The Chaco holidays
The Chaco holidays at a glance
We often compare the Chaco with Brazil’s Pantanal – the two share plenty of the same species – but they’re very different ecosystems. Where the Pantanal floods seasonally, much of the Chaco is semi-arid: flat, thorny and sweltering, earning it the nickname the “Green Inferno.” It’s an apt one, though the reality is more beautiful than menacing, with cacti the size of houses standing sentinel over the plains.
For centuries only a handful of hardy indigenous communities called this place home, and neither Paraguay nor neighbouring Bolivia paid the region much attention until the prospect of oil sparked a bitter war between 1932 and 1935. The population remains tiny today, swelled only by the Mennonite colonies Paraguay is known for – communities who settled in towns like Filadelfia and still speak a form of High German, preserving a culture entirely their own.
Wildlife is the main draw. Caiman, lowland tapir, giant anteater, armadillo and the elusive Chacoan peccary all call the region home, while birders come for eagles, rheas, tinamous, woodpeckers and woodcreepers, plus the waterfowl drawn to its salt pans and swamps. For Paraguay nature holidays that go beyond the guidebooks, this is where we’d point you first.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to The Chaco
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
The semi-arid wilderness of the Chaco is rich in wildlife and a great destination for birdwatchers.
When to visit The Chaco
Broadly speaking, June to September, when things cool down – though wildlife can reward you at any time of year. Sightings are possible year-round, with rainfall and water levels shifting what you’ll see and where. The mix of wetlands, salt pans and dry forest keeps the birdwatching rewarding whichever season you choose.
This is the hottest and most humid time of the year with temperatures reaching up to 42°C from December – February.
From June to September it is slightly cooler and less humid and so this is considered the best time to visit the Chaco region.
Top Things to do in The Chaco
There’s plenty to fill a few days here, from wildlife-spotting drives to visits with the Mennonite communities. Below are some of our favourite things to do in the Chaco.
Spot wildlife in the dry savannahs, lagoons and salt pans of the remote wilderness of the Chaco.
Visit the pacifist Mennonite agricultural colonies of the remote Chaco.
Accommodation in The Chaco
Unlike the Pantanal, the Chaco remains almost entirely undeveloped for tourism – don’t expect upscale lodges. Most travellers base themselves in Filadelfia or Loma Plata and drive out to the best wildlife-spotting areas each day, with accommodation built around access rather than luxury.
Pleasant motel-style accommodation on Filadelfia, Mennonite colony in the Chaco.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made The Chaco Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Signature Paraguay: The Missions and the Chaco
Places visited: Asuncion and the heartland · The Chaco · The Jesuit Missions of the south · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side
11 days from £3,550
FAQs about visiting The Chaco
The Chaco is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When To Go
The climate of this low-lying country is sub-tropical. Summer is extremely hot and humid, with average temperatures in Feb reaching 35°C. In winter temperatures are variable and it can be very cold at night. Most precipitation falls Oct- Apr but it can rain at any time of the year.
- Language
Spanish, Guaraní.The Mennonite communities speak a version of High German.
- Currency
Guaraní. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in Asunción using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. There are also many exchange houses in the capital and on the border where you can exchange US dollars and South American currencies cash (take your passport). When travelling to the Chaco, acquire your guaranis in Asuncion before you go.
- Time Difference
GMT -4 hours.
- Combines With
Combine a visit to the Chaco with a stay in Asuncion and a tour of the southern Jesuit Missions.
- Getting There
Driving time from Asunción is around 8 hours along the two-lane highway called the Ruta Transchaco..
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.