Paraguay’s only true lake, crystal clear LAGUNA BLANCA is named for its white sandy substrate visible even in the deepest parts of the lake. Completely unspoilt (the water is clean enough to drink) it is one of Paraguay’s best kept secrets, its comparative isolation meaning that few people make it out here to enjoy the white sand beaches and paradisiacal surroundings.
Horses and kayaks are available for rent, or else keep yourself busy by sunbathing, swimming in the tepid waters of the lake or walking in the stunning natural surroundings. For animal lovers Laguna Blanca has its own special appeal, with over 25 square kilometres of pristine cerrado habitat – the native South American grasslands – surrounding the lake.
Though for much of the year cerrado vegetation can appear brown and lifeless, it springs to life during the rainy season (September to November) with plants rapidly coming into bloom, trees fruiting and a patchwork of colours dotting the landscape, lending it a beauty almost unrivalled in nature. Given its unique cerrado avifauna, Laguna Blanca is also a must for birdwatchers, being home to the only population of the rare Lesser Nothura (a small partridge-like bird) to be found outside of Brazil and one of only three known global populations of the endangered White-winged Nightjar – one of the world’s rarest birds. In fact no fewer than twelve globallythreatened bird species can be found in this comparatively small area. Maned wolves are also present here, as are other large mammals such as puma and Collared peccary – your best chances of seeing them are by taking a night drive.
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