📌Department
Boquerón, in the Paraguayan Chaco, on the Trans-Chaco Route (PY09); it's the last major town before the border with Bolivia
📌Best time to go
May to September (dry winter), because of the extreme heat of the Chaco summer
📌Suggested days
1 day or a stop along the way (a base for the deep Chaco or the crossing to Bolivia)
📌Currency
Paraguayan guaraní (PYG); bring cash and enough fuel
📌Service hours
Service stations and basic shops open about 7 to 20 h; check weekend hours, which are usually more limited
📌Getting there
By the Trans-Chaco Route (PY09) from Asunción (about 530 km, 9–11 h by bus); the town has Dr. Luis María Argaña International Airport (ESG), mostly for military/occasional use
💱 Cambio de USD
Loading rate…
🌤️ Clima en Mariscal Estigarribia
Loading weather…
Mariscal Estigarribia is the last major town of the Paraguayan Chaco before venturing into the deep Chaco and reaching the border with Bolivia. Located on the Trans-Chaco Route (PY09), it serves as a gateway to the northern and western Chaco, a vast, semi-desert region of very low population density, where services are scarce and distances are enormous. For the traveler, it's the last reliable stop to fill up on fuel, stock up and rest before continuing toward Bolivia or the great national parks of the Chaco.
The town bears the name of Marshal José Félix Estigarribia, the Paraguayan commander in the Chaco War (1932-1935), and preserves a strong tie with the military presence and with the history of that conflict fought in these arid lands. It has a long-runway airfield (of military origin, more than 3,600 meters) that drew international attention over rumors —officially denied— of a U.S. base, and an atmosphere of a border and transit town, where soldiers, Chaco indigenous people, Mennonites and passing travelers mix.
This guide gathers the practical side of Mariscal Estigarribia: its role as a logistics base for the deep Chaco and the crossing to Bolivia, its history tied to the Chaco War, what to keep in mind for traveling through this extreme region (fuel, water, climate, distances) and what there is in the surroundings. More than a classic tourist destination, it's a strategic point for those venturing into the heart of the Paraguayan Chaco.
📖 History of Mariscal Estigarribia
Mariscal Estigarribia has its origin tied to the Chaco War (1932-1935) between Paraguay and Bolivia, which was fought in this region. The town, which bears the name of Marshal José Félix Estigarribia, preserves a strong military imprint and developed as a strategic point on the road toward Bolivia, in the advance of colonization and state presence in the Chaco. The full history is on our history page.
Read the full history →🗺️ What to see
1
Gateway to the deep Chaco and the Trans-Chaco Route
The point where civilization gives way to the most remote Chaco, on the great road that crosses the country toward Bolivia.
The main meaning of Mariscal Estigarribia as a destination is its condition as a threshold: it's the last large town on the Trans-Chaco Route (PY09) before venturing into the deep Chaco and reaching the border with Bolivia. Beyond the town, the road crosses hundreds of kilometers of thorny scrubland, savannas and palm groves that are almost unpopulated, with very few services. That's why Mariscal Estigarribia is a mandatory stop to fill up on fuel, get water, eat and rest before continuing.
For the adventure traveler, this is the point from which the Chaco shows its wildest and most solitary face. Those heading to Bolivia (toward Villamontes or Santa Cruz) or to the national parks of the Chaco (like Defensores del Chaco) necessarily pass through here and adjust their logistics based on the town. The experience is that of a journey through one of the least populated regions in South America.
Getting there: by the Trans-Chaco Route from Asunción, passing through Filadelfia. Best time: dry winter (May to September). Tips: fill up on fuel to the maximum, bring plenty of water and supplies, check the vehicle's condition and ask about the state of the roads and the border situation before continuing north or west.
ℹ️ Location: On the Trans-Chaco Route (PY09), the last major town before the deep Chaco and Bolivia · Services: Fuel (gasoline and diesel) and essential provisioning; there's no other reliable station for hundreds of km to the west · Best time: Dry winter (May to September) · Admission: Free (a stop along the way)
2
Traces of the Chaco War and military presence
The region's war past and the town's strong military imprint.
Mariscal Estigarribia and its surroundings are marked by the Chaco War (1932-1935), the conflict between Paraguay and Bolivia fought precisely in these arid lands over control of the territory (and the presumed existence of oil). The town bears the name of José Félix Estigarribia, the Paraguayan commander —later marshal and president— who led the operations. The area preserves a notable military presence, with armed-forces installations, and keeps alive the memory of that war.
