Balneario: Sand and Sunshine in Bulk

Water bodies multiply at Chajarí: its hot spring resources, its beaches on Lake Salto Grande as well as every little creek that goes across the fields sown with citrus trees. The campsite and swim hole known as Ciudad de Chajarí is the most popular both among locals and visitors.

With the intention to reach the swim hole, we took 26 de Mayo Avenue as if getting out of the city. We came to a long beach teeming with bathers on the shore of a huge reservoir.

Diverse groups of men, women and children facing the water body enjoyed some mate or just a chat. We did the same thing, but settled our folding chairs a little farther away from the water in order to take advantage of a shady bush.

The heat forced us to take a dive in the lake more than once. Of course we had to wear our sandals, as the hot sand prevented us from walking barefooted. Besides, the lake bed is made of gravel and it is safer to wear some kind of shoe. We improvised a game of beach tennis taking even more distance from the rest of the people so as not to bother them with some reckless shot.

We noticed it was a very quiet and pleasant spot which could host many activities at the same time. Each area invites visitors to practice sports both in the water and on solid ground. The campsite facilities are quite good and include volleyball and tennis courts, as well as football pitch, among others. Besides, the camping area welcomes tents and RVs and also offers a series of bungalows and proper services for a comfortable stay.

At sunset, when the shades of nature softened into pastel hues, we joined a group of youths who were playing guitar and singing some famous songs from Entre Ríos. Chamarritas, chamamé and rural polkas sounded in the instrument and the voices. More people joined us with their singing or just clapping hands. We felt the surrounding scene enveloping us with the deep-rooted customs of these people.

It was practically dark when we resolved to go back. Our skin was feeling a little sore from the sunshine. In turn, we believed we had understood why the denizens of Chajarí feel so proud about this haven: it is part of their daily routine.