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The Chaco region is found in basically the middle of South America. The majority of the region sits within the sometimes obsolete country of Paraguay. However obsolete in the minds of the majority of travellers, the truth is that the Chaco region, and perhaps all of Paraguay, has a lot of potential to develop as a tourism haven. The Chaco is one of the best places on the planet to see jaguars in the wild. Moreover, the great ecosystem is home to one of the most prosperous bird and plant life in South America. The cactus above was photographed just seconds after a beautifully coloured hummingbird danced right in front of it as it sucked at its flower. The town of Filadelfia is the base for most traveller’s exploration of the Chaco, and is the exact location of the above photo.

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Toucan Sam

Not much is known of Paraguay. Most travellers and non-travellers would have a tough time describing just about anything about this landlocked country in South America. However, what might surprise them is that this country is actually one of the most diverse in the continent. It boasts a wetland region known as the Pantanal, a rough flatland area known as the Chaco and it owns a significant share of rainforest as well. In fact, Paraguay is one of the premier spots in all of South America to spot wildlife. In the country you might have the chance to spot jaguars, pumas, monkeys, coatis, and even one of th fan favourite birds like a toucan. It seems unlikely that Paraguay will ever become a fixture on the travel plans of the average backpacker but believe me, there is reason to visit.

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Asuncion, Paraguay is like a fading gem left in the jewelry box of South America and left to collect dust and to start caking in rust. It’s not that’s not beautiful, it’s just been left and forgotten. As if it has been tucked away in a corner unseen, or perhaps overshadowed by more beautiful jewels like Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro. But the truth is that Asuncion is well worth visiting and is actually one of the most interesting destinations in South America. The capital city of Paraguay is one of the many places in the region that has a beautiful ability to allow people to use their imaginations and think back to what it must have been like in the days it thrived.

The photo above was taken at a church in the old town of Asuncion. It will go down in history as one of my favourite places in South America to shoot urban photography.

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