Concepción sits at the edge of the Paraguayan Pantanal — one of the world's great wetland systems, shared between Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil. The Paraguayan section is the least visited and least developed of the three, which means it is also the least crowded and, in places, remarkably wild.
The Río Paraguay itself forms the boundary between the flooded Chaco lowlands and the higher ground of the Concepción region. During the wet season (December–March), vast areas flood and wildlife concentrates on the remaining high ground. Caimans are ubiquitous; capybaras graze the banks; jabiru storks and giant otters are present in areas with low human pressure. Day excursions by boat from Concepción are possible, and local guides can arrange fishing trips and wildlife-watching outings. For serious Pantanal exploration, continue upriver by boat toward the Brazilian border.