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Mbaracayú Forest Biosphere Reserve (also spelled Mbaracayu) sits in the Canindeyú Department of eastern Paraguay, along the border with Brazil. Covering roughly 64,000 hectares of protected land — with a larger buffer zone extending the total — it represents one of the last substantial blocks of Interior Atlantic Forest (Bosque Atlántico Interior) remaining in Paraguay. The ecosystem here once stretched across a vast swath of South America; today less than 15 percent of the original Atlantic Forest survives, making this reserve ecologically significant far beyond Paraguay's borders.
The reserve was established with support from The Nature Conservancy and is now managed by Fundación Moisés Bertoni, a Paraguayan conservation NGO. It received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation in 2000. A notable feature is the Jejuí-mí River, which flows through the reserve and supports the forest's extraordinary biodiversity.
The forest shelters an impressive list of threatened species: jaguars, pumas, giant anteaters, tapirs, giant armadillos, maned wolves, and marsh deer. Over 300 bird species have been recorded, including the harpy eagle — one of the Americas' most powerful raptors. For naturalists, the reserve offers an authentic, relatively uncrowded window into a globally rare ecosystem.
Visitation is carefully managed and numbers remain low compared to more famous South American reserves. This means encounters feel genuine, but it also means infrastructure is minimal. Travelers should arrive prepared for a self-sufficient, nature-focused experience.
Before You Go
Entry and Permits
Access to the core zone of Mbaracayú is controlled by Fundación Moisés Bertoni. Visitors typically need to arrange entry in advance directly with the foundation; walk-in access to the protected core is generally not permitted. Contact the foundation (verify current contact details on their official website or locally) well before your trip to confirm availability, any fees, and what guided arrangements are required.
Visas
Paraguay's entry requirements depend on your nationality. For up-to-date, accurate visa information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Paraguayan immigration authority (Dirección General de Migraciones) before travel.
Health
- Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for travel to eastern Paraguay; some countries require proof of vaccination if you are arriving from Paraguay afterward. Verify current requirements with your doctor.
- Bring mosquito repellent with DEET; malaria risk exists in parts of eastern Paraguay — consult a travel health clinic for current prophylaxis advice.
- No hospitals are located near the reserve. The closest meaningful medical facilities are in larger towns; verify locally which town is nearest to your entry point.
- Pack a personal first-aid kit, oral rehydration salts, and any prescription medication you need.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing in neutral colors
- Waterproof layer and sturdy waterproof boots
- High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brim hat
- Binoculars (essential for birdwatching)
- Cash in Guaraníes — ATMs are scarce in the area; verify locally before departure
- Sufficient water and snacks for day hikes
Getting There
From Asunción
The reserve is approximately 300–350 km northeast of Asunción, reachable by road. The main route typically runs through Coronel Oviedo and then northeast toward Curuguaty or the town of Villa del Rosario (Canindeyú Department). Road quality varies; a 4WD vehicle is advisable, particularly in the wet season.
Bus
Long-distance buses connect Asunción to towns in Canindeyú Department. However, the final leg to the reserve entrance will require a private vehicle or local arrangement. Verify current bus routes and schedules at Asunción's Terminal de Ómnibus before travel, as services change.
Private Vehicle or Rental
Driving from Asunción gives the most flexibility. Confirm with Fundación Moisés Bertoni the exact road access point and current road conditions before you set out, as GPS mapping in rural Paraguay is not always reliable.
Nearest Airport
Asunción's Silvio Pettirossi International Airport is the primary international gateway. There is no commercial airport near the reserve.
Getting Around
Within the reserve, movement is on foot along marked trails or by vehicle on internal tracks, always accompanied by a guide as required by the reserve's management rules. Trails vary in length and difficulty; verify which routes are currently open and appropriate for your fitness level when you check in with the reserve staff.
Outside the reserve, private vehicle is the practical option. Public transport between small towns in Canindeyú is limited and infrequent. If you do not have your own vehicle, discuss logistics with Fundación Moisés Bertoni when arranging your visit — they may be able to advise on local transportation contacts.
Where to Stay
Inside the Reserve
Fundación Moisés Bertoni operates a small ecological station and has basic visitor accommodation within or adjacent to the reserve. Capacity is limited. Confirm availability, facilities, and current rates directly with the foundation, as conditions and offerings can change.
Nearby Towns
Small towns in the area (verify the most convenient one based on your entry point) may have basic guesthouses. Facilities are simple — do not expect international hotel standards. Curuguaty is one of the larger towns in the region and may offer more lodging options; verify locally.
