Botanical Garden and Zoo of Asunción
Asunción
The Botanical Garden and Zoo of Asunción is a prominent green space in Paraguay's capital, spanning 110 hectares of natural forest. It hosts nearly seventy species of South American wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, within environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. The botanical garden highlights native species, especially its lush, mature trees, some over 150 years old. The site also includes a nursery cultivating over 500 plant species, many medicinal, supporting educational programs. Originally the country estate of President Carlos Antonio López in the 1840s, the main building reflects the architecture and decoration of that era and is legally protected as cultural heritage. Founded as a botanical garden in 1914 by German scientists Karl Fiebrig and Anna Gertz, who also established the zoo with an advanced approach to animal care, the site has a rich scientific and cultural legacy. The Natural History Museum, located in a former farmhouse on the estate, adds to its educational importance. Though historically larger, the estate has been reduced due to urban development. The garden remains a vital place for conservation, education, and recreation in Asunción.
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Tip: Visit during the cooler morning hours to enjoy the shade of mature trees and active wildlife. Purchase tickets in advance if available, and inquire about discounts for students or groups. The nursery offers educational tours on medicinal plants, ideal for those interested in botany. Allow ample time to explore both the zoo and botanical areas. Check the official website or contact the garden for current opening hours and any special events or guided tours.
Interesting facts
- •The garden's main building is protected under Paraguayan law as a cultural heritage site.
- •The iconic Tagua peccary, once thought extinct, is a key exhibit rediscovered in the 1980s in the Paraguayan Chaco.
- •The botanical nursery collaborates internationally, including with the Botanic Garden and Conservatory of Geneva.
- •The estate once included a railway station, port, and over 60 km of roads within its grounds.
History
The estate originally belonged to Carlos Antonio López, president of Paraguay from 1842 to 1862, who built the main house in the 1840s.
In 1896, the property was sold to the state-owned Agricultural Bank.
The botanical garden was established in 1914 by Karl Fiebrig and Anna Gertz, German scientists who also founded the zoo with a focus on naturalistic animal habitats.
The garden and zoo were managed by Fiebrig until 1936, when political changes forced him to leave Paraguay.
Over time, the estate shrank from over 600 hectares due to urban encroachment and infrastructure developments.
Since then, the Municipality of Asunción has managed the site, preserving its cultural and natural heritage.
Place Guide
Main House (Casa Lopez)1840s
The historic residence of Carlos Antonio López, built in the 1840s, showcasing period architecture, decoration, and technological features of the era. It is registered as a protected cultural heritage site.
Botanical Garden
A vast area featuring native Paraguayan tree species, many over 150 years old, offering shaded walking paths and a rich display of natural flora.
Nursery
Houses over 500 plant species, focusing on medicinal plants used for educational interpretation. It cooperates internationally for research and cultivation.
Zoo
Home to about 64 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and others, with enclosures designed to resemble natural habitats. The Tagua peccary is a notable species featured.
Natural History Museum
Located in a former farmhouse on the estate, the museum houses collections related to the region's natural history and biodiversity.
Contact
Phone: (021) 281 389