The visitor interested in history can perceive that imprint in the name, the monuments, the installations and the local narrative. The Paraguayan Chaco is dotted with old forts, battle sites and memory of the war, and Mariscal Estigarribia serves as a reference of that historical geography. The destination thus connects the physical journey through an extreme region with a decisive chapter of national history.
Getting there: in the town itself and its surroundings. Best time: dry winter. Tips: respect the military zones and installations (access to the airport perimeter is restricted); ask locally which sites or monuments linked to the Chaco War can be visited.
ℹ️ Location: Town and surroundings of Mariscal Estigarribia · Best time: Dry winter (May to September) · Admission: Free (tour of the town); ask locally about access to monuments · Duration: 1 to 2 hours
3
Dr. Luis María Argaña International Airport
The long-runway military airfield that generated international rumors of a U.S. base right in the Chaco.
Built by Paraguayan military engineers between 1977 and 1986, it has one of the longest runways in the country (more than 3,600 meters), originally intended for a free-trade zone that would boost the development of the northern Chaco. From 2005, press versions circulated —picked up even by international media— about a supposed installation of a U.S. military base at the site, something both the Paraguayan and U.S. governments officially denied on repeated occasions.
Today it operates as an airfield for military and occasional use, with very little regular commercial traffic; it also serves as a geographical reference of the town and a curiosity for those interested in the regional geopolitics of the Chaco.
Getting there: it's in the town itself, on the Trans-Chaco Route. Best time: year-round. Tips: it's a military zone, you can't enter without authorization; you can see the runway from the road.
ℹ️ Location: On the Trans-Chaco Route, in the town · Access: Military zone; you see the runway from the road, you can't enter without authorization · Admission: Free (external view); no regular commercial flights · Duration: 15 to 30 minutes
4
Indigenous communities and the diversity of the Chaco
The human mosaic of the Chaco: native peoples, Mennonites and border populations.
The surroundings of Mariscal Estigarribia and the Central and Northern Chaco house a singular human mosaic. In the region coexist Chaco indigenous peoples —like the Nivaclé, Ayoreo, Guaraní Ñandeva and others—, Mennonite communities from the nearby colonies, soldiers and criollo Paraguayan population. This cultural diversity is one of the most interesting aspects of the area, a reflection of the complex history of colonization and settlement of the Chaco.
For the respectful traveler, contact with this reality —through markets, crafts, or coordinated visits— is a window into a Paraguay very different from that of the Eastern region. The indigenous crafts of the Chaco, like the caraguatá weavings, are part of the region's cultural heritage.
Getting there: in the town and the communities of the surroundings. Best time: dry winter. Tips: if you visit indigenous communities, do so with respect and, preferably, with prior coordination or local guides; value and, where appropriate, buy the crafts directly from their makers.
ℹ️ Location: Town and communities of the Chaco surroundings · Best time: Dry winter (May to September) · Admission: Coordinate locally, no fixed cost; contribution/guide US$ 20–40 per person · Duration: Half a day
5
Church and central square of the town
The simple urban core of Mariscal Estigarribia, with its church and its square as meeting points.
The town center of Mariscal Estigarribia is small and functional: a central square, the town church and the main streets concentrate the shops, the eateries and the bus-company offices. There are no great architectural attractions, but the atmosphere of a border town —with soldiers, truckers, indigenous people and Mennonites crossing paths on the same block— is itself part of the experience.
It's a good place to stretch your legs, have a tereré or a coffee, and chat with the locals about the road conditions ahead, something key before continuing into the deep Chaco.
Getting there: on foot, in the center of the town. Best time: year-round, avoiding the hottest hours in summer. Tips: it's a good point to update information about the state of the roads before continuing.
ℹ️ Location: Center of the town (on foot) · Best time: Year-round, avoiding midday in summer · Admission: Free (walking tour) · Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
6
Historic forts of the Chaco War (excursion from the town)
Old forts and battle sites scattered in the Chaco, accessible on organized excursions.
Within a radius of several hours from Mariscal Estigarribia, the Chaco preserves vestiges of the Chaco War: forts, trenches and battle sites —like those surrounding Boquerón, further south— that are part of the historical memory of the conflict. Although the main museum sites (Boquerón Fort, Military Museum) are closer to Mariscal López and Isla Poí, some travelers organize excursions from Mariscal Estigarribia toward more remote forts of the northern Chaco.
These excursions require a 4x4 vehicle, a guide with knowledge of the terrain and good logistical planning, since the distances are large and the secondary roads can be impassable after rain.
Getting there: coordinate with Chaco guides or operators (in Filadelfia or Asunción). Best time: dry winter. Tips: check the state of the roads before setting out; bring a GPS or offline maps, since cell signal is scarce or nonexistent.
