Birding tour near Asunción: 70–100 species in the Chaco

See Strange-tailed Tyrants and a dozen woodpecker species before lunch.

A half or full day birding tour from Asunción into the humid Chaco ecosystem, where you'll spot 70 to over 100 bird species at La Rafaela farm and Estancia La Playada, two Important Bird Areas, with a local guide, hotel pickup, breakfast and transport included. The tour suits anyone from casual bird watchers to serious listers. Children from age 4 are welcome. A guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese leads the outing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning birdwatching in Chaco ecosystem

• Drive 30-40 minutes from hotel
• Visit La Rafaela farm and Estancia La Playada
• Observe various bird species
• Spot endangered birds like Strange-tailed Tyrant
• See woodpeckers and parrots in flocks
• Hear Red-legged Seriema and Laughing Falcon

The experience

How many bird species can you find in a few hours? This tour answers that question by driving you 30 to 40 minutes from your hotel into the Chaco's humid grasslands and scrub, where the density of birdlife makes the region an Important Bird Area. You'll spend the morning at La Rafaela farm and Estancia La Playada, two sites where the guide knows where to listen and look. The target birds include Strange-tailed Tyrant and Sharp-tailed Scythebill (species you won't find easily elsewhere) alongside more common sightings like Greater Rhea, Toco Toucan, Blue-crowned Trogon, and ten species of woodpeckers ranging from Golden-green to Cream-backed.

The guide moves at a pace that lets you actually watch and listen instead of rushing through a checklist. Parrots and parakeets often appear in flocks; Red-legged Seriema is usually heard before it's seen; Laughing Falcon hunts overhead. Woodcreepers (Great-Rufous, Planalto, and the impressive Red-billed Scythebill) are among the most striking birds of the morning. Breakfast and bottled water are included, and the guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, so you can ask about behavior, habitat and identification as you go.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are arranged for selected hotels in Asunción, and the whole outing runs 4 to 5 hours. The drive times depend on traffic and the time of day you depart, so confirm the exact schedule when you book. Children from age 4 can join. Let the operator know about any dietary needs at the time of booking.

What’s included

• Local guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• hotel pickup and drop-off for selected Asunción hotels.
• transport by private vehicle.
• breakfast.
• coffee and tea.
• bottled water.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 05:30 and 13:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Wildlife Paraguay

Is this one for you?The 4 to 5 hour commitment leaves the rest of your day free: ideal if you're in Asunción for only a morning and want to see the Chaco's birds without a full-day commitment. If you're a serious birder or a casual watcher, the guide adjusts the pace to what you want to focus on.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many bird species realistically show up on a single morning?

The tour targets 70 to over 100 species in a few hours, depending on season and weather. The Chaco's status as an Important Bird Area means the density is high, and the guide knows the sites where birds concentrate.

What are the Strange-tailed Tyrant and Sharp-tailed Scythebill, and will I actually see them?

Both are endangered species that live in the Chaco and are among the target birds on this tour. The guide specializes in finding them at La Rafaela farm and Estancia La Playada, though sightings depend on the season and conditions on the day.

Does the tour include lunch, or should I eat before we leave?

Breakfast and coffee or tea are included, but lunch is not. Plan to eat after you return to Asunción, or bring a packed lunch if you prefer to eat during the outing.

What's the drive time from my hotel, and how early do we start?

The drive to the Chaco takes about 30 to 40 minutes from your hotel. Hotel pickup is arranged for selected hotels in Asunción. Confirm your exact pickup time when you book, as departure times vary depending on traffic and daylight.