Lago Ypoa National Park

Lago Ypoá is less a lake than a system: a hundred thousand hectares or more of shallow lagoons, marsh, flooded grassland and floating vegetation mats south of Asuncion, connected by channels and changing shape with the water level, protected as a national park though much of it is under private title and grazing. It is one of the more important wetlands in the country for birds, with herons, storks, ibis, jacanas, screamers and large numbers of waterfowl, and capybaras and caimans in the water. Access is by boat from villages on the edge, arranged locally, and the channels through the floating vegetation are the way in. It is little visited despite being close to the capital.

What you actually see

• The lagoon system - the shallow water, marsh and floating mats.
• Waterbirds - the herons, storks, ibis and screamers of the wetland.
• Capybaras and caimans - the mammals and reptiles in the water.
• The boat channels - the routes cut through the vegetation.

When to go

April to October in the cooler months for the boats and the birds; water levels vary with the season and affect access. Early morning is best. Summer heat and insects are heavy.

Honest expectations

There is no visitor infrastructure and boats must be arranged informally in the edge villages. Much of the park is private and grazed. Mosquitoes are severe. Access points change with water level.

Nearby

Asuncion lies north; Quiindy is southeast.