↑ Tripoint bordermarker ARBRUY on the disputed 'ilha Brasileira' ↑

Argentina - Brasil - Paraguay

ARBRPY

The Argentina–Brazil–Paraguay tripoint (ARBRPY), commonly known as the triple frontier (Spanish: triple frontera; Portuguese: tríplice fronteira), is one of the most famous tripoints in South America. It is located at the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers, where the international borders of the three countries meet.

Near this river junction you find the cities of Puerto Iguazúin in Argentina, Foz do Iguaçuin Brazil, and Ciudad del Estein Paraguay, each offering clear views of the tripoint area. The region is also renowned for its proximity to the Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant, one of the largest power stations in the world.

The ARBRPY tripoint is a key location for border studies, tourism, and international cooperation, making it a major geographical and cultural landmark in the heart of South America.

During Satex-25 we've visited the country individual bordermarkers on their own country riverbank, in one day.

Bolivia - Brasil - Paraguay

Bahia Negra

BOBRPY

The tripoint of Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay is one of South America’s least-known yet most fascinating geographic intersections. Located deep within the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, this tri-border area is remote, wild, and largely untouched by mass tourism. The three countries meet near the Paraguay River, a vital waterway that shapes the region’s ecology, trade routes, and cultural exchange.

On the Paraguayan side of the tripoint lies Bahía Negra, a small river port town that serves as the main gateway to northern Paraguay’s Pantanal. Often described as one of the most isolated towns in the country, accessible primarily by river or light aircraft, or via a 200-kilometer unpaved road that is best suited for 4×4 vehicles.

From an ecological perspective, the tri-border region is extraordinarily rich. Seasonal flooding transforms the landscape, creating a dynamic environment that supports both biodiversity and traditional livelihoods such as fishing and cattle ranching.

In our case, the rains were so heavy that they prevented us from leaving.
Read more here.

Geopolitically, the Bolivia–Brazil–Paraguay tripoint is notable for its low population density and minimal border infrastructure, contrasting sharply with more commercialized South American tri-border zones. This makes the area especially appealing to adventure travelers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences.

In summary, the tripoint near Bahía Negra represents a rare convergence of geography, culture, and nature—an off-the-beaten-path destination that highlights the raw beauty and strategic importance of the South American Pantanal.

Disputed land @ Masoller

A longstanding border dispute exists between Uruguay and Brazil over a small territory near the village of Masoller. Despite this unresolved territorial issue, the dispute has not affected the strong diplomatic and economic relationsbetween the two neighboring countries. Neither Brazil nor Uruguay has taken active measures—such as deploying troops—to enforce their respective claims in the area.

The disputed territory, known as Rincón de Artigas (Portuguese: Rincão de Artigas), originates from differing interpretations of the 1851 Brazil–Uruguay border treaty. The treaty defined the border in this region as following a stream named Arroyo de la Invernada (Portuguese: Arroio da Invernada). However, the two countries disagree on which actual creek corresponds to that name, resulting in the present-day dispute.

In practice, Rincão de Artigas is currently under Brazilian administrative control. The nearby village of Masoller, however, lies within undisputed Uruguayan territory, located only a few hundred meters from the largely unmarked and freely accessible de facto international border.

The dotted line indicates the territory that is 
under dispute.
The area is administered by Brazil, although Uruguay claims sovereignty over this land.

Santana do Livramento (BR)

Rivera (UY)

Santana do Livramento- Rivera is a unique binational border city shared by Uruguay and Brazil, known for its open and unmarked international border.

The two cities function as a single urban area, symbolizing peaceful cross-border relations, cultural exchange, and economic integration between the two countries.

Click here for more

detailed information

Chui (BR) - Chuy (UY)

Chui–Chuy is a distinctive binational border town shared by Brazil and Uruguay, situated near the Atlantic coast of South America. The town is characterized by its open and lightly marked international border, which runs directly through the urban area and allows easy movement between the two countries.

Functioning as a single, interconnected community, Chui–Chuy is known for its cross-border trade, shared infrastructure, and cultural exchange. The town illustrates the peaceful and cooperative relationshipbetween Uruguay and Brazil and serves as a notable example of everyday life along an international border.

Click here for more

detailed information

Ponte Barra do Chui

Chui (BR) - Chuy (UY)

Before dinner, we drive to the international bridge over the Chuy River, which connects Barra do Chui in Brazil with Barra del Chuy in Uruguay.

Once again, we experience exceptional friendliness, and there is no difficulty walking across the border bridge.

The bridge itself is small and mainly used for local traffic, serving residents who move easily between the two border towns.

Interestingly, there are no visible signs or markings on the bridge indicating the border between the two countries, making the crossing feel seamless and informal.

First we stopped at the beach of Barra del Chuy, where we looked over the Southern Atlantic Ocean and the lighthouse of Barro do Chui.

Ponte Bioceânica

Significant progress is being made on the Bioceánica Bridge project, a major infrastructure development set to enhance transport connectivity between Brazil and Paraguay. Spanning the Paraguay River, the bridge has now reached 67% completion and is expected to open to traffic in 2026.

Once completed, the Bioceánica Bridge will measure nearly 1.3 kilometers in total length, making it one of the most important cross-border bridges in the region. Its cable-stayed section extends 630 meters, including a 350-meter central span designed to allow the safe passage of commercial shipping along the Paraguay River.

The bridge will significantly improve transport links between Porto Murtinho in Brazil and Carmelo Peralta in Paraguay, facilitating trade, logistics, and regional economic development. The structure’s design closely resembles that of the Integration Bridge, another successful Brazil–Paraguay infrastructure project completed earlier.

Managed by the Paraguay–Brazil Joint Commission, the Bioceánica Bridge will play a crucial role in the Bioceanic Road Corridor, a strategic transport route connecting Chile’s Pacific Coast with Brazil’s Atlantic Coast. This corridor is expected to boost international trade, reduce transportation times, and strengthen economic integration across South America.

Leaving Bahia Negra by Fatima III

After heavy rainfall in Bahia Negra, Paraguay, the situation quickly became challenging. The government closed the only access road to the town, making it impossible for us to leave by car. With no overland options available, we had to look for an alternative way to continue our journey.

Fortunately, local residents offered us a unique solution: traveling by boat along the border river of Paraguay. This river route, which forms a natural boundary between countries, allowed us to escape the isolated town despite the extreme weather conditions.

What followed was a long yet fascinating boat journey of approximately 30 hours. On board, we experienced the raw beauty of the river landscape, witnessed daily life along the riverbanks, and gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the local communities who depend on this waterway.

This unexpected adventure turned into one of the most memorable parts of our travels in South America. You can read more about this remarkable river journey and our experiences here.

Car >2018

Official >2018

Motor >2018

Paid transport >2018
(busses, trucks, taxi)

Car 1990 - 2008

Car 2008 - 2018

Motor 2008 - 2018

Paid transport 2008 - 2018
(busses, trucks, taxi)

Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF)

Seguranca Viaria

Polícia Federal

Polícia Militar

Receita Federal (Aduana)