Below is the list of Dry Chaco endemic birds that are found in Paraguay and in bold the 15 species that we hope to observe in this tour: Brushland Tinamou, Quebracho Crested-tinamou, Chaco Chachalaca, Chaco Owl, Cream-backed Woodpecker, Black-bodied Woodpecker, Black-legged Seriema, Spot-winged Falconet, Crested Gallito, Great Rufous Woodcreeper,Scimitar-billed Woodcreeper, Chaco Earthcreeper, Crested Hornero, Dinelli’s Doradito, Cinereous Tyrant, Many-colored Chaco-finch, Black-capped Warbling-Finch and Stripe-capped Sparrow. Additionally, there is an important variety of species well associated to the Chaco, difficult to observe in other places and that are found with greater abundance in the Paraguayan Chaco, some of them are: In the Humid Chaco; Jabiru, Maguari and Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbill, Savanna,Great Black and Black-collared Hawk, Snail Kite, Limpkin, Giant Wood-Rail, Wattled Jacana, Plumbeous,Bare-faced and Buff-necked Ibis, Swainson's and Brown-crested Myiarchus, Yellow-billed Cardinal, Vermillion Flycatcher, White-faced Whistling-Duck and Brazilian Duck, Scaly-headed Parrot, Nanday, Blue-crowned, Monk Parakeets and Turquoise-fronted Parrot. In the Central Chaco; Great Horned Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl, Scissor-tailed and Little Nightjar, Pauraque, Golden-collared Macaw. In the Dry Chaco; Stripe-backed Antbird, Black-crested Finch, Ringed Warbling-Finch, Harris and Zone-tailed Hawks, the endangered Chaco Eagle and Black-backed Grosbeak.
Jaguar, Puma, Jaguarundi, Ocelote and Geoffroy´s Cat, Lowland Tapir, Chaco, Collared and White-lipped Peccary,Azara’s Night Monkey and Chacoan Titi Monkey, Three-banded, Six-banded and Lesser Hairy Armadillos, Maned Wolf, Crab-eating and Pampa´s Fox, Crab-eating Raccoon, Grey Brocket Deer, and Chaco Mara, Giant and Tamandua Anteaters.
Day 1 - HUMID CHACO. Early In the morning, we will cross the Paraguay River and visit two ranches dedicated to livestock that are well preserved natural reserves. It conserves a rich variety of birds and mammals characteristic of the Humid Chaco and it will also be our gateway to the Great Chaco. After about 3 hours of bird watching, depending on the activity, we will continue. We will bird our way through the Humid Chaco on our way northwest. We will have lunch on the way to a restaurant well known for its tasty "empanadas", and then we will visit our next sites looking for the specialties of the Humid Chaco. Overnight in the Humid Chaco area.
Day 2 - LAGUNA CAPITAN, CHACO LODGE, IPAROMA RANCH. We will begin our drive west towards the region of saltwater lagoons. In the morning, we will visit the Laguna Capitan Reserve; this place will surprise us for its variety and quality of bird species, which will most likely already give us more than 1 of our Chaco target species. Then we will dedicate a half-day to go to Chaco Lodge Private Reserve in the main saltwater lagoons of the central Chaco area. Our birding of the Dry Chaco begins today and we will make sure to try some mammal-watching at night. Overnight in Iparoma Ranch.
Day 3 - IPAROMA RANCH, TENIENTE ENCISO NATIONAL PARK. Early in the morning, we will visit a natural reserve near Iparoma Ranch that will offer us excellent observation opportunities. We will have lunch on the ranch and then leave for Teniente Enciso National Park, one of the best preserved national parks that protects the fantastic diversity of the Dry Chaco. We will arrive at the end of the afternoon and we will go out to take our first walk. Overnight in Teniente Enciso NP.
Day 4 - TENIENTE ENCISO NATIONAL PARK, FORTIN TOLEDO. Early in the morning, we will head further north to the vicinity of the Médanos del Chaco National Park where we will observe the first vegetated dunes and their special fauna and flora. Then we will return to Teniente Enciso National Park and in the afternoon, we will walk through its very interesting trails. We will leave for Toledo. Overnight in Fortin Toledo.
Day 5 - FORTIN TOLEDO, ASUNCIÓN. We will have some time to bird and visit a breeding facility for the Chaco Peccary today in the morning. Then we will 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.
(Note: Please book flights to arrive in Asunción one day before the start of the tour)
If you are interested in the tour and want more details, write to our e-mail and we will gladly help you build your ideal tour. Do not forget that all our tours are ready to be adapted to your needs (Examples: more or less tour days, special species that you want to observe, emphasis on the group of animals or plants of your preference, add cultural and / or anthropological content, type of lodgings, level of meals, etc.)
This Tour includes*:
- All meals from lunch on first day to breakfast on the last day of the program (depending on the tour that you choose);
- Bottled drinking water;
- All lodgings of the tour mentioned in the program;
- Ground transportation;
- Reserve entrance fees; and
- All guiding services (not including tips for local guides and services).
The tour fee does not include:
- Visa fees;
- ANY flights (see above);
- Passenger insurance (we recommend taking passenger insurance for trips to Paraguay and the region);
- Any alcoholic drinks;
- Special gratuities; and
- Telephone calls, laundry and other items of a personal nature and other items not mentioned as expressly included.
*: Likewise all services included and not included will be clearly stipulated in our travel agreement according to the characteristics of the tour and your needs.
To see more details of terms and conditions of our tours click here.
