The Jardin Botanico y Zoologico sits on the former estate of the Lopez family on the outskirts of Asuncion. The grounds are extensive — over 90 hectares of tropical vegetation, lakes, and walking paths — and provide a genuine escape from the heat and noise of the city centre. The botanical section has good collections of native Paraguayan plants, including palm species and tree ferns that give some of the paths a jungle-like quality.
The zoo on the property is modest by international standards, but local wildlife on display includes capybaras, tapirs, and various bird species. The estate also includes the former Lopez family home, a neoclassical villa that now contains a small museum of natural history. Weekends bring local families out in numbers, and the atmosphere is relaxed and festive. Getting here without a car or taxi requires some planning, but the trip is worth it on a hot day.