ℹ️ Location: Forts scattered in the Chaco, several hours from the town · Best time: Dry winter (May to September); passable secondary roads · Admission: Excursion with a guide and 4x4: US$ 80–150 per person (full day, small group, 2025; check when you visit) · Duration: Half a day to a full day
💵 Prices
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|
| Walking tour of the town (square, church, center) | Free (open access) |
| External view of Dr. Luis María Argaña Airport | Free (open access from the road; entry to the base restricted) |
| Guided excursion to the deep Chaco or historic forts | US$ 80–150 per person (full day, 2025; check when you visit depending on operator) |
| Visit to indigenous communities coordinated with a local guide | US$ 20–40 per person for contribution/guide (2025; check when you visit) |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
Activities and tours
| Activity | Price | Duration | Operator |
|---|
| Logistics stop en route to Bolivia or the deep Chaco (fuel and supplies) | 93-oct. gasoline about G. 7,190/liter; Diesel Porâ about G. 8,200/liter (Petropar, 2025-2026; check when you visit) | 1–2 hours' stop | Town service stations (Petropar and private) |
| Excursion to Chaco national parks (Defensores del Chaco, Médanos del Chaco) | US$ 150–350 per person depending on days and operator (2025; check when you visit) | 2 to 4 days | Specialized Chaco operators (based in Filadelfia or Asunción) |
| Chaco War history tour (forts and memory sites) | US$ 80–150 per person (full day, 2025) | Half a day to a full day | Local guides and Central Chaco operators |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🚌 How to get there and distances
Getting around
| Mode | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|
| Own vehicle / 4x4 | Fuel: 93-oct. gasoline about G. 7,190/liter; diesel about G. 8,200/liter (Petropar, 2025-2026) | Variable | Essential for getting around the Chaco; fill up on fuel to the maximum in Mariscal Estigarribia and bring spares and water, since there are no reliable stations for hundreds of km to the west and north |
| Long-distance buses (NASA and others) | Mariscal Estigarribia–Asunción: about G. 130,000 (about US$ 18, 2025); fare in cash at the ticket office or to the driver (source: Grupo NASA, verified July 2026) | 9 to 11 hours | Typical departures at 05:00, 12:30, 20:00 and 22:00; check current schedules with the company. The electronic ticketing (Jaha/Más cards) is only for Greater Asunción; in the Chaco fares are paid in cash |
| Bus Mariscal Estigarribia–Filadelfia | US$ 7–9 (2025), in cash | About 1 h 15 min | Service by NASA (Nueva Asunción S.A.), roughly two daily frequencies |
| On foot / local remise-taxi (in the town) | On foot free; remise by prior arrangement | Variable | The town center is walked in 20–30 minutes. There's no urban transport, no tracking app, no Uber/Bolt: Moovit and Google Maps don't cover this area of the Chaco. For specific transfers a local remise is coordinated by phone or on site |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
How to get there
| Route | Airlines / operators | Avg. price | Duration |
|---|
| Asunción → Mariscal Estigarribia (Trans-Chaco Route PY09) | NASA (Nueva Asunción S.A.) and other Chaco lines | About G. 130,000 (about US$ 18, 2025) | About 9 to 11 hours (about 530 km) |
| Filadelfia / Loma Plata → Mariscal Estigarribia | NASA; private car | US$ 7–9 by bus (2025) | About 1 h 15 min to 2 hours |
| Mariscal Estigarribia → border with Bolivia (toward Villamontes/Santa Cruz) | International buses (check frequencies); 4x4 car | About US$ 30–50 on international stretches (2025; check when you visit) | Many hours through the Chaco; check the state of the road |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🏨 Where to stay
No exact prices: a scale from $ (budget) to $$$$$ (luxury), with 2-3 options per category.
