Parque Nacional Cerro Corá

This national park is now etched onto the map as one of Paraguay's treasures. Established in 1990 to combat rapidly increasing deforestation - a result of the demand for agricultural land - it protects an area of dry tropical forest and natural savanna within steep, isolated hills. It also has some interesting pre-Colombian caves and petroglyphs to ogle.

The park's nature trails head to rivers, waterfalls and a small natural mirador (viewpoint), Cerro Muralia (325m/1066ft). Rare birds and a zoo worth of animals - including tortoises, armadillos and monkeys - can be spotted (rumor has it that there's even a jaguar, but this is based on footprints only). There's a camping area (slather on the insect repellent) and a small visitors' center-museum with animal displays and maps. Behind this building there is a comfortable cabin with all the mod cons where guests can bunk for a small donation.