Ansenuza, the new Argentinean national park to discover

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Instagram

The famous actor Leonardo Di Caprio is now promoting this fabulous protected area located in the province of Córdoba. Its 433,000 hectares offer excellent alternatives to the traveller and inexhaustible natural landscapes. From bird watching to horse riding. In this article you will find everything you need to know to enjoy the wonders of the new Ansenuza Natural Park.

In times of pandemic, outdoor experiences have become one of the most sought-after activities. Logically, in a context where social distancing is a condition, all activities that respect this premise will be the first to attract our attention, especially if they enchant us with incredible landscapes.

Argentina, in this sense, does it and does it with honours. Breathtaking panoramas, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the second highest mountain on the planet and a spectacle of natural diversity are perfect proof that planning a trip to the country is the right decision.

However, with so much on offer, it can be difficult to know what to see in Argentina. So, what should your next stop be? For those looking for an alternative and fascinating experience, the recently named Ansenuza National Park is ideal.

Located in the province of Cordoba, this national park is the third largest in the region, includes much of the coastline of the Laguna Mar Chiquita as well as the Bañados del Rio Dulce and has the fifth largest salt lake in the world.

Among the many reasons to visit, here are 5 unforgettable experiences to enjoy during your next visit to Argentina’s newest national park:

1. Birdwatching

Flight of flamingos (Credit: Cordoba Turismo)

The favourites are the pink birds with their slender legs. We’re talking about flamingos, of course. Sometimes their unmistakable elegance amazes people, and in the Mar Chiquita (or Ansenuza) lagoon you’ll find three of the six species that exist in the world: the southern flamingo, the Andean flamingo and the lesser parina. The former have made the park their home and there are now over 300,000 of them living in the area.

But make no mistake, there are over 350 species of birds in the park. Indeed, the Ansenuza region is one of the best destinations in Argentina for birdwatching (regional and migratory).

2. Hiking in the National park

Maned wolf (Credit: Aves Argentinas)

Getting to know the park’s lands in depth and marvelling at its biodiversity is obviously a must for those who visit it. As far as its landscapes are concerned, there are islets, wetlands, saline environments, high and low coasts, as well as the famous Chaco forest.

Logically, such a diversity of environments implies a great variety of fauna, and the charm of the park is not limited to bird watching!  Mammals, amphibians and reptiles of all kinds coexist here. In fact, it is also inhabited by endangered species such as the land tortoise, the river otter and the aguará guazú (maned wolf).

3. Sailing in the waters of the Ansenuza Sea

The province of Córdoba does not have an outlet to the ocean, but it does have its own sea. Although not exactly a sea in geographical terms, the Ansenuza Sea is the largest salt lake in South America and the fifth largest in the world. In fact, it has a salt concentration almost three times that of an ocean – waters that are said to have medicinal properties!  Sailing on these waters is a must, especially if you want to watch the sunsets while sipping a delicious Argentinean wine: a real postcard.

4. Horse riding in La Paquita

The Cordoba region, with its stunning sierras, is one of the most popular places for horseback riding. Of course, the area of the Ansenuza National Park is no exception, especially the route that passes through the wonderful town of La Paquita.

It is a rural ride of about an hour and a half that ends on the coast of the Mar Chiquita lagoon, during which you can enjoy the wild landscapes, the mountain fauna and, of course, the fabulous diversity of birds. A word of advice? Do it early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise or late in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset. In fact, many say that from here you can witness one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

5. Flying over the region

Travelling around Cordoba is – always – a captivating activity. However, discovering it from above means having an even more incredible experience. The route by plane, although it is outside the boundaries of the national park, flies over the town of Miramar – the most developed tourist centre in the region – as well as the mouth of the Primero (or Suquía) and Segundo (or Xanaes) rivers. Both rivers are part of the closed basin to which the Ansenuza Sea belongs.

From above, the traveller has the impression that the lagoon is somehow infinite, because even from the plane, one cannot see the end of its 100 km width!  And above all, including the area where many of the park’s birds feed, you can admire how some of them – in flocks – draw totally hypnotic ballets in the sky.

Source: Visit Argentina