High Point and River Landscape

At 700 metres above sea level, Punta Porá is one of Paraguay’s highest points. The rivers give Amambay a second, different geographic perspective: the Río Apa and Arroyo Estrella form natural borders with Brazil. Aquidabán, Ypané, Aguaray-Guazú and Puendy are among the department’s other rivers. The contrast between the high point and the waterways offers two different ways to experience the landscape of Amambay Department.

Nature and History in Cerro Corá National Park

In Cerro Corá National Park, hiking trails wind through lush vegetation. Nature photography and birdwatching are among the activities available there; more than 100 bird species are reported in the park. This makes birdwatching a tangible focus, while the trails also draw attention to the plant life. For travellers who prefer to observe nature rather than view it only from a lookout point, this offers a different perspective on the area.

Cerro Muralla offers another perspective: visitors can climb it to enjoy panoramic views and take photographs, especially at sunrise or sunset. While the hiking trails wind through lush vegetation, the focus here is on the climb, the panoramic views and the time of day. Check current conditions locally before planning your visit.

Cerro Corá National Park was the site of important events during the War of the Triple Alliance. Archaeological sites and monuments in the park commemorate them. Nature experiences and historical remembrance therefore sit side by side here as distinct themes: hiking trails and wildlife on the one hand, and traces of the war on the other.

The Río Apa near Bella Vista Norte

Two aspects come together on the Río Apa: its natural border with Brazil and the rapids near Bella Vista Norte, which attract tourists and anglers. This adds a different natural focus to the hiking and history themes of the national park. When choosing Amambay for a trip, visitors can weigh up whether the river landscape, birdwatching or the historical dimension of Cerro Corá interests them most.

More Nature and Culture in Paraguay

The wider destination of Paraguay offers additional cultural attractions. The Jesuit mission of Jesús de Tavarangue was founded in 1685; the Santísima Trinidad del Paraná mission was established in 1706 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Santísima Trinidad is designed in the Baroque style and built from sandstone blocks. The surviving Plaza Mayor was historically the centre of religious, cultural, artistic, social, economic and civic activities. A museum with historical collection items is housed in the former sacristy.

The Refugio Biológico de Mbaracayú offers another nature experience in Paraguay: it covers around 1,800 hectares and protects native flora and fauna. The 970-metre-long “La Esperanza” trail, the starting point for the visitor route, passes through restored forests, wetlands and areas of high biodiversity. The refuge offers guided hikes, opportunities to observe birds and native wildlife, and educational workshops.

Discover more destinations: Bella Vista Norte, Cerro Cora-i, Cordillera, Misiones Department, Central, Guairá, Itapúa, Paraguari.

For the broader travel overview: Paraguay.