Itatín

[1][2] The Itatín was important for the existence of a ford across the Paraguay River about 55 km (34 miles) south of the present day city of Corumbá.

Called the Jesuit's Ford (Paso de las Jesuitas) the river dropped to a depth of only 2 m (6.6 ft) during the dry season months of November to January.

The ford was first used by Europeans in 1524 when Aleixo Garcia joined a party of Guaraní journeying westwards to pillage the wealth of the Incas.

In 1631, a Jesuit priest named Jacobo Ransonnier journeyed to Itatín where a small Spanish settlement existed at Santiago de Jerez (near present-day Aquidauana).

Neverthess, Ransonnier with other Jesuits succeeded in establishing missions along the Miranda River, by gaining the confidence of a local cacique, Nianduabusuvius (Nanduabuçu).

[10][11] Access to the Itatín region was also hindered during the 18th century by the Payagua, a riverine people related to the Mbayá who lived along the Paraguay River.

The Payagua fought and won many battles with prospectors attempting to reach gold mines north of Itatín via the Paraguay River.