Cmasi · CC BY-SA 4.0Fuerte Olimpo
A colonial fort from 1792 and three hills above the Paraguay River: the gateway to the Pantanal.
What it is
Fuerte Olimpo is one of the most picturesque river towns in the country: three hills, the “Tres Hermanos” (Three Brothers), rise above the Paraguay River facing Brazil. On one stand the stone walls of Fuerte Borbón; on another, the all-stone cathedral of María Auxiliadora. A stairway of 537 steps climbs one of the hills to a Marian lookout with views over karanda'y palm groves and Pantanal wetlands. Boat trips, fishing and the culture of the Ishir (Chamacoco) people round out the visit.
What to see and do
- Ruins of Fuerte Borbón (1792)
- The stone cathedral of María Auxiliadora, high on a hill
- Climbing the Tres Hermanos hills and the Marian shrine
- Boat trips and fishing on the Paraguay River
- Crafts from the area's Ishir (Chamacoco) communities
Did you know…?
The historic center was once enclosed by a wall about 4 km long; remains of those defenses can still be seen.
Every September 25 the town celebrates its founding with a serenade, a parade and a karu guasu (a big communal feast); in 2026 it turned 234.
A 537-step stairway climbs one of the Tres Hermanos, which rises over 200 m; at the top stands an image of the Virgin of Caacupé more than 2 m tall.
History
Fuerte Borbón was founded on September 25, 1792 by José Antonio Zavala y Delgadillo, on the orders of the Spanish Crown, to halt the Portuguese advance. Under the government of Dr. Francia it was renamed Fuerte Olimpo, perhaps because its hill evoked Mount Olympus. It was the base for Paraguay's offensive into Mato Grosso during the War of the Triple Alliance and was bombed by Bolivia in 1933, in the middle of the Chaco War.
Tips
- Travel in the dry season: when it rains, the dirt stretch can close.
- San Juan company buses leave from the Asunción bus terminal (in 2026, departing Friday nights; ≈ 12 h; ₲235,000 each way). Days and times change often, as do SETAM flights: check before you go.
- There are simple guesthouses from under ₲100,000 a night with breakfast (2026); book ahead for anniversary week.
Best time: May to October, in the dry season. On September 24 and 25, a serenade and anniversary celebration with a karu guasu.
What to try
- Fish from the Paraguay River
- Grilled beef at the anniversary karu guasu (September 25)
Activities
Festivals and events here
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 7 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.