Ybycui National Park

Ybycuí National Park is a protected area in southern Paraguarí department, covering 5,000 hectares of subtropical forest. The park is centred on the Ybycuí River, which cascades over a series of waterfalls through the forest. The park also contains the La Rosada iron foundry, Paraguay's first ironworks, established in the 1850s to manufacture weapons and munitions during the prelude to the Triple Alliance War. The ruins of the foundry, with its water wheel, blast furnaces, and canals, are a fascinating historical attraction within the park. The best time to visit is the dry season (May–September).

By Plane

Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) is about 90 km northwest.

By Train

No passenger rail.

By Car / Road

The park entrance is about 35 km south of Paraguarí (40 min) via Route PY01 and a paved secondary road. The last 5 km are on a gravel road in good condition. Buses from Asunción and Paraguarí drop passengers at the turn-off; hitchhiking or a taxi from Paraguarí is the best option.

The park has a network of short trails (30 min to 2 hr) connecting the waterfalls and the foundry.

• La Rosada Iron Foundry – Historic ruins of Paraguay's first ironworks, including the water wheel, furnaces, and workshops. Entry included in the park fee.

• Saltos del Ybycuí – A series of waterfalls on the Ybycuí River, with natural pools for swimming.

• Forest trails – Trails through subtropical forest with howler monkeys, toucans, and butterflies.

• Swimming – The pools below the waterfalls are the park's main draw.

• Hiking – Trails to the foundry and waterfalls.

• Picnicking – Designated picnic areas.

• Picnic – Bring your own food. Grills are available.
• Paraguarí – Restaurants 35 km north.

Bring water. The kiosk may have bottled drinks.

• Camping – A basic campground is available near the entrance, GS.20,000 per person.
• Paraguarí – Hotels and guesthouses 35 km north.

A small kiosk at the entrance sells drinks and snacks on weekends.

• Paraguarí (35 km north) – Department capital.
• Acahay (20 km north) – Hill with hiking.
• Yaguarón (60 km northwest) – Colonial church.