In this guide
Mbaracayú Forest Nature Reserve, in Villa Ygatimí (Canindeyú department), is visited by booking ahead with the Moisés Bertoni Foundation, the private group that runs it. You can hike Atlantic Forest trails, paddle a canoe or kayak, climb lookout towers, see waterfalls and join activities with the Aché community. A day visit works, but the trip pays off far more if you stay overnight at Mbaracayú Lodge or the campsite.
Getting to Mbaracayú from Asunción
The reserve is about 375 km from Asunción, according to Paraguay's tourism secretariat (Senatur), as reported by Última Hora (opens in a new tab). Drive Route PY03 to Curuguaty, then take PY13, which is paved all the way to Villa Ygatimí (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Local side roads are gravel or dirt and become impassable after rain, so check the forecast and don't push the last stretch after a heavy storm.
- By car: the easiest option. Fill up in Curuguaty, the last sizeable town before the reserve.
- Landmark: the historic Tendal site, linked to the War of the Triple Alliance, sits at the reserve entrance.
- Before you go: download an offline map, since signal drops on rural stretches.
Don't mix up the names: the Mbaracayú Binational Biological Refuge near Salto del Guairá is a different, much smaller protected area (La Nación (opens in a new tab)). The Bertoni reserve is reached via Villa Ygatimí.
What to do inside the reserve
The reserve protects more than 64,000 hectares of Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, with about 440 bird species recorded (Moisés Bertoni Foundation (opens in a new tab)). Activities named by the foundation and the Paraguayan press:
- Guided or self-guided trails through the forest, leading to viewpoints, mangrullos (wooden lookout towers) and waterfalls (Infonegocios, 2026 (opens in a new tab); Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). Birders should start at first light.
- Canoe and kayak trips on the river, a quiet way to see the forest edge from the water.
- Adventure activities such as rappelling, booked separately.
- Night walks and stargazing, with no city lights nearby (La Nación, 2021 (opens in a new tab)). These only make sense if you stay the night.
- Listening for the bare-throated bellbird (pájaro campana), the reserve's symbol. Ask your guide which trail gives the best odds.
Visiting the Aché community respectfully
The foundation runs cultural exchanges and craft workshops with the Aché. Reserve staff have asked visitors not to enter homes or photograph private life; you are welcomed in shared spaces, like a guest (Hosteltur (opens in a new tab)). Ask before taking photos, and if you want a souvenir, buy crafts directly.
Where to stay: lodge or campsite
Mbaracayú Lodge sits inside the reserve, with three rustic cabins in shared use. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner cooked by people from the local community (Infonegocios, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). There is also a camping area (La Nación, 2021 (opens in a new tab)).
Students from the Centro Educativo Mbaracayú, a school that trains young women from the area in environmental science and tourism, do their work placements at the lodge.
When to go and how to book
Over Easter week, the July winter break, Christmas and New Year, places sell out fast; the foundation advises booking at least six weeks ahead (Infonegocios, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). For dates, rates and activities, message the Moisés Bertoni Foundation on WhatsApp at +595 985 191 000; its office is at Avenida Santísimo Sacramento 1026, Asunción (official site (opens in a new tab)).
What to pack for a trail day
- Closed shoes you don't mind getting muddy, and long trousers.
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and a light rain jacket.
- Enough water for the hike, plus some cash.
- A flashlight if you join the night walk.
- Binoculars if you're into birds.
A suggested weekend plan
- Day 1: leave Asunción early, have lunch in Curuguaty and reach the reserve mid-afternoon. Short first trail, then a night walk or stargazing.
- Day 2: a longer trail to a viewpoint or waterfall early, canoeing around midday, and an Aché craft workshop in the afternoon.
- Day 3: one last dawn walk for birds, then drive back in daylight before dark falls on the dirt roads.
FAQ
Where is Mbaracayú reserve and how do I get there?
It is in Villa Ygatimí, Canindeyú, about 375 km from Asunción. Take Route PY03 to Curuguaty, then the paved PY13 to Villa Ygatimí.
Can I visit Mbaracayú as a day trip?
Yes, day visits are possible, with activities booked separately. Staying overnight lets you do the night walks and early birding.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. Arrange your visit with the Moisés Bertoni Foundation (WhatsApp +595 985 191 000), and book about six weeks ahead for Easter, the July break and the holiday season.
Where can I sleep in the reserve?
At Mbaracayú Lodge, which has three rustic shared-use cabins with meals included, or at the campsite.
Is it the same as the Mbaracayú refuge near Salto del Guairá?
No. The Binational Biological Refuge is near Salto del Guairá; the Bertoni Foundation reserve is in Villa Ygatimí.
