Tinfunque hosts a diverse array of wildlife, particularly adapted to its wetland ecosystem. Notable species include the marsh deer, capybara, jaguar, and puma. The park is also home to numerous bird species, including the jabiru stork, wood storks, and various herons. Reptiles are well-represented with species such as the yellow anaconda and broad-snouted caiman. The seasonal wetlands provide crucial habitat for migratory birds and support a rich diversity of fish species.
The park's vegetation is typical of the humid Chaco region, featuring a mix of palm savannas, gallery forests, and wetland species. Notable plant species include the Karanda'y palm (Copernicia alba), which forms extensive stands in the savanna areas, and various hardwood trees in the gallery forests. The wetland areas support abundant aquatic vegetation, including water lilies and floating meadows. During the rainy season, the landscape transforms with the emergence of numerous flowering species.
The park is characterized by its location in the Gran Chaco plain, featuring a complex network of rivers, seasonal wetlands, and palm savannas. The terrain is predominantly flat with slight elevations and depressions that create a mosaic of microhabitats. The soil composition varies from clay-rich areas that retain water during wet seasons to sandy zones that support different vegetation types. The Rio Paraguay's influence has shaped the landscape through seasonal flooding cycles.
Established in 1966, Tinfunque National Park was created to protect the unique wetland ecosystems of Paraguay's western Chaco region. The park's name comes from the indigenous Maskoy language. Historically, the area was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Maskoy and Chamacoco peoples, who utilized the region's natural resources for sustenance. The park's creation marked an important step in Paraguay's conservation efforts, protecting approximately 280,000 hectares of diverse landscapes.
The park's most distinctive features include its extensive network of seasonal wetlands and palm savannas, which create a unique landscape that changes dramatically between wet and dry seasons. The Rio Paraguay's influence creates important ecological corridors, while the mosaic of habitats supports remarkable biodiversity. Visitors can observe wildlife from elevated viewing points, explore waterways during high water periods, and witness the dramatic transformation of the landscape throughout the year. The park also serves as an important research site for wetland ecology and conservation.
Tinfunque National Park experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from October to April, with December and January seeing the heaviest rainfall. Summer temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F), while winter temperatures typically range from 15-25°C (59-77°F). The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September) when trails are more accessible and wildlife viewing opportunities are optimal.
Paraguay
-22.3670°, -59.8330°
1966
2800
Tinfunque National Park is characterized by its extensive wetlands and palm savannas in the Paraguayan Chaco region. The park is an important refuge for numerous water birds and aquatic species. Its unique ecosystem includes seasonal flooding patterns that create diverse habitats for wildlife.