Tripoint ARBOPY
∆ 'Hito Esmeralda' BM #01
∆ Tri-pointmarker ARBOPY
∆ Westernmost point Paraguay
@ Selva Boliviana
Argentina
Bolivia
Paraguay
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Visiting Hito Esmeralda (BM #01),
and the tripoint of
Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia
The Hito Esmeralda doesn't mark the northwestern tripoint of Paraguay, where the borders of Argentina and Bolivia meet deep inside the isolated landscapes of the Gran Chaco anymore.
This bordermarker is one of the least accessible points in South America, and reaching it requires careful planning, permissions, and a strong sense of adventure.
It has been the tripoint marker for decades.
A point that Is difficult to access
Accessing Hito Esmeralda is far from straightforward. On the Paraguayan side, the only road leading to the tripoint crosses land that belongs to a naval base of the Armada Paraguaya (the Paraguayan Coast Guard). Entry is restricted, and travelers must obtain official permission before approaching the area.
Thanks to coordination through the Paraguayan Embassy in London, Barry obtained the necessary authorization to enter the military property. Even with permission, the route to the tripoint is challenging. The region is covered in dense bushland and jungle, and the local wildlife—including cougars and jaguars—adds an extra layer of difficulty.
Starting the journey from Asunción
Our journey began in Asunción, from where Barry and I drove west toward Mariscal Estigarribia, a gateway to the Paraguayan Chaco. We stayed overnight in a small hotel, allowing us to start early the next morning for what would become an intense day of travel.
We already knew the road to Hito Esmeralda would be demanding: 230 kilometers of dirt road, rough terrain, and more than 4.5 hours of continuous driving under Chaco conditions.
At the Naval-base Poza Honzo a replica of hito BOBRPY, not the hito we find here ARBOPY.
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Arrival at the Naval Base
When we finally arrived at the naval base, our permits were checked, and we were granted access to drive the final 7 kilometers toward the tripoint. We had no clear idea of what to expect ahead.
The “road” eventually led us into a small base camp, where three Paraguayan military personnel were stationed. After verifying our documents, they allowed us to continue toward Hito 1 and the actual Hito Esmeralda tripoint marker.
Guided to the Tripoint Through the Chaco
Knowing the reputation of the local wildlife and the difficulty of navigating through thick vegetation, we asked the officers about safety. To our surprise—and relief—the commanding officer offered to accompany us as an armed guide.
This turned the final stage of our journey into an unforgettable experience. Not only were we safe from potential wildlife encounters, but we also had someone who knew exactly where the real tripoint was located. Without his guidance, finding the marker in such dense terrain would have been almost impossible.
Hito #01
BOPY
Our guide first led us to bordermarker No. 1 on the Bolivia–Paraguay border, located 2.650 meters from the tripoint.
This point is the official 'Hito Esmeralda', accessible by car and serves as the easiest landmark to reach before continuing toward the tripoint marker.
Hito esmeralda used to be from 1949 until 2016 the tripoint marker.
HitoTres Fronteras
(the tripoint marker)
ARBOPY
From here we drove for about 2 kilometers before our guide took us on foot to the tripoint marker of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Tripoint
At this exact spot, it’s almost possible to stand in three different countries with just a few steps—a unique experience for any border enthusiast.
Westernmost point
This location also marks the westernmost point of Paraguay, adding even more significance to visiting this remote tripoint in the Chaco region.
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Historical fact
How I got confused
In 1949, the three neighboring countries agreed to install a three-pointed “witness” marker at 2.650 mtrs. from the actual tripoint, positioned along the Bolivia–Paraguay border. This marker became known as the Esmeralda Witness Marker.
Its purpose was to officially record and indicate the measured distance to the true tri-border summit where Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay meet in the river. The witness marker served as a reference point for defining and verifying the international boundaries in this remote region.
The new tripoint monument,
2.650 mtrs. from Hito Esmeralda:
History and Significance
The current tripoint monument, an impressive masonry structure standing 4.5 meters tall, was officially inaugurated on 14 June 2016. This date is symbolic: it marks the end of the Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay on 14 June 1935—exactly 81 years earlier. Since its installation, the monument has represented the official tripoint of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay in the remote northwest of the Paraguayan Chaco.
Why the Original Tripoint Marker Could Not Be Placed Earlier
In the years immediately following the war, it was not possible to install a marker at the exact tripoint. At that time, the point where the three borders met lay in the middle of the Pilcomayo River, making physical placement impossible.
To establish an official reference, the three countries decided in 1949 to place a three-point “witness marker” on the Bolivia–Paraguay border, located 2.650 mtrs from the true tripoint in the river. This reference marker became known as the Esmeralda Marker (Hito Esmeralda). Its purpose was to indicate the measured distance to the actual tri-border summit. This distance is still visible today on Hito Esmeralda, marked by an arrow reading 2,650 meters to Argentina.
Why Hito Esmeralda Is often confused with the real tripoint
For many years—and even today—Hito Esmeralda is frequently referred to, as the official tripoint. However, since 14 June 2016, with the installation of the new tripoint monument, this now is the true tripoint. Herewith 'Hito esmeralda' is officially represented as bordermarker No. 1 on the Bolivia–Paraguay border.
It took me quite some time to decipher the correct sequence of historical events and understand the roles of both markers. I was therefore grateful for the clear explanations available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia, which helped confirm the official status of both the Esmeralda Marker and the 2016 tripoint monument.
Even thanks for using some of the pictures from that website.
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