Rio Negro National Park

Río Negro National Park is a protected area in northern Alto Paraguay department, covering 30,000 hectares along the Río Negro, a tributary of the Paraguay River. It protects a transition zone between the dry Chaco and the Pantanal wetlands, with gallery forests, palm savanna, and seasonal floodplains. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife including howler monkeys, capybaras, caimans, and many bird species. It is remote and receives very few visitors. The best time to visit is the dry season (May–September).

By Plane

The nearest commercial airport is Mariscal Francisco Solano López Airport (CIO) in Concepción, about 350 km south.

By Train

No passenger rail.

By Car / Road

Access is via unpaved roads from Bahía Negra (60 km southwest) or Fuerte Olimpo (100 km north). A 4WD is essential.

There are no marked trails. A guide is necessary.

• Río Negro – The dark-water river that gives the park its name.

• Gallery forest – Dense riverside forest contrasting with the surrounding drier Chaco.

• Wildlife – Howler monkeys, caimans, capybaras, and diverse bird species.

• Wildlife watching – Boat trips on the Río Negro offer excellent wildlife viewing.

• Photography – The Pantanal-Chaco transition landscape is unique.

Self-catering.

Bring water.

• Camping – Primitive camping only.
• Bahía Negra – Basic accommodation 60 km northeast.

No facilities. Bring supplies from Bahía Negra or Fuerte Olimpo.

• Bahía Negra (60 km northeast) – Northernmost Paraguayan town.
• Fuerte Olimpo (100 km north) – Historic fort on the Paraguay River.
• Defensores del Chaco National Park (200 km west) – Paraguay's largest national park.