In the province of Buenos Aires, there is Chapalcó, a small locality that in the 1980s was submerged underwater due to a flood caused by the overflow of the Chasicó lagoon. This situation led many inhabitants to consider that the place had disappeared from the maps. However, over time, Chapalcó began to recover, especially thanks to the fishing activity of the pejerrey, a species highly valued by local fishermen.
After the flood that affected 12,000 hectares and destroyed the buildings along the waterfront, for a time, only one house could be seen above the water level and a municipal office, which were the only structures that withstood the rise. Fortunately, after two decades, the waters receded, allowing the inhabitants to return to rebuild their homes and revive the area.
Currently, Chapalcó is home to approximately 50 permanent residents. Pejerrey fishing has become the main activity of the locality, attracting numerous fishermen who come every weekend in search of quality specimens.
To reach Chapalcó from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, one must travel approximately 800 kilometers by car, with an estimated duration of 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic conditions and selected routes. In the surroundings of the village, small businesses have emerged offering boat rentals and services for fishing enthusiasts, creating a budding tourist movement and the opening of local ventures such as cabins, stores, and fishing houses.
The reconstruction of Chapalcó after the catastrophe of 1983 is an example of resilience and perseverance on the part of its inhabitants, who have managed to give new life to the place through an activity that is deeply rooted in the culture of the region, such as pejerrey fishing.
