It literally means "Field of Lagoons" in the Mapuche language; and Chascomús is a small and charming city pierced in the centre of the system of wetlands denominated Las Encadenadas (The Chained).

The city is famous for the lagoon that bears its name, an important sport fishing centre of the atherine, the most notable amongst its different species, but also for being an important administrative and commercial centre for a vast rural area.

In 1581 Juan de Garay went on an expedition south of from Buenos Aires; he wanted to accumulate more lands and find the Gold City. On his quest he found a zone where salt water lagoons are abundant near the Samborombón River, becoming this the first account regarding Las Encadenadas.

The town had its origin in the San Juan Bautista Fort, founded on May the 30th of 1779 by Commander Pedro Nicolas Escribano; it was declared a city in 1873. It is necessary to point out that rancher Richard Newton introduced wired fences in the Argentine pampas.

In spite of its modern physiognomy, Chascomús has not lost its colonial air and peculiar charm. The house, where according to tradition Rosas' advocates organised a party to celebrate their victory over the Free of the South, is still standing on 123 Sarmiento Street.

The urban layout has been embellished with plazas and pedestrian boulevards; there is an equestrian statue of Liberator Don Jose de San Martin in the Independence Plaza, and there is a monument to the Free of the South made by Luis Perlotti in Liberty Plaza.

The zone is characteristic for its agriculture and stockbreeding production and trade. It also has textile, metalwork, plastic, shoe, vermicelli, mosaics and milk industries, amongst others.

HOW TO GET THERE

By car
Through Buenos Aires - La Plata Highway, continuing towards Chascomús at the connection with National Route Nº 2.

Bay train and bus
By train through the Roca Railway; besides, there are several long distance bus lines that make the trip from the capital up to Chascomús.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Chascomús Lagoon
It is the main tourist attraction of the city and one of the main in the Province of Buenos Aires, due to the aquatic and recreational activities that can be enjoyed at it. This 15 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide lagoon is adjoining to the urban zone, and the largest lagoon in the system of Las Encadenadas with a surface of 3044 hectares. Its average depth is of 1.52 metres and the maximum of 2.50 metres.

The bottom is of slime, clay and muddy sand; and its waters host pike characin, shads, wolf fish and especially atherine, which are subject of protection by the authorities.

Two types of shores can be differentiated in the Chascomús Lagoon: one abrupt with ravines and non floodable; and the other extended, low and floodable. The former is predominant on the western shore, where it occupies more than 98% of the length; the latter on the other hand, develops on the eastern shore.

One of the favourite sectors for locals and travellers alike is the so-called Flight of Stairs, located in the most beautiful space on the shore. It has the Free of the South Park as its natural extension.

When the night falls, you can take part on the bonfires, where stand up comedians, and humorists come one after the other, until late at night, when there will always be a recital where the different local bands provide Chascomús with rhythm.

Chapel of the Black
It was founded in the year 1862 with the aid of the Brotherhood of the Black. It has a plain structure with exposed walls, a zinced roof and a dirt floor. It houses a rustic table that works as an altar, and an image of the Black Virgin of the Miracles, an old carving venerated by the black people who lived here in old times. Beside it is the Virgin of the Rosary, surrounded by numerous offerings. This chapel worked as an assistance centre during the cholera and yellow fever epidemics, in the second half of the XIX century. It has been declared National Historic Place; it is located on Lamadrid and Venezuela Avenues.

Hydro-Biological Station
It was created in the year 1941 with the objective of repopulating the lagoons with atherine; those visiting it can watch the functioning of the especial incubating installations during the egg-laying season (southern hemisphere's spring). It performs an educational and diffusion role that is exemplified on its aquariums, which house specimens of the ichthyic fauna living in the system of lagoons. It is located on Lastra y Juarez Avenue.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy
It is temple of romantic style inaugurated in the year 1847, with the beauty of its two church towers covered with light blue tiles standing out. There is a Nazarene Christ with a truly expressive look amongst its images. It is situated on Lavalle and Sarmiento Streets.

City Hall
It was created in the year 1856 and was re-inaugurated in 1941. Its colonial style shows a clear neoclassical influence. The primitive fort was built on this lot and the only way to access it was through its bridge. It is located on Lavalle and Sarmiento Streets.

Brazzola Municipal Theatre
The works began in the year 1924 and after a few setbacks it was inaugurated in 1927. The theatre was utilised as conference room by the Working-Class Circle. It is located on 90 Sarmiento Street.

Mausoleum of Chascomús
It was built in the place formerly occupied by the cemetery. It keeps the remains of Don Domingo Lastra, his son's Don Gabriel Solá, and of other soldiers who fell in the Battle of Chascomús. There is a monolith at 100 metres marking the place where the battle took place on November the 7th of 1839. It has been declared National Historic Monument. It is located on Cramer Street, between Sarmiento and Mitre.

Pampas Museum
It is a building of colonial style created in the year 1939; it is surrounded by a 20-hectare park splendidly planted with trees. Its construction is similar to the old House of Posts of the Argentine Mail Service, which was located in San Isidro. It has seven rooms where gaucho collections are exhibited along with prehistoric fossils, valuable religious artworks, vestiges of the aborigines that inhabited the zone, and everyday life utensils that reflect the social evolution of the city. It is located on Lastra y Jimenez Avenue.

SPORT ACTIVITIES

Aquatic
Different aquatic activities can be practised in and on the crystalline waters of the Chascomús Lagoon, such as swimming, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing.

Canoeing - Kayaking
The calmed waters of this lagoon are more than suitable for the practice of these activities, and several local institutions provide the necessary equipment.

Sport Fishing
This last activity is practiced from the shore or on board vessels offered for rent. The fishes of choice are the atherine and the wolf fish.