Asunción or Coronel Oviedo
Travelers who prefer more comfortable accommodation sometimes use Coronel Oviedo or Asunción as a base for a day-trip or overnight extension, though this significantly increases driving time.
Things to See & Do
Wildlife Watching
The reserve's primary draw is its wildlife. Guided walks give the best chance of spotting tapirs, giant anteaters, peccaries, and a range of primates. Jaguars and pumas are present but elusive; camera traps operated by researchers have confirmed their presence. Dawn and dusk are the most productive times.
Birdwatching
With over 300 recorded species, including harpy eagles, toucans, various hawk-eagles, and a rich array of Atlantic Forest endemics, Mbaracayú is one of Paraguay's top birding destinations. Bring a field guide specific to South American or Paraguayan birds; recommended guides include those covering the Atlantic Forest avifauna.
Guided Hikes and Trail Walking
Several trails wind through different forest types — gallery forest along the Jejuí-mí River, upland forest, and transitional zones. Trail conditions vary by season; the dry season (April–September) generally offers easier walking.
Photography
The reserve's intact canopy and river habitats offer strong opportunities for nature photography. Ask guides about optimal light conditions and sensitive areas where flash photography or close approach is restricted.
Learning and Research
The ecological station has been a base for scientific research. If you have an academic or conservation background, inquire with Fundación Moisés Bertoni about whether research-focused visits or volunteer opportunities are available.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or food vendors inside the reserve. Bring all food and water you need for day hikes. Potable water should not be assumed — bring a filter or sufficient bottled water.
In nearby towns you will find small local eateries (comedores) serving Paraguayan staples: sopa paraguaya (a dense cornmeal and cheese bread), chipa (cheese-and-cassava bread), grilled meat, and rice dishes. Tereré — cold yerba mate — is Paraguay's national drink and is ubiquitous. Food in rural comedores is inexpensive and filling, though options for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions are limited.
Practical Information
Money
Carry sufficient Paraguayan Guaraníes in cash before leaving Asunción or Coronel Oviedo. ATMs are unreliable in rural Canindeyú. US dollars and Argentine pesos may be accepted by some businesses but do not count on it.
Connectivity
Mobile signal is weak to nonexistent inside the reserve. Download offline maps (such as Maps.me or Google Maps offline) and any reference materials before you arrive. Inform someone of your itinerary before entering.
Language
Spanish is the working language. Basic Spanish is highly useful; Guaraní words appear in place names and everyday speech. English is rarely spoken in this rural area.
Emergency contacts
Verify current emergency numbers (police, fire, medical) locally before entering the reserve. Paraguay's general emergency number — verify this is still current — has historically been 911, but coverage and response capacity in remote areas are limited. The reserve staff should be your first point of contact in an emergency.
Respect the Rules
Stay on marked trails, do not feed wildlife, take all rubbish out with you, and follow your guide's instructions. The reserve's low visitor numbers are partly a result of strict management — compliance by visitors helps preserve this.
Safety
The primary safety considerations at Mbaracayú are environmental rather than crime-related. Getting lost in dense forest is a genuine risk; never leave marked trails without a guide. Carry a whistle, a small mirror, and a fully charged phone (even without signal it can store GPS coordinates in some apps).
Snakes — including venomous species — are present in the Atlantic Forest. Watch where you step and place your hands, especially when climbing over logs. Wear boots that cover the ankle. If bitten, immobilize the affected limb, keep the person calm, and get to medical care as quickly as possible; do not attempt to suck out venom.
Heat and humidity can be intense from October through March. Drink water regularly, wear sun protection, and do not attempt long hikes in the midday heat during the wet season.
The reserve area is remote and has very limited emergency response infrastructure. Travel with a companion if possible, and always let reserve staff know your planned route and expected return time.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Aché indigenous people have a deep historical and cultural connection to this region of Paraguay. Some Aché communities live in or near the buffer zone of the reserve. Interactions should be approached with respect; follow any guidelines provided by Fundación Moisés Bertoni regarding community contact.
Paraguayan rural culture values courtesy and a relaxed pace. Greetings matter — a simple 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' before any transaction or question is standard practice. Tereré-sharing is a social ritual; if offered, accepting is a sign of goodwill. Environmental awareness is growing among Paraguayans involved with the reserve, and visitors who demonstrate genuine respect for the forest are well regarded.
