Pozo Hondo – Mision La Paz Border Crossing

The Pozo Hondo – Misión La Paz Border Crossing connects the far western Paraguayan Chaco (Pozo Hondo) with the Salta Province of Argentina (Misión La Paz). Spanning the Pilcomayo River, this crossing serves as a vital strategic node in South America’s evolving Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor. It acts as a gateway linking Atlantic ports in Brazil to Pacific ports in Chile. I visited this area as part of the IBRG SATEX -25 expedition, this border crossing is located close to the ARBOPY tripoint.

On the Paraguay Side (Pozo Hondo) it is the terminus of Route PY15 (the Bioceanic Highway). It is located roughly 230 kilometres west of the logistics hub Mariscal Estigarribia, where we had spent the previous night. On the Argentinian side it links to the Provincial Route 54 in Salta, providing access to north western Argentina. At the time of our visit the crossing was quiet and had the feeling of being underused and remote. However, there are plans for a substantial expansion. The crossing is currently undergoing major transformation from a remote outpost into a high-capacity international trade hub. Paraguay confirmed 100% funding to construct a brand-new, modern international bridge at this location, and digital enhancements to speed transit for freight and local residents.

Click on the map above to access the Google maps location

Paraguayan Side

Pozo Hondo is a small dusty town with an end of the world feel about it. It is currently being modernised with plazas and paved streets.

The Bridge

The Puente Internacional Misión La Paz–Pozo Hondo was built in 1995 and is limited in terms of being able to cope with modern freight. A major project was approved to build a brand new, fully integrated international bridge here.

Not something you see everyday, a pig cooling off in the river.

The barriers are painted with the respective countries colours

Looking SE along the Pilcomayo River PY (L) AR (R)

Looking NW along the Pilcomayo River PY (R) AR (L)

Looking into Argentina

Ruta 15

Travelling from Asunción to Mariscal Estigarribia was straightforward on excellent roads, everything changed as we headed across the Chaco. Ruta 15 in Paraguay (officially designated as PY15 and widely known as the Corredor Bioceánico or Bioceanic Corridor) is a major 531-kilometer highway crossing the Paraguayan Chaco region. The aim is to create a direct trade highway connecting Atlantic ports in Brazil (such as Santos) with Pacific ports in Chile (such as Antofagasta and Iquique).

In November 2025 the 220km stretch we needed to take was being upgraded. What made it more difficult is rather than doing it in stages, the whole section was one long construction site. Very tough driving conditions, little did we know this was to get worse in the coming days.