| Category | Price | Recommended options |
|---|
| Basic / budget lodging | $$$$$ | US$ 15–30 a night; simple inns and lodging in the town, a plain room with shared or private bathroom, aimed at passing travelers and soldiers (2025; check when you visit) |
| Mid-range hotel (e.g. Hotel La Estancia) | $$$$$ | US$ 35–60 a night; rooms with air conditioning and private bathroom, the most recommended option for resting before continuing into the deep Chaco (2025; check when you visit) |
| Military / transit lodging | $$$$$ | US$ 20–35 a night; simple lodging geared to transit personnel and Trans-Chaco Route travelers (2025; check when you visit) |
🍴 Where to eat
| Type | Price | Options / signature dish |
|---|
| Asado and Paraguayan cuisine | $$$$$ | US$ 6–12 per dish; grilled meat, stews, sopa paraguaya and chipa at local eateries (2025; check when you visit) |
| Roadside eateries | $$$$$ | US$ 4–8 per dish; roadside stops and simple eateries on the Trans-Chaco Route, daily menu, handy for those passing through (2025) |
| Provisions (grocery stores and stations) | $$$$$ | US$ 3–10 in snacks, water and basic supplies per stop; grocery stores and service stations to stock up before the deep Chaco (2025) |
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is Mariscal Estigarribia?+
It's the last major town of the Paraguayan Chaco before venturing into the deep Chaco and reaching the border with Bolivia, on the Trans-Chaco Route (PY09). It serves as a logistics base and mandatory stop to fill up on fuel, stock up and rest. It bears the name of Marshal José Félix Estigarribia, a hero of the Chaco War.
Why is it important for the traveler?+
Because it's the last reliable stop for services (fuel, water, food, lodging) before continuing toward Bolivia or the national parks of the Chaco, in an extremely unpopulated region of great distances. Anyone venturing into the deep Chaco adjusts their logistics here.
How do you get there and how much does it cost?+
By the Trans-Chaco Route (PY09) from Asunción, on a trip of about 9 to 11 hours (about 530 km), passing through the Mennonite colonies of Filadelfia and Loma Plata. There are buses of the NASA company and other Chaco lines, with a fare of about G. 130,000 (about US$ 18, 2025); by car it's best to go well prepared.
What's its connection to the Chaco War?+
The region was the setting of the Chaco War (1932-1935) between Paraguay and Bolivia, and the town bears the name of the Paraguayan commander, Marshal Estigarribia. It preserves a strong military imprint and memory of that conflict, with armed-forces installations and historic forts in the Chaco.
Is it true there's a U.S. military base?+
No. From 2005 press versions circulated about a supposed U.S. military base at the local airfield (built by Paraguayan engineers between 1977 and 1986), but both the Paraguayan and U.S. governments officially denied them on several occasions. The airfield is for Paraguayan military use.
Do you need a 4x4 and a lot of preparation?+
For the paved Trans-Chaco Route it's not essential, but to venture into the deep Chaco or cross into Bolivia on secondary roads a well-prepared 4x4 is advisable, with plenty of fuel (filled to the maximum in Mariscal Estigarribia), water, supplies and spares. It's an extreme region, with scarce services and great distances.
What's the best time to go?+
The dry winter (May to September), because the Chaco summer is extremely hot, with temperatures topping 40 °C. The dry season also improves the state of the secondary roads, which after rain can become impassable.
How do you pay for the bus and is there a transport app?+
Bus fares (to Asunción or Filadelfia) are paid in cash, at the NASA ticket office or to the driver: the electronic ticketing with a Jaha or Más card only works in Greater Asunción, not in the Chaco. Within the town there's no urban transport or real-time tracking apps (Moovit and Google Maps don't map routes here), nor Uber/Bolt. Everything is handled on foot, in your own car or with a locally coordinated remise, so it's worth carrying cash in guaraníes.
Sources consulted (12)
- Senatur Paraguay (oficial) — Turismo: https://www.senatur.gov.py/
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Mariscal Estigarribia»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariscal_Estigarribia
- Wikipedia (EN) — «Mariscal Estigarribia»: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariscal_Estigarribia
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Guerra del Chaco»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerra_del_Chaco
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Ruta Transchaco»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruta_PY09_(Paraguay)
- GlobalSecurity.org — Dr. Luis Maria Argana International Airport: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/mariscal-estigarribia.htm
- Petropar — Precios de combustibles vigentes: https://www.petropar.gov.py/?page_id=4460
- Diario HOY — Combustible sube en Petropar (mayo 2026): https://www.hoy.com.py/nacionales/2026/05/04/combustible-sube-en-petropar-g-750-el-diesel-y-g-300-la-nafta
- Rome2Rio — Mariscal J. F. Estigarribia → Asunción: https://www.rome2rio.com/es/s/Mariscal-Jos%C3%A9-F%C3%A9lix-Estigarribia/Asunci%C3%B3n
- RCC — Nasa baja el precio del pasaje (Mariscal Estigarribia): https://rcc.com.py/chaco/ante-protesta-de-mariscalenos-nasa-baja-el-precio-del-pasaje/
- Grupo NASA — Horarios: https://gruponasa.com.py/empresa/nasa/horarios
- Bienvenido a Paraguay — Alojamiento en la zona: https://www.bienvenidoaparaguay.com/alojamiento.php?xmlcity=234&xmldepto=17
