The most beautiful natural sites to discover Uruguay

The park is run by military personnel who have been managing this magical place for years and are very welcoming. At the entrance, a magnificent tropical greenhouse built in 1939 and nicknamed "the Champs-Élysées" (who knows why!) contains more than 90 tropical plants as well as aquariums including water lilies and papyrus. A wildlife refuge and a large aviary hold a number of tropical birds including the superb federal, cacatua, Australian cotorita , naranjero, toucan... Baboons, wild cats(gatos de monte), turkeys, horses, donkeys, coypu and ostriches also live there in semi-liberty.

The Los Boots (or pescadores) is the most traditional of Punta del Diablo beaches. This is where fishermen's boats leave. A family beach, it is protected by rocks and is next to a pier.

The Viuda is the most wild of the three beaches of Punta del Diablo. This thicker sand beach, and 4 km long, ends at the lighthouse level (which gave its name to the beach). More popular by young people, especially the summer with makeshift bars scattered along the coast. Beautiful waves, but caution because the current is strong!

The playa del Rivero begins after the Playa de los Boots and ends at the rocky tip of Rivero, border with the Parque Nacional Santa Teresa (note: The beauty of the first beach in the park, one of the most beautiful in the country. It's actually a closed bay where the waves make the surfers happy. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets.

At 132 meters above sea level, on the top of the bay of Montevideo, this hill is the highest point of the department of Montevideo. In addition to the view of the bay, you can visit the Fortaleza General Artigas which houses a military museum. Up there, you will also see the Cerro de Montevideo lighthouse, which stands 148 meters high and facilitates the entry of ships into the port. The hill is home to several parks and recreational areas, such as the Parque del Cerro and the Parque Rodo, which includes a navigable lake and an amusement park.

The beaches of Piriápolis extend over nearly 25 kilometers of coastline. Heading west, you will find some of the most pleasant beaches for swimming (from Playas Grande to Playa Solis), often protected from the wind. To the east of the city, you can walk to Playa San Francisco and its Punta Fría, Playa Punta Colorada, Punta Negra with beautiful landscapes of rocks and nature.

Playa del Centro: Along the rambla, it is one of the most popular, because it combines proximity, amenities, water sports, shopping and bathing.

Playa Grande, which paradoxically is quite small, has naturally formed pools between its rocks, ideal for swimming and diving.

Playa Hermosa with its fine white sand, thanks to its orientation, is protected from the evening wind. Some hamburger and ice cream stands in the afternoon.

Playa Verde, 5 km from the city, is a haven of tranquility; half sand, half rocks, it is surrounded by mountains. Remember to bring your lunch and bottled water, as there are no shopping areas or restaurants in the area.

Playa de las Flores (at km 89 of Ruta 10) extends from Arroyo Las Flores to Arroyo Tarariras. It is a family-friendly, quiet place where you can also fish.

Playa Bella Vista is quiet, bordered by nature, small pebbles and sandy gullies. Less pleasant for swimming, unless you bring beach shoes.

Playa Solís, to finish on the west side, discover peace and fishing on the Arroyo of the same name.

Montoya.The surfers' beach. Lots of wind in the afternoon. Beware of rocks. Lifeguard services.

Bikini.In summer, the party is in full swing on this beach where it is not uncommon to run into celebrities and paparazzi. The DJs arrive around 5pm and the festivities go on until the early hours.

Manantiales.Beautiful beach located near restaurants, art galleries and decoration stores.

La Barra.At the mouth of the Maldonado River, overlooking the Leonel Viera Bridge, this is a quieter beach with finer sand.

This 50-hectare park was inaugurated in 1939 as a gift from the British Embassy. It is located at a distance of 7 km from Rivera and can be reached by following the path leading to the Abasto Municipal. It offers a large forest, several hiking trails, a natural waterfall and a seven-hectare artificial lagoon where visitors can swim in the summer. In addition, the park has a campground that offers plots for about $80, although their sanitary facilities are