Paraguay By vholland Jun 23, 1524 Portuguese explores Alejo Garcia crosses Paraguay Portuguese explores Alejo Garcia crosses Paraguay in 1524-1525 A.D. Jan 1, 1526 Sebastian Cabot explores the Rio Paraana and the Rio Paraguay Feb 7, 1553 Spain lays claim to Paraguay Period: Jan 1, 1901 to May 23, 2013 Paraguay Culture Jan 1, 6000 People first arrived The first people arrived in 6000-7000B.C