1000 to 1536

Land of the Guarani

Before Europeans arrive, the forests east of the Paraguay River belong to Guarani speaking farmers, who grow maize and manioc in village clearings. The dry Chaco to the west is home to hunting and fishing peoples such as the Guaycuru. Around 1524 the Portuguese castaway Aleixo Garcia crosses the region with Guarani warriors toward the silver of the Inca.