Audio Guide of Laguna Oca Paraguay River Biosphere Reserve

The reserve is open Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The main access is from National Route 11, just 5 km from the city of Formosa. It is recommended to arrange your visit with the Tourism Secretariat by calling +54 370 442 8853 or visiting their website.

Access to the natural area is free. However, if you hire tourism services such as guided boat trips or interpretive hiking, these have variable costs that you can check at Formosa Tourism.

It is recommended to set aside at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the land trails and take a short water tour. If you book the full guided visit, the tour usually lasts half a day, around 4 to 5 hours.

It was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2001 because of its unique biodiversity: it is home to 250 bird species, caimans, and flora typical of the Chaco wetlands. It also protects archaeological remains of the native Chané and Guaycurú peoples.

The best time is from May to September, with milder temperatures of 20 to 28°C and lower humidity. Avoid December to February because of extreme heat, which can reach 45°C. The early morning hours are ideal for birdwatching.

At present, it does not have permanent adapted infrastructure. The trails are natural dirt paths, but specialized visits with adapted 4x4 vehicles can be arranged by contacting the Tourism Office at +54 370 442-8853.

We recommend: 1) La Estrella Marsh (120 km away, a unique wetland) info here, 2) the Provincial Historical Museum (in the city of Formosa), 3) Vuelta Fermoza Waterfront with views of the Paraguay River.

Apply mosquito repellent, bring drinking water (at least 2 liters per person), a hat, and sunscreen. It is important to bring binoculars for wildlife watching and to book local guides in advance by contacting Formosa Tourism.