El Chaco is a scarcely populated area. With its undergrowth and palm tree forests, it is one of the most pristine habitats of South America. Its biodiversity of plants and animals is comparable to the Amazon. The generous fauna of El Chaco and its countryside make it an eco-tourist's dream.

A typical eco-tour is possible only by the one paved road: La Ruta del Chaco. It is fascinating how the ecosystem quickly changes as you come from Asunción and cross the Paraguay River. Along the way, there is a part of the route that passes by an unequal path to the side of the 2 enormous lagoons: the flamingo lagoon and the lost marsh. The flamingo lagoon is, of course covered by flamingos. The lost marsh is a sweet water lagoon that attracts a variety of animals.

El Chaco is truly alive at night. The majority of the largest mammals avoid the heat during the day when the summer temperature averages 40 degrees Celsius. Aside from seeing the animals, you can enjoy looking at millions of stars in the clear skies and listen to the strange sounds of insects.

El Chaco is not only a great place to see the fauna. There are also cultural tourism opportunities. El Chaco is one of the last places in South America where indigenous populations of Hunters & Gatherers exist. Certain indigenous populations have opposed contact with the colonists of Paraguay and continue their traditional religion and customs in the northern part of El Chaco. Many native groups such as the Sanapana, Lengua and Nivakle live on reservations set up by the Paraguayan government.

Source: Charles Brennic - www.planeta.com
Translations and editing by: JoAnn Arbore Mainardi
 

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