The Pikysyry maneuver was a tactic used by Brazilian marshal Luís Alves de Lima e Silva, Duke of Caxias, during the Paraguayan War to outflank the Paraguayan southern defense line along the stream of Pikysyry consisting of 142 gun platforms along a line 9.1 km long, built by the British engineer Lt. Col. George Thompson.

Marshal Caxias decided to attack from the Paraguayan rear by constructing a 10.7 km road on the Chaco side of the river starting at Santa Theresa.

An additional 2,925 infantry, 327 pontoniers, 198 artillerymen and 94 cavalry were landed and overall command for building the road was the responsibility of Lt. Col. Rufino Galvao of the Engineers.

By early December, the road had been completed to Santa Helena and 19,000 Allied troops were ready to cross over to San Antonio.

[1]: 90 After the successful battles of Ytororó and Avay, the allied army was ready to capture the Paraguayan defenses at Pikysyry.