Laguna Mar Chiquita, also known as Mar de Ansenuza, is an endorheic salt lake in the northeast of Córdoba Province, with its northeast corner extending into southeastern Santiago del Estero Province. It is the largest naturally occurring saline lake in Argentina and ranks among the largest salt lakes in the world. The lake's surface area fluctuates considerably due to its shallow depth of roughly 10 meters, ranging between 2,000 and 6,000 square kilometers depending on water levels. It sits at an elevation of approximately 66–69 meters above sea level. The primary inflows are the Dulce River and the Saladillo River.

The main gateway town is Miramar de Ansenuza, located about 195–197 kilometers from Córdoba City via Ruta Nacional 19 and Ruta Provincial 10, 17, and 3. Some stretches of the approach roads may be unpaved gravel. Access points with open entry include Playa Grande, Laguna del Plata, Lomita de los Indios, and Miramar itself, though areas near the water at Laguna del Plata and the Segundo River require an entrance fee.

Because the water is saline, paddlers will notice significantly increased buoyancy compared to freshwater. The climate is subtropical and humid. Kayaking is an established activity on the lake, with guided group outings, educational routes, and free-paddling options available through local operators in Miramar de Ansenuza. Motorboat and inflatable boat tours are also common, so paddlers should be aware of motorized vessel traffic, particularly near the town's beach area.

In June 2022, the lake and surrounding wetlands were officially designated as Ansenuza National Park, the largest national park in Argentina, protecting over 19,000 square kilometers of lagoons, marshes, and forests. This designation carries specific regulations for paddlers, so checking current park rules before launching is advisable. The lake supports over 250–300 bird species, including three species of flamingos that breed here, making wildlife observation a significant draw for paddlers. Migratory birds from as far as Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, Patagonia, and the Andean region pass through seasonally. Visible ruins of the old town of Miramar, partially submerged following flooding in the 1970s, can be observed from the water and add a notable historical dimension to paddling excursions.