Campo Aceval, la «capital de los fortines»
A Chaco municipality with more than fifteen forts and Chaco War sites, including Gondra, Campo Vía and Pozo Favorito.
What it is
Campo Aceval is about 400 km from Asunción, on Route D090, in the heart of the Central Chaco. It is known as the "capital of the fortins" because its territory preserves more than fifteen military forts and historic sites from the Chaco War (1932-1935). Among the best known are Fortín Gondra, Fortín Nanawa, Campo Vía, Fortín Falcón, Pozo Favorito and Fortín Ávalos Sánchez. Tourist infrastructure is still limited, so it suits travellers with historical curiosity and patience for rough roads.
What to see and do
- Fortín Falcón, Estigarribia's command post
- Campo Vía and Fortín Gondra
- The Chaco Boreal route of war sites
Did you know…?
More than fifteen Chaco War sites lie within its territory.
It covers 6,174 km² and had 5,848 inhabitants in 2022, according to Wikipedia.
History
The settlement was founded on 19 August 1977 on expropriated land for colonisation and became a municipality on 17 June 2020, separating from Teniente Irala Fernández. On 16-19 April 1933 the Battle of Campo Aceval was fought in the area, won by Paraguayan forces.
Tips
- Very basic services: fill up on fuel, water and cash before entering.
- Ask at the municipality about guides and road conditions before heading to the forts.
Public place; individual sites have their own hours: check before you go.
Best time: May to September; summer heat can reach 44 °C, according to Wikipedia.
Activities
Nearby
Campo Aceval (Colonia Falcón) · Presidente Hayes
Fortín Falcón (puesto de comando de Estigarribia)
A fort that served as Marshal Estigarribia's command post; it now has an access arch, a museum and a lookout.
Boquerón (Neuland) · Boquerón
Fortín Boquerón
Trenches, cemeteries and a museum where Paraguay's victory in the Chaco War began.
Colonia Menno (distrito Teniente Irala Fernández) · Presidente Hayes
Laguna Capitán y lagunas saladas del Chaco Central
Salt lagoons deep in the Chaco where flamingos, coscoroba swans and hundreds of waterbirds spend the winter.
Neuland · Boquerón
Museo Histórico de la Colonia Neuland
Museum of Neuland's German- and Russian-origin settlers, with an old schoolhouse, machinery, instruments and pioneer clothing.
Neuland · Boquerón
Neuland (distrito de Boquerón)
The youngest of the Mennonite colonies: a pioneer museum, preserved native forest and the gateway to Fortín Boquerón.
Colonia Menno (cerca de Loma Plata) · Presidente Hayes
Fortín Isla Po'i (Museo Ruta Chaco Boreal)
The great Paraguayan headquarters of the Chaco War, now an interactive museum and the cemetery of those who fell at Boquerón.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.