Mar Chiquita, located 250 km east of La Falda, is one of Argentina’s treasures of biodiversity. It is frequented by more than 300 species of birds, 35 reptiles, 16 amphibians, and numerous species of mammals. The extensive wetlands and river estuaries attract 66% of Argentina’s migratory and shore birds. It is also the winter haven for many North American birds.
During the winter months, three of the six flamingo species frequent this area. Two of the flamingo species migrate from the Andean highlands. The third species, the Chilean flamingo, is a year-round resident. Over 300,000 Chilean flamingoes have been counted at Mar Chiquita.
In recognition of the ecological value of this lake, plans are underway to create a national park. The 800,000 ha of salt water, estuaries and wetlands will make this Argentina’s largest national park. It is one of the most important sites in South America for the conservation of migrating birds.
Three rivers empty into this lake which does not have an exit. One of the rivers, Rio Suquia, flows through the city of Cordoba. La Falda and the Valle de Punilla are in the Rio Suquia watershed. The water that drains from our kitchen sink may well flow into the Laguna de Mar Chiquita.
The Spanish explorers traveling from Lima, Peru, thought they had arrived at the Atlantic Ocean when they spotted Mar Chiquita. They were searching for a transcontinental route, but needed to travel another 700 km to reach the east coast.
In the early 1900’s Argentine and European tourists began visiting Mar Chiquita for the therapeutic salt water, mud baths and sun. In the 1930’s, a wealthy family from Buenos Aires decided to spend the summer at Mar Chiquita. Their children were affected by asthma and psoriasis. Their positive health response to their time at the salt lake prompted the family to build the luxury Grand Hotel Vienna in the developing town of Miramar. The hotel opened in 1939 and two additional wings were added in subsequent years. The 150 room, five star hotel, was equipped with all the modern amenities of the time.
The Grand Hotel Vienna
The success of the Grand Hotel Vienna spurred the development of additional hotels, restaurants and shops to accommodate tourists. In the 1970’s the population of Miramar grew to 4500 and the town was home to 110 hotels.
Grand Hotel Vienna flood damage
Miramar's economic boom, however, was short-lived. A weather cycle with increased rainfall, coupled with high rates of deforestation in the Mar Chiquita watershed, led to serious flooding. The 10 m rise in the water level flooded most of the tourist infrastructure. In the 1990’s the flooded buildings were dynamited and the rubble remains underwater.
The water tower is the only remnant of the Cococabana casino
The town of Miramar experienced a renaissance in the late 1990’s, as it relocated further inland on higher ground. A road and pedestrian walkway bordering the lake were constructed to serve as a dike to prevent future flooding. Tourism is again thriving and Mar Chiquita is now on the path to becoming a national park.
Additional Resource
Paintings of birds at Mar Chiquita by Jorge Warde can be accessed at his webpage:
aves acuaticas de la reserva mar chiquita
