Río Primero: Lagoon, Birdlife and Cultural Heritage

In the Río Primero Department, places of interest range from Laguna Mar Chiquita to the cultural sites in Villa Santa Rosa and Las Saladas. The lagoon’s shores extend into the department; Villa Santa Rosa is its administrative center, and the Reserva Municipal Bahía de Ansenuza is located in La Para.

Villa Santa Rosa and Getting Around

Villa Santa Rosa lies on Provincial Route No. 10, 90 kilometers northeast of the city of Córdoba. As the administrative center of the Río Primero Department, the city is a useful reference point for getting your bearings in the region. The route information describes its road location; the distance and direction are relative to the city of Córdoba.

Laguna Mar Chiquita and Nature

Laguna Mar Chiquita is one of the largest saltwater wetlands in South America and the world. It covers about 6,000 km² and is home to a rich variety of native flora and fauna; its shores extend into the Río Primero Department. The lagoon is also an outstanding destination for birdwatching. Its landscape and wildlife are a particular draw for travelers interested in wetlands and birds.

The Reserva Municipal Bahía de Ansenuza in La Para is an inlet within Laguna del Plata, on the southern curve of Laguna Mar Chiquita. Parque Megafauna de Ansenuza offers information panels describing individual species, an audio guide, QR codes, a Braille system, and a tactile outline element scaled to human size. Written, audio, digital, and tactile information are all available there.

Routes and Cultural Sites

The main route of the Camino de Brochero begins in Villa Santa Rosa de Río Primero, passes through Paraje Carreta Quemada, and continues to Villa Cura Brochero. Its described route therefore connects several named places. In Villa Santa Rosa, the Templo Parroquial y Santuario Santa Rosa de Lima y Santo Cura Brochero has been protected as a provincial monument since 1994. In Las Saladas in the Río Primero Department, the Capilla La Purísima is a provincial monument. These two heritage sites add religious cultural heritage to the route and landscape highlights.

Laguna del Plata and Seasonal Activities

For the 2017 season, Laguna del Plata, 10 kilometers from La Para, was described as an excellent area for sport fishing for pejerrey. The 2017 season information identified “Bahía de Ansenuza” as a municipal bathing area on Laguna del Plata: swimming was planned for summer, and sport fishing for pejerrey for winter. The two activities were therefore assigned to different seasons; this information refers to the 2017 season.

When considering a specific hotel offer, check whether its stated location suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: La Para, Marcos Juárez Department, Tercero Arriba Department, San Alberto Department, Juárez Celman, Totoral Department, Unión Department, Pocho.

For an overview of the wider region: Córdoba.