See the vast wildlife of rarely-visited Paraguay

Fantastic views, fascinating wildlife, unique culture - Paraguay has a lot to offer the intrepid traveller.

Landlocked in the centre of South America, Paraguay has historically boasted little in the way of a tourist industry, but following almost 200 years of political instability the country is now more ready than ever for visitors to experience what it has to offer.

Paraguayans enjoy an often relaxed lifestyle and are very friendly and welcoming to visitors - usually on tailor-made holidays and private tours.

Chaco forms a section of the world's biggest forest area and it is a huge, flat and unpopulated area. It does, however, boast a stunning array of plains, palm forests, marshes, thorn thickets, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and endangered animals such as pumas and jaguars.

To the east of the Chaco and River Paraguay, the fertile eastern area perhaps holds the highest number of tourist attractions. Captial city Asunción, is one such attraction on the east bank hills of the river, featuring colonial architecture, museums and peaceful parks.