Chaco, Semi-arid region in western Paraguay.
The Chaco is a semi-arid region in western Paraguay that covers over 60 percent of the country's territory. It is characterized by vast open landscapes where only about three percent of the national population lives.
The region became the center of South America's longest territorial conflict, the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia from 1932 to 1935. This war fundamentally shaped the borders and history of the territory.
Indigenous communities such as the Ayoreo, Chamacoco, and Guaraní live here and maintain their traditional ways, while Mennonite settlements established in the early 20th century have shaped the region. The coexistence of these different groups has created a distinctive local character and identity.
The main entry points are the towns of Filadelfia and Loma Plata, which serve as bases for exploration. From these towns, visitors can venture into the surrounding wilderness and observe wildlife.
The territory is home to jaguars, tapirs, and over 400 fish species living among thorny forests and quebracho trees. This rich biodiversity makes it a rare habitat for South American wildlife.
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