A visit to Ybycui National Park

Paraguay's most visited national park is located 150 kilometers from Asunción (2 1/2 hour drive). It is 5,000 hectares  (about 12 acres) and is one of the best protected parks in Paraguay. The name "Ybycui" means 'sandy' in Guarani.  We also visited the ruins of an iron foundry called "La Rosada."  The foundry worked in times of Carlos Antonio López , where parts were manufactured for war, plus parts for marine vessels of the Paraguayan fleet. It worked for about 19 ​​years, from 1850-1869, when it was destroyed by the Brazilian and Uruguayan troops during the Triple Alliance War

.We traveled here for two nights, hoping to camp, but were rained out.  We stayed a really great hotel instead and had a great time being outside and hanging out with friends.  It's a rare treat to get to be outside and enjoy the temperature, so this was a fantastic trip!

Spiral staircase at the iron foundry

Water wheel at the foundry

 

Paraguayan farmers

If you go: Camping is a great option if it's not raining. The park has running water (only cold) and indoor bathrooms).  There is also a covered area to camp, but it's concrete.  The road to the park is about 3 km on a very rutted sandy road.  It's not recommended if you have a small car and you are there after it's been raining a lot.  Lucky for you, 3 km isn't that far to walk!  Come prepared to do a little river wading if you are here at any season that's not summer or after it has rained.

If you decide not to camp, Complejo Villa America is a great option.  It's about 5 km before the town of Ybycui, about 25 km from the park.  You can hire a taxi from town to the park if you are traveling by bus. They have many sorts of rooms/cabins, a pool, a volleyball court, a soccer field, and breakfast is included.  The bungalows don't have a kitchen, but they do have a quincho if you come prepared with dishes and cookware. We rented 2 bungalows for 5 people each at 400 mil Guaranis a night (about $85 US).