- Area: 2000 sq. M. km
- Maximum depth: about 10 m
- Height above sea level: 71 m
In Argentina, there are many different lakes: fresh and salt, glacial and waterlogged. Each of them is beautiful and is a source of positive emotions and impressions for tourists. One of the most interesting places is the lake Mar-Chikita.
Acquaintance with the lake
In translation from the Spanish "Mar-Chikita" means "salt lake". The locals call it "Mar-Chiquita Lagoon". The lake is located in the Argentine province of Cordoba . On the map of South America you will find Lake Mar-Chikita in the north-west of the Pampa steppe. Lake of natural origin, drainage, salt and large. Part of the shore is swamped.
Lake Mar-Chikita is located in a depression in the size of 80x45 km. Its maximum depth is only about 10 m, because of what the surface dimensions constantly fluctuate from 2 to 4.5 thousand square meters. km. The average depth of the reservoir is only 3-4 m.
The change in the shoreline in 1976-1981. led to tragedy. Ample and prolonged rains have raised the water level in the lake by 8 m, because of which the resort city of Miramar was practically flooded. Under the water went 102 hotels, casinos, temples, a bank, a bus station and 60 other buildings. Repeated flooding occurred in 2003. Part of the empty infrastructure has already been removed, and the city is gradually reviving.
The main food of the lake is the salt waters of the Rio Dulce River. In the southwestern part the lake feeds on the rivers of Rio Primero and Rio Segundo, and nearby streams flow into it. Today, the Mar-Chikita Lake is gradually drying up due to a decrease in the flow of water and the growth of fumes. The salinity of the lake varies greatly from 29 g / l in the wet year to 275 g / l during the low water period.
What is interesting lake for travelers?
The island of Medano is the largest of all that is found in the salt waters of Mar-Chikita. Its dimensions are 2 km by 150 m. The southern shore of the lake is occupied by the Miramar resort , which will gladly welcome all tourists. The northern part is a large solonchak, particles of which dust storms spread hundreds of kilometers around. After about 400-500 years, the lake will disappear and become a solonchak.
Lake Mar-Chikita is a nesting place for such beautiful birds as the Chilean flamingos, the Blue Heron and the Patagonian seagulls. On its shores there are only 350 species of waterfowl and various animals. Ornithologists from all over the world come here.
The authorities of the province are trying to develop a resort, the glory of which is known throughout the world. Currently, the city is actively recovering on public funds, local tourism is developing. One of the first entertainments after walking and mud baths is fishing.
How to get to Mar-Chikita?
The most convenient route is a trip from Córdoba to the resort of Miramar . Between cities there is a bus service. Also here you can buy a ticket to one of the hotels on the coast and get on a transfer.
If you travel independently, adhere to the coordinates 30 ° 37'41 "S. and 62 ° 33'32 "W. From Cordoba towards San Francisco, follow highway No. 19, passing El Tio, take the left onto Route 3: it will lead you just to Mar-Chiquita.