Bahia Negra

Bahía Negra is a remote port town in northern Alto Paraguay department, the northernmost settlement of any size in Paraguay. It sits on the Paraguay River near the borders with Bolivia and Brazil, at the edge of the vast Pantanal wetland. The town is the terminus of the weekly Aquidabán cargo ferry from Concepción, making it the endpoint of one of Paraguay's great river journeys. The surrounding area is wild Pantanal, rich in wildlife including jaguars, capybaras, caimans, and hundreds of bird species. The climate is tropical; the dry season (May–September) is the only viable time for travel.

By Plane

There is a small airstrip used by military and chartered flights. Scheduled flights do not operate. The nearest commercial airport is Mariscal Francisco Solano López Airport (CIO) in Concepción, 350 km south.

By Train

No passenger rail.

By Car / Road

Bahía Negra is accessible via a very long unpaved road from the south. A 4WD is essential. The journey from Concepción takes 8–12 hr depending on conditions.

By Boat

The weekly Aquidabán cargo ferry from Concepción is the classic way to arrive. The journey takes 2–3 days northbound, stopping at riverside communities.

Walkable village. Boats for exploring the Pantanal.

• Río Paraguay – The broad, dark river at the northern frontier.

• Pantanal landscape – Seasonally flooded savanna, the world's largest tropical wetland.

• Frontera tripartita – The three-border junction where Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil meet.

• Aquidabán ferry journey – Arriving or departing on the weekly cargo ferry is the quintessential experience.

• Pantanal wildlife tours – Boat trips into the Bolivian and Brazilian Pantanal from Bahía Negra; jaguar sightings are possible.

• Fishing – The river and Pantanal are world-class fishing grounds.

• Comedor Bahía – Simple meals, GS.15,000–25,000.

Bottled drinks.

• Budget: Basic hospedaje, GS.50,000–70,000.
• Mid-range: Lodge Bahía Negra, rustic Pantanal-style accommodation, doubles from GS.200,000.

Basic provisions.

• Puerto Casado (120 km south) – Former tannin port.
• Fuerte Olimpo (90 km south) – Historic fort on the river.
• Bolivian Pantanal (across the border) – The Bolivian side of the Pantanal, even wilder.