Defensores del Chaco National Park

Defensores del Chaco is a large protected area in northern Paraguay covering extensive dry forests, savannas, and shrublands with varied plant life. The landscape shifts between denser wooded zones and more open grasslands, where white quebracho and palo santo trees are prominent species.

The park was created through a government decree in 1975 to protect the Gran Chaco ecosystem from deforestation and resource loss. This designation marked a turning point in safeguarding this vulnerable region.

Indigenous groups have inhabited these lands for generations, maintaining their traditional ways of life within this dry landscape. Their presence reflects a deep knowledge of how to thrive in such demanding conditions.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are needed to navigate the unpaved roads throughout the protected area. Simple camping facilities are available for those planning overnight stays within the park.

A distinctive mountain range called Cerro León rises sharply from the flat Chaco plains within the park. This elevated formation stands out unexpectedly in an otherwise low landscape.