Loop around Chascomus Lagoon

The entire route is paved. In the morning, it was peaceful with almost no traffic. In the afternoon, closer to the city, there was more traffic, but there are paths alongside the road to avoid the cars.

The road is generally in very good condition, and the views of the lagoon are almost constant. There are no major ascents or descents, making it an easy ride.

The only thing to consider is the wind, which will depend on the day. We had a windy day from the southeast, and it was noticeable in some sections.

Cycling around the Laguna de Chascomús is one of the ultimate classics for a bike ride in the Province of Buenos Aires.

It is a very welcoming route, ideal both for beginners getting into cycle tourism and for anyone looking for a relaxed ride while enjoying the pampas landscape, wetlands, and local history.

The Classic Coastal Circuit

• Distance: Around 30 to 32 kilometers (approx. 18–20 miles) for the full loop around the entire lagoon.

• Terrain: Mostly paved (the traditional Costanera Avenue and ring roads), making it very accessible for any type of bicycle (city, hybrid, MTB, or road).

• Difficulty: Low. The route is entirely flat with no steep climbs, making it easy to set your own pace and stop as often as you like.

Highlights Along the Route

1. The Downtown Costanera: This is the most common starting and ending point. Beginning near the historic district or the yacht clubs lets you start off with wide-open views of the water.

2. Docks and Reed Beds: As you advance, the path winds through wetland areas rich in local birdlife (black-necked swans, herons, and coots). There are several wooden walkways and small docks where you can stop for a break, enjoy some mate, or take photos.

3. Paradors and Countryside Canteens: Along various stretches of the route, you'll find rural general stores, snack bars, and roadside cafes where you can refill your water bottle, grab a pastry, or enjoy a cold drink with direct views of the water.

4. Architecture and History: If you detour just a few blocks into the town center, you can add some culture to your ride by visiting Independence Plaza, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Los Remedios, and the iconic Casa de Casco.

Practical Tips for the Ride

• The Wind: Because the terrain is wide-open and flat, the Pampas wind can really pick up. It's always a good idea to check the forecast beforehand to see which way the wind is blowing, which can help you decide whether to ride clockwise or counter-clockwise.

• Sun Protection: The reflection off the water intensifies the sun, so sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, even on cooler days.

• Hydration and Gear: Although there are plenty of spots to grab supplies along the way, it never hurts to carry an extra water bottle and a basic flat-tire kit (spare tube and mini-pump).

As we headed further and further north on the map, my excitement grew. The whole area was already starting to be uncharted territory for me, so I was very curious to see what things were like in that part of my country. We were already very close to achieving our improvised goal of reaching Bolivia, but along the way we were also seeing some very curious places. One obligatory stop was La Quiaca, the northernmost city in Argentina in the province of Jujuy, where we took two nights to rest and also to sort out our paperwork before crossing the border .

After driving more than 180 km in the small Suzuki 4x4, we left Iruya in the province of Salta to head to La Quiaca, in the province of Jujuy. That would be our last stop in Argentina before heading to the neighboring country. It was impossible to go any further, because we were literally about to cross to the other side. However, despite being so close, we needed some time to be able to go to the ATM to withdraw cash so we could get a good exchange rate in Bolivia, try to get the yellow fever vaccine and be able to fill up with gas before crossing. For this we stayed two nights in a small hostel for which we paid $25 per night for two people

As for money, we were able to get a good amount from ATMs and this was the most convenient thing, since due to the high taxes Argentina imposes on using debit and credit cards abroad, the best option was to pay for everything with cash. Regarding the yellow fever vaccine, we had read that it was necessary but I went to the hospital and couldn't get it because it wasn't the day they were doing the vaccination campaign. I risked going to Bolivia anyway, hoping not to get sick from anything (spoiler: I didn't get sick from anything). Third, we were able to fill a jerry can with extra gasoline, which was what we wanted, since we were afraid of not getting it easily in Bolivia, since there was a rumor that they didn't sell it to foreigners .

All of these things took up the time we decided to stay in La Quiaca. As for the city, like any border city, it is not as touristy or elegant, but it is still full of signs that highlight what distinguishes it: being the northernmost city in Argentina. There are signs everywhere for photos, and many stickers of people who wanted to leave their mark on this place. In addition, everything was quite cheap here, just like what we saw in our previous days in other northern cities .

The city of La Quiaca in Jujuy represents the northern end of the famous journey that crosses my country from end to end along Route 40, parallel to the Andes Mountains and ending in the city of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego province. This route covers 5,194 km and visits 11 of the 23 provinces we have in Argentina. This trip is one of the most desired by nomadic travelers, who choose to do it in different vehicles, from cars, trucks, motorcycles and motorhomes to bicycles. Being at either end of this route, whether in La Quiaca or Ushuaia, is exciting, and that is how I felt after finally getting to know this city, because I already knew Ushuaia .

I think that throughout this whole traveling phase of my life, which began almost a year and a half ago, I did a lot of great things and being in the northernmost and southernmost extremes of my country was one of them. When I decided that I wanted to travel a bit around the north of Argentina, I didn't think that I would literally get to La Quiaca, the furthest north we have. I really enjoyed getting to know this place, which despite being simple has a very special value for travelers and for all of us who love Argentina and love Route 40. Once again, I was able to get to know a new corner of the many we have here .

❤️ Hope you liked this post! Thanks for reading. ❤️

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Link to watch Day 1:

https://youtu.be/i_ZFQOH2e-k?si=bXpgoVMM9s520EeF
Link to watch Days 2 and 3: https://youtu.be/3DPm8x_pKhg?si=vTKuI1IV_WWH1cOU

Day 1

Despite having some tailwind when leaving Mar de las Pampas, the first 28 km, on wet, loose sand, were very difficult.

I had anticipated the wind blowing towards Mar Chiquita, but not that the beach after Mar Azul would become steep.

The pace became like climbing a mountain.

Upon reaching the Querandí Lighthouse, I couldn't climb its 54 meters because the caretaker wasn't there, as it was December 25th. Even so, I enjoyed the surrounding reserve, thanks to the shade of the enormous trees.

From this point, there were more manageable stretches of beach, with a stronger tailwind and occasional wildlife appearing alone, both dead and alive.

At kilometer 33, a last fisherman was trying to make a profit from the sea, already on the border with the Mar Chiquita Reserve.

The journey from this point onward offered striking landscapes of enormous dunes, ravines with vegetation, many birds, and natural formations thousands of years old, created by the compaction of snail shells and sediments.

After 60 kilometers, I reached the Mar Chiquita Lagoon, unique in the country. I needed to find a boat to cross the inlet, but I didn't know that because I was leaving a Nature Reserve, I had to notify the police first... I learned this when Ariel, the driver of a boat, told me as we crossed the brackish water.

I learned this information when Ariel, the driver of a boat, told me as we crossed the inlet. Once on the opposite shore, teeming with crabs, I headed towards Camping Mar Chiquita, ending the day and falling asleep to the sounds of El Cangrejo Stream, just a few meters from my tent.

There's no drinking water at the campsite, but half a block away, just outside, there's a water tank provided by the municipality where you can fill up your drinking water.

Day 2

After passing through the Mar Chiquita Atlantic Park Biosphere Reserve and a short corridor for migratory birdwatching, skirting El Cangrejo Stream, I headed towards Highway 11. Fortunately, since one of the lanes of this highway was under construction, I was able to drive alone and without the danger of other vehicles.

Already at the entrance to the dirt road towards Nahuel Rucá, I was 14 km from the village, but before arriving I stopped at Estancia El Campamento to see if I could take a rough track to the sign for the old train station.

Despite knocking, no one came out, but I saw a rifle leaning against the gate and decided not to insist, as they were probably taking a siesta... From Nahuel Rucá to Cafuncura, the next village, it's 30 km, with almost no shade, vehicular traffic (only farm machinery), drinking water, and electricity.

I was surprised throughout the journey by millions of blue dragonflies fluttering as I passed by on my bike, and by countless powdery fungi along the side of the abandoned tracks.

And also by a rather long and unusual dusty climb in terrain that is mostly flat. Looking for water and a little charge for my cell phone, after passing the old Cafuncura station, I jumped a gate and looked for Frede's house, following directions from a local child. But when I arrived, his wife couldn't give me water, much less electricity, since the solar panels only powered their own needs.

So I continued along the private road toward the main house of the ranch, to try my luck there...crossing nine gates, a stream, surprising sightings of pampas deer, countless birds, cultivated fields, and hundreds of cattle running in fear ahead of me.

It was 15 kilometers to the tank where I refilled my drinking water supply, courtesy of the ranch workers, who didn't even realize I had walked through the entire property. It was an amazing place, where the concentration of birds near the main house was overwhelming, with so many of each species...I haven't seen anything like it even in the Iberá wetlands.

Jumping over gate number 11 at the entrance, I rejoined the closed section of the highway and, as dusk fell, asked permission at another ranch to spend the night in its vast forest.

It was a completely dark night, filled with the sounds of creatures like opossums, burrowing owls, and other nocturnal insects.

The owner and caretaker were incredibly kind and kind, allowing me to sleep there.

Day 3

At 5:30 a.m., I broke camp and set off for the cabin, this time with a headwind, but only 30 kilometers from the end of the journey.

Once off the highway, I crossed the beautiful coastal towns of Mar Azul and Mar de las Pampas, traveling along winding sandy roads surrounded by forest as far as the eye could see, delighted with the experiences and exercise I had enjoyed.