Parque Natural Ñacunday | Chaco Region

Parque Natural Ñacunday

Parque Natural Ñacunday is a protected area located in the Alto Paraná Department of Paraguay, near the border with Argentina. It is best known for Salto Ñacunday, a stunning waterfall that is often compared to the famous Iguazú Falls due to its beauty and surrounding lush vegetation. The park serves as an important conservation area for the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest, one of Paraguay’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

1. Location and Accessibility

• The park is situated in the Ñacunday District, Alto Paraná, approximately 70 km south of Ciudad del Este.
• Access is via Route PY07, followed by a dirt road leading to the park entrance.
• The park is located near the Paraná River, which marks the border between Paraguay and Argentina.

2. Main Attraction: Salto Ñacunday

The Salto Ñacunday waterfall is the park’s most famous feature:

• Height: Approximately 40 meters (130 feet) high.
• Width: Around 110 meters (360 feet) wide, making it one of the largest waterfalls in Paraguay.
• Surroundings: The waterfall is surrounded by dense Atlantic Forest, home to many wildlife species.
• Viewing Platform: A dedicated mirador (viewpoint) allows visitors to admire the falls up close.

3. Flora and Fauna

Parque Natural Ñacunday protects part of the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest, one of Paraguay’s most endangered ecosystems.

Flora:

• Lapacho Trees (Handroanthus impetiginosus) – Paraguay’s national tree.
• Palmito (Euterpe edulis) – A species of palm native to the Atlantic Forest.
• Cedro (Cedrela fissilis) – A valuable hardwood tree found in the region.

Fauna:

• Jaguar (Panthera onca) – Rare but still present in the area.
• Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) – A smaller wild cat species.
• Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus cay) – Common in the treetops.
• Toucans and Parrots – Many species of colorful birds inhabit the forest.

4. Activities for Visitors

• Hiking and Nature Walks – Several trails allow visitors to explore the forest and spot wildlife.
• Waterfall Viewing – The park features wooden walkways and viewpoints for safe and scenic views of Salto Ñacunday.
• Birdwatching – A popular activity due to the high diversity of bird species.
• Photography – The dramatic waterfall and dense forest create excellent opportunities for nature photography.

5. Nearby Attractions

• Itaipú Dam – One of the world’s largest hydroelectric dams, located north of Ciudad del Este.
• Saltos del Monday – Another set of waterfalls in the region, located near Presidente Franco.
• Ciudad del Este – Paraguay’s second-largest city, known for shopping and tourism.

6. Conservation and Protection

• The park is managed by SEAM (Secretaría del Ambiente de Paraguay) to preserve its biodiversity.
• Deforestation and illegal hunting remain challenges, but conservation efforts aim to protect the ecosystem.

7. Conclusion

Parque Natural Ñacunday is one of Paraguay’s most beautiful natural areas, offering visitors the chance to experience lush forests, diverse wildlife, and the breathtaking Salto Ñacunday waterfall. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and eco-tourists seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in the Alto Paraná region.