In this guide
Yes, Mbatoví works as a day trip from Asunción: the Eco reserva Mbatoví sits at km 10 of the Paraguarí–Piribebuy road, about 72 km from the capital, and its adventure circuit takes around three hours. The plan that works is to book the 9:00 group, have lunch in Paraguarí and use the afternoon for one more stop before driving back on Route PY01.
What do you do at Mbatoví?
The main activity is the Tapé Saingó ("hanging path"), a circuit at treetop height. According to the reserve's official site (opens in a new tab), it includes:
- the Yvaropy trail, 2,000 metres long;
- four suspension bridges over the forest and streams;
- two ziplines running 40 metres above the ground (115 and 130 metres long, according to InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab));
- a rappel down a natural rock wall of more than 20 metres (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)).
No experience is needed, but you should be reasonably fit. From the top you can see Cerro Santo Tomás, Cerro Hu and Cerro Peró to the south, and the Pirayú valley to the west (Mbatoví (opens in a new tab)).
Booking, times and price
Everything is by advance booking only. This is what the reserve publishes on its website (checked October 2026):
- Days: Monday to Sunday, subject to availability. On weekends groups run with no minimum size; Monday to Friday a group needs at least 10 people.
- Slots: morning group at 9:00 and afternoon group at 14:00.
- Duration: about 3 hours for a group of 40; it varies with group size.
- Price: G. 150,000 per person; from 20 people G. 130,000, and from 40 people G. 120,000.
- Minimum age: 6.
- Payment: in advance by bank deposit or transfer, non-refundable unless the reserve cancels. Cancel 72 hours ahead and they will move your date.
- Rain: if they call it off for bad weather in Paraguarí, they reschedule or refund.
Note that the reserve has no restaurant and no camping, so plan lunch elsewhere.
The day, step by step
- Leave Asunción early. Take Route PY01 to Paraguarí (66 km) and continue on the road towards Piribebuy to km 10 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab); Mbatoví (opens in a new tab)). Aim to arrive before 9:00 for the morning group.
- 9:00 to 12:00, Tapé Saingó. Trail, bridges, ziplines and rappel.
- Lunch in Paraguarí, 10 km away. The fruit stands along PY01 are among the most popular on the road, according to Wikipedia (opens in a new tab), so it is a good moment to stock up.
- One more stop in the afternoon (pick one from below).
- Drive back in daylight on PY01.
If you prefer the 14:00 slot, flip the order: sightseeing in the morning, adventure after lunch. In summer, Paraguay's Health Ministry advises outdoor activity before 10:00 or after 17:00 (MSPBS (opens in a new tab)), so in January the morning group is the more comfortable choice.
What to add in the afternoon
- Paraguarí town centre. The Santo Tomás Apóstol cathedral and several old houses, plus the "Gral. Enrique Duarte Alder" museum at the Army Artillery Command, with cannons, weapons and historical documents (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Chololó stream. On the same road, around km 85 of the Rogelio R. Benítez road on the Piribebuy–Paraguarí border, the stream runs past springs, small waterfalls and big boulders (ABC Color, 2021 (opens in a new tab)). Access to the water is through private land, so ask first whether they take day visitors.
- Sapucai. 24 km from Paraguarí on a paved branch road, home to the old railway workshops (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). See our Sapucai day trip.
- Yaguarón, on the way back. On PY01, 48 km from Asunción: the Franciscan church of San Buenaventura and, nearby, the Dr. Francia museum (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab); La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). The natural break on the drive home.
Don't try all four: after three hours hanging from trees, one is plenty.
Getting there without a car
Buses to Paraguarí leave from Asunción's bus terminal and from Avenida Eusebio Ayala roughly every 15 minutes (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). The reserve is 10 km outside town on the Piribebuy road, so you need to arrange the last stretch: ask the reserve how to get there when you book.
What to bring
- Comfortable clothes and closed shoes with good grip: the trail is 2 km and there is a rappel.
- Water and food for afterwards, since there is no restaurant on site.
- Your booking payment receipt.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
FAQ
How much does Mbatoví cost?
According to its official site, G. 150,000 per person; G. 130,000 from 20 people and G. 120,000 from 40. Payment is in advance.
Do I need to book Mbatoví?
Yes, the activity runs only with advance booking. On weekdays a group needs at least 10 people; on weekends there is no minimum.
Where is Mbatoví?
At km 10 of the Paraguarí–Piribebuy road in Paraguarí, about 72 km from Asunción.
What is the minimum age?
Six years, according to the reserve. No experience is needed, but participants should be reasonably fit.
