Medanos del Chaco National Park

Medanos del Chaco National Park is a protected area in northern Paraguay, straddling the border between Alto Paraguay and Boquerón departments. The park protects a unique Chaco landscape of active sand dunes (medanos) that shift with the wind, an unusual feature in a region better known for flat thorn forest. The dunes rise from the surrounding scrubland and create a striking desert-like landscape. The park is extremely remote and undeveloped, with no visitor facilities. The best time to visit is the dry season (May–September).

By Plane

The nearest airport is Mariscal Francisco Solano López Airport (CIO) in Concepción, about 500 km southeast, or chartered flights to a nearby airstrip.

By Train

No passenger rail.

By Car / Road

Access is via long 4WD tracks from the Transchaco Highway. The nearest fuel and supplies are at Madrejón or Filadelfia, each several hours' drive away. A 4WD with high clearance and recovery gear is essential. A guide with GPS is strongly recommended.

Walking on the dunes. Driving is extremely difficult due to soft sand.

• Sand dunes – Active dunes up to 10 metres high, a dramatic contrast to the surrounding Chaco.

• Adapted flora – Specialised plants that survive in the shifting sand.

• Wildlife – Armadillos, foxes, and birds adapted to the arid conditions.

• Dune hiking – Walk the dunes for a unique Chaco experience.

• Photography – The dunes at sunrise and sunset are spectacular.

Self-catering.

Bring ample water.

• Camping – Primitive camping only.

No facilities. Bring all supplies.

• Defensores del Chaco National Park (200 km east) – Paraguay's largest park.
• Teniente Agripino Enciso National Park (150 km south) – Chaco protected area.
• Filadelfia (400 km south) – Mennonite colony with fuel and supplies.