Boquerón

Boquerón brings together the history of the Chaco War, forts, museums, and a large protected area. The historic sites show different aspects of the conflict: a fort associated with a major battle, a former strategic gathering point, and paths leading to trenches. There are also collections of documents, photographs, and military objects. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, your interests in history and nature can serve as a starting point for your decision.

Forts and the History of the Chaco War

Fortín Boquerón is a historic site associated with the Battle of Boquerón and the Chaco War. Its recapture by the Paraguayan army on September 29, 1932, followed twenty days of intense fighting. It is described as a major victory and the beginning of the Chaco War; the date is commemorated annually in Paraguay.

Fortín Isla Po’i served a different military function: during the Chaco War, it served as a strategic gathering point for the Paraguayan army. Parque Nacional Teniente Agripino Enciso adds its own history of names to this historical perspective. The park was initially Fortín Teniente Agripino Enciso and, before that, Fortín Siracua, which Paraguay captured in 1934 during the Chaco War.

Museums, Paths, and Remembrance

Fortín Boquerón has a museum with free admission. It displays war objects, historical documents, maps, photographs, and weapons used in the conflict. Maps, images, and objects offer different ways to explore the history and complement the account of the battle with tangible historical materials.

At Fortín Boquerón, historic paths lead to old trenches used by both armies. Here, exhibitions and historical traces in the landscape go hand in hand. Museo Toledo at Fortín Toledo displays historical objects found there, contemporary photographs, military objects, and commemorative busts. Fortín Trébol represents historical tourism in the Chaco and conveys the historical context of the war as well as remembrance of the combatants. Parque Trébol belongs to Colonia Fernheim and is overseen by the Consejo de Parques. The tourism authority describes it as open to the general public.

Before your trip, check whether the museum at Fortín Boquerón is open and what access arrangements are available for Museo Toledo and the historic paths. You should also check current access to Parque Trébol before visiting.

Protected Area in Boquerón

Parque Nacional Tte. Agripino Enciso is a protected area in the Department of Boquerón and covers more than 40,000 hectares. In addition to the forts, the region therefore offers an extensive protected area as a destination in its own right. Its history is closely connected with its former names, Fortín Teniente Agripino Enciso and Fortín Siracua; the current and former names refer to different chapters of the same local history. Together with the historic paths and museums, this makes it possible to plan a stay that takes in different aspects of the Chaco War while also leaving room to explore a protected area.

More Themes in the Destination of Paraguay

Beyond Boquerón, Paraguay offers other historical and natural attractions. The Jesuit Mission of Santísima Trinidad del Paraná was founded in 1706 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. It is designed in the Baroque style and built from sandstone blocks. Its preserved Plaza Mayor was historically the center of religious, cultural, artistic, social, economic, and civic activities. Another destination is the Refugio Biológico de Mbaracayú, which covers approximately 1,800 hectares and protects native flora and fauna. Visitors can explore an interpretation center, a boardwalk, and a lookout point specially built for observing birds and other animals in their natural habitat. The 970-meter-long “La Esperanza” trail passes through restored forests, wetlands, and areas with high biodiversity. These examples from Paraguay offer a nationwide comparison with Boquerón’s historical highlights.

Discover more destinations: Catriló, Quintana, Misiones Department, Guairá, Central, Alto Paraná, Cordillera, Paraguari.

For the main travel overview: Paraguay.