Parque Manantial, Hohenau near Trinidad, Paraguay

Parque Manantial was opened in August 1997 by Ruben and Carla Pretzel and their sons, a Paraguayan family with German heritage who still retain close cultural links with their homeland even though the sons are third generation Paraguayan. This effort to sustain the links with Germany is quite normal in the quaint and picturesque German Colonies of Hohenau, Obligado and Bella Vista which were founded over a century ago by German pioneers.

Parque Manantial began life as a campsite but due to demand for more luxurious quarters they have added an air-conditioned dormitory which sleeps six and a bungalow for four people. Carla Pretzel describes her creation as a camp ground, country club and holiday park.

The park come country club is a useful base for visiting the Jesuit Missions of Trinidad and Jesus and for taking in the nearby German Colonies.

Facilities...

The facilities at Manantial are top class boasting no fewer than three swimming pools, a picnic and BBQ area, a floodlit volleyball court, bar and pizzeria, and a mini-market. Additional services (available at an extra cost) include eco-tours, horse riding and a transport service to nearby cities. The campsite is able to accommodate up to 100 campers and there is currently one dorm and one bungalow with plans for more in the future. The owners speak Spanish and German and are keen to help in any way they can. They also describe their park as family friendly, a feature that is clearly evidenced by the kiddies pool, abundance of games and the ever-popular pony rides.

Prices start at G/:30,000 ($6) per person for camping and the dorm rooms cost G/:55,000 ($11) per person. The private bungalows (with air-con) cost G/:250,000 ($50) per person. Included in the price is Free WiFi, and use of all the facilities.

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How 2 get there...

Many people staying at Manantial will be on their way to or from Iguazu Falls. From Argentina the best route is to cross into Paraguay from Posadas which is easily accessible from most cities. The bridge over the river Paran takes the traveller into Paraguay at Encarnacin and from this border city you can board any bus heading North with a sign that reads Hohenau, Obligado, Bella Vista or Cuidad del Este.

Bus prices from Encarnacin should be around 9,000 Guaran (just under $2), beware of overcharging.

From Iguazu waterfalls take a bus over the Paraguayan border to Cuidad del Este and then another bus South to Posadas, get off at Hohenau. Bus tickets should cost around 40,000 Guaran ($8)

Manantial is situated just south of Hohenau and about 8km north of Trinidad and the Jesuit Missions there.