- Address: Avda. Primer Presidente y Avda. Artigas, Asuncion, Paraguay
- Area: 110 hectares
- Foundation date: 1914.
- Founder: Carl Fibrig
Most travelers begin their adventure through the amazing Paraguay from its capital, Asuncion . This charming colonial city is one of the most unusual capitals of South America and is famous for its neoclassical facades, beautiful squares and cozy shady boulevards. This is also a place of contradiction: expensive sports cars sweep along the ruined cobbled streets, while street vendors sell all sorts of trinkets in the shadow of modern shopping centers. Despite everything, this city deserves the attention of tourists, including thanks to the magnificent Botanical Garden and the zoo, which will be discussed later.
Interesting Facts
The botanical garden and the zoo (Jardín Botánico y Zoológico de Asunción) is considered one of the most important sights of Asuncion. It is located in the northern part of the city and covers an area of 110 hectares. The garden was founded in 1914 on the site of the estate of the former President of Paraguay Carlos Antonio Lopez (1842-1862 gg.). The building itself remained in its original form to this day, representing a great historical value.
The founders of a wonderful park are considered to be German scientists Karl Fibrig and his wife Anna Hertz. Fibrig was a famous professor of botany and zoology at the University of Asuncion and it was he who promoted the idea of creating a place in which animals could live in conditions closest to their natural habitat. In turn, the wife of the scientist Anna was engaged in the development of landscape design of the garden - according to historians, most of the projects of the zoo belong to her. During the Chak War, Fibrig left Paraguay with his family, and all of his legacy was transferred to the municipality of Asuncion.
What to see?
On the territory of one of the main natural attractions of Asuncion there are several places that are compulsory for visiting:
- Botanical Garden. An important part of the park, in which rare local plant species are represented. Among them, you can see even trees that are more than 150 years old.
- Nursery. Part of the park, where more than 500 different plant species are grown, most of which have medicinal properties. The kennel cooperates with the botanical garden of Geneva and is open for visits all year round.
- Zoo. One of the most favorite places for both adults and children. On its territory live about 65 species of animals, birds and reptiles, among which you can see both representatives of the local fauna, and more exotic specimens. Of great interest is the Chak bakers - a species that was considered extinct for many years and reopened in the 1980s.
- Museum of Natural History. The collection of one of the most visited museums of the Paraguayan capital is located in the former manor of Carlos Antonio Lopez. Here everyone can get acquainted with the amazing history of this place and of Paraguay in general.
How to get there?
You can get to the Botanical Garden and the Asuncion Zoo either by yourself or by public transport . Not far from the main entrance is Estacion Botánico station.