Ojos de Mar, Hypersaline water pools in Tolar Grande, Argentina
The collection of three to six turquoise water pools rises through white salty ground in the middle of the Andean desert at 11,520 feet elevation.
Spanish explorers documented these water formations during their journeys through the Andes, leading to the establishment of routes across the mountain range.
The name derives from Spanish words meaning Eyes of the Sea, reflecting the local perception of these pools as windows into underground water systems.
Visitors need to maintain distance from the water edges due to unstable ground conditions and follow designated paths to protect the fragile ecosystem.
The pools contain extremophile organisms and ancient stromatolites that survive in water temperatures of 57°F with high salt and alkaline concentrations.
GPS coordinates: -24.62370,-67.37110
Latest update: March 4, 2025 03:27
Argentina extends across multiple climate zones and contains numerous geological formations. The country encompasses high mountain ranges in the Andes, salt flats in the northwest, rock formations in Patagonia, and extensive grasslands. These areas display the region's geological history and the adaptation of human settlements to different environments. The sites include volcanic craters, thermal springs, canyons, and historic villages. Many of these locations lie away from main routes and require several hours of travel. The regions document pre-Columbian cultures, colonial history, and traditional ways of life that continue today.
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