Professional
photographers and naturalists generally agree that in Paraguay without doubt
one of the best places to observe cats in the world, and especially to the South
American flagship species.
The Western region or Chaco inhabit 6 of these 8 species and is considered one
of the most densely populated regions of the Jaguar, the Puma, the Geoffroy's
Cat, the Ocelot and Jaguarundi in America.
Chaco ecosystem composed of open shrubs and other ecosystems that give us
some visibility great chances to watch these spectacular predators in their natural
habitat.
The wild Chaco course also allows the observation of other emblematic
mammals like: Guanaco, Marsh Deer, Red Brocket, Grey Brocket, Chaco
Peccary, Collared Peccary, White-lipped Peccary, Crab-eating Fox, Maned Wolf,
Azara's Fox, Molina's Hog-nosed Skunk, Tayra, Lesser Grison, Neotropical Otter,
Giant Otter, South American Coati, Crab-eating Raccoon, Chacoan Naked-tailed
Armadillo, Greater Naked-tailed Armadillo. Little Hairy Armadillo, Nine-banded
Armadillo, Six-banded Armadillo, Giant Armadillo, Southern Three-banded
Armadillo, Forest Rabbit, Lowland Tapir, Giant Anteater, Southern Tamandua,
Azara's Night Monkey, Black Howler Monkey, Azara's Capuchin, White-coated
Titi , Dwarf Patagonian Cavy, Capybara, Viscacha Plains, Spotted Paca, Azara's
Agouti and Brazilian Porcupine
We invite you to live this unique adventure of looking for these mysterious
creatures in one of the wildest ecosystems of the planet, the Gran Chaco of
Paraguay ...!
Almost all species of felines and the vast majority of large mammals that inhabit
the Paraguay are preferably nightlife, although the Chaco always pleasant
surprises in store for us. In Paraguay, the system we use to watch it go in 4x4
vehicles and walking trails on private ranches that have natural reserves and
transiting roads within protected wilderness areas public and private. The hours
we have a better chance of watching cats in the Neotropics is from the end of the
evening, overnight and early morning and the early hours of the morning, so the
tours they are organized to maximize this time and rest during the day. Because
the access roads to the main sites are ground and depend on appropriate
weather conditions, this tour will offer preferably in the period of less rainfall in
the Chaco, which runs from May to September. We provide a benchmark 10-day
tour in the Paraguayan Chaco that we are sure will surprise you, some days the
offer camping in one of the most pristine and wild places on earth as it is
undoubtedly the Defensores del Chaco National Park.
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!
CHACO
Foto: O. 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.
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.
Reference program
Tour 4 “The Wild Cat’s and mammals of the Great Paraguayan Chaco”, Ten
days
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 see bird and probably
some mammals in 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 activities 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
a Laguna Capitan. (Is possible to change to Ranch or Hotel in Filadelfia area).
Day 5 – PARQUE NACIONAL DEFENSORES DEL CHACO . Early in the morning we go to the
north direction to the hearth of the Defensores del Chaco National Park, at the area colled Cerro
Leon. We will hopefully make up the difference as this is a key place for the rarer Chacos
mammals and birds. Overnight in in tends in this wild place.
Day 6 – PARQUE NACIONAL DEFENSORES DEL CHACO – Fullday in the north area called la
Gerenza . All day drive to search our cats and another surprise. This day we take a lunch day in
the card. We wait the night to return with power full lighting for increase our opportunities to see
our wild cat’s.
Day 7 – PARQUE NACIONAL DEFENSORES DEL CHACO – Fullday in the west area called
Cap. Lagerenza’i . All day drive to search our cats and another surprise. This day we take a
lunch day in the card. We wait the night to return with power full lighting for increase our
opportunities to see our wild cat’s.
Day 8 – PARQUE NACIONAL DEFENSORES DEL CHACO - FILADELFIA. Early in the morning
we retur to FIladelfia area and stay at the traditional ranch, we have some chance again for see a
little wild cats in the area. Overnight in Filadelfia area.
Day 9 – RETURN TO ASUNCIÓN. We have a day to make our way back towards the south-east,
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.
GROUP SIZE:
This tour will be limited to 10 participants with 1 local guide leader. (a minimum of 2 participants).FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS:
The fee for the Tour Tour 4 “The Wild Cat’s and mammals of the Great Paraguayan Chaco”,
Ten days is:
-10 person USD 3.495 per person sharing.
–8 person USD 3.750 per person sharing.
–6 person USD 3.990 per person sharing.
This Tours includes:
All meals from lunch on day 2 to lunch on day 9 (depend the tour you are choice)
Bottled drinking water;
All lodgings; (common igloo tends (2 person per tend), hotel, ranch etc, (depend the tour you are
choice)
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) Furthermore, these costs are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs and may have
to be adjusted as a result.
b) 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.
C) We recommended take a tour in the drive time: May to September. This tour depend a 100% of the
good weather conditions, 70% of the rout are made in the off road way.
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 midafternoon at Silvio Pettirossi International (ASU) on day 10. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and
would like assistance in this regard, kindly contact the Dtp Tour Operator office.
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.