Travel Guide Fortín Boquerón

Fortin Boquerón is the most famous historical site of the Chaco War, with bloody and decisive battles. Although war officially broke out in 1932, hostilities between Paraguay and Bolivia began in the late 1920s. The fort was built by the Paraguayan army in 1928, close to a vital water point for the soldiers. Four years later, on July 30, 1932, Fort Boquerón was taken by Bolivian troops after two days of fighting. From 9 September, Paraguayan soldiers launched several offensives against the terrible Bolivian machine guns and cannons. It was not until 29 September, after twenty days of siege, that the Bolivians surrendered, running out of water and ammunition. In remembrance of this important victory, 29 September is a public holiday in Paraguay, and Boquerón's celebrations always draw a crowd. On the site, statues pay homage to the fighters and a museum displays the weapons of both sides. A trail surrounded by thorny shrubs and cacti follows the old trenches (3.8 km). It leads to the Paraguayan and Bolivian cemeteries. The grave of Paraguayan Lieutenant Velázquez, buried next to Bolivian Captain Tomás Manchego, his war enemy but friend in life, symbolizes a beautiful story of friendship beyond a terrible military conflict. You can also admire old samu'u (palo borracho), which were very useful at the time to the mavericks. Fortín Boquerón is located 26 km from Cruce de los Pioneros (km 415 on the Transchaco). A taxi from Filadelfia takes around Gs 450,000 round trip with waiting. The best way is to go through an agency.