SATEX-25

South America Tripoint Expedition 2025: Mapping Borders Across Three Nations

In October and November 2025, five members of the International Border Research Group (IBRG)conducted an extensive field expedition across South America. This journey, officially titled the South America Tripoint Expedition 2025 (SATEX-25), focused on the documentation and study of international borders, tripoints, border towns, and disputed territories in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, and Bolivia.

The expedition combined geographic research, border documentation, and cultural observation, reinforcing IBRG’s mission to study international boundaries and border regions worldwide.

Objectives of the SATEX-25 Expedition

The primary goal of the expedition was to visit and document several international tripoints, locations where the borders of three countries meet. Additional objectives included the study of border monuments, exclaves, disputed territories, border towns, and major cross-border infrastructure.

Argentina: Tripoints, Exclaves, and Natural Borders

In Argentina, the IBRG team visited several key border locations of regional and geopolitical importance:

• The Argentina–Brazil–Uruguay tripoint, a rarely visited and geographically significant border junction

• The Argentina–Brazil–Paraguay tripoint, one of South America’s most well-known tripoints

• The tripoint monument on the Argentine riverbank, marking Argentina’s territorial boundary

• Martín García Island, an Argentine exclave located in the Río de la Plata

• The Iguazu border waterfalls, where natural geography defines international boundaries between Argentina and Brazil

These locations highlight Argentina’s diverse border geography, combining rivers, islands, and natural landmarks.

Uruguay: Border Towns, Disputed Land, and Southern Extremes

The expedition continued in Uruguay, where researchers documented historic towns and sensitive border regions:

• Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting colonial border history

• The disputed land near Masoller, an unresolved border issue between Uruguay and Brazil

• The twin border towns of Rivera (Uruguay) and Santana do Livramento (Brazil), an example of an open urban border

• The twin border towns of Chuy (Uruguay) and Chui (Brazil), divided by a formal street border

• Punta del Este, identified as the southernmost point visited during the expedition

• Montevideo, often cited as the southernmost national capital in the world

Uruguay offered a mix of historical, political, and modern border dynamics.

Paraguay: Tripoints and Border Monuments

In Paraguay, the focus was once again on international tripoints and official border markers:

• The Argentina–Brazil–Paraguay tripoint, located near Ciudad del Este

• The tripoint monument on the Paraguayan riverbank, complementing those in neighboring countries

These monuments symbolize national sovereignty and regional cooperation.

Itaipu Dam: Cross-Border Infrastructure

Four members of the expedition also visited the Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam(Usina Hidrelétrica de Itaipu), located on the Brazil–Paraguay border. This massive binational project is one of the world’s largest hydroelectric power plants and a key example of international cooperation in shared border zones.

Extended Expedition: Paraguay and Additional Tripoints

For two members of the IBRG team, the expedition continued beyond Paraguay to document additional tripoints:

• The Argentina–Bolivia–Paraguay tripoint

• The Bolivia–Brazil–Paraguay tripoint

These remote locations are among the least accessible tripoints in South America and required additional travel and logistical planning.

Border Crossings and Documentation

Throughout the expedition, numerous border crossings and international border bridgeswere visited, observed, and documented. These crossings provided valuable insight into border management, infrastructure, and everyday cross-border movement in South America.

A Comprehensive Border Research Mission

The South America Tripoint Expedition 2025represents a significant contribution to the study of international borders in South America. By visiting tripoints, border towns, disputed areas, and major infrastructure projects, the International Border Research Group continues to expand its global documentation of borders and boundary regions.

This expedition underscores the complexity, diversity, and cultural significance of borders in South America, offering valuable insights for researchers, geographers, and border enthusiasts worldwide.