- Countries: Brazil, Uruguay
- Height above sea level: 0 m
- Dimensions: 174 × 42 km
- Area: 3750 sq. M. km
- Maximum depth: 30 m
- Average depth: 7 m
- Flowing rivers: Jaguaran, San Luis, Cebolyati, Takuari
- Flowing river: San Gonzalo
In the western part of Uruguay, right on the border with Brazil, lies the freshwater Lagoa Mirin pond, which occupies the 54th place in the world in its area.
General information about Lake Lagoa Mirin
This serene little lagoon is located in two states - Uruguay and Brazil. That is why it has two official names - Lagoa Mirin and Laguna-Merin.
The length of the reservoir from north to south is 220 km, and from east to west - 42 km. From the Atlantic Ocean it is separated by a narrow sand strip and a marshy spit 18 km wide. The same spit separates Lagoa Mirin from one of the largest reservoirs of South America - Lake Patus. Between these lakes there is a small river called San Gonzalo.
One of the largest rivers in the region, Jaguaran, flows into Lagoa Mirin, the total length of which is 208 km. In addition, the reservoir is divided into the following basins:
- Takuari (5143 km);
- Sebolyati (17,328 km);
- Sarandi (1266 km);
- San Miguel (6933);
The average annual rainfall in the area of Lake Lagoa Mirin is 1332 mm, so it is surrounded by wetlands and sandy beaches .
History of Lake Lagoa Mirin
On July 7, 1977, an agreement was signed between Uruguay and Brazil. According to him, a joint commission for the protection and development of Lake Lagoa Mirin was established. Compliance with all clauses of the agreement is monitored by a specially authorized body of CLM, whose office is located in the city of Porto Alegre.
Biodiversity of Lake Lagoa Mirin
Along the coast of the lake you can find tropical and broad-leaved vegetation. The surrounding area of Lagoa Mirin is covered with pastures with high grass, where the locals graze cattle. Occasionally there are trees.
Despite the advantageous geographical position of the reservoir, the fishing industry is poorly developed. If someone is fishing, most of it is exported.
Tourist infrastructure
This region of Uruguay is an important center of agriculture and rice cultivation. Until recently, the lake was not very popular with travelers. Only in recent years, local operators have begun to include Lagoa Mirin in tourist routes. It should be visited in order to:
- Enjoy the picturesque view of the local landscapes;
- to ride a boat on the lake and the nearest rivers;
- see the natural attractions;
- to get acquainted with representatives of local flora and fauna;
- to do kitesurfing.
On the Uruguayan shores of Lake Lagoa Mirin there are several resorts. The largest of them is the resort of Lago Merín, on the territory of which there is a hotel, restaurants, gazebos and even a casino.
How to get to Lagoa Mirin?
On the shore of the lake there is a settlement of the same name, in which there are only 439 people (according to the 2011 data). From the capital to Lagoa Mirin can be reached by car, following the motorway Ruta 8. Under normal road and weather conditions, the path of 432 km can be overcome in about 6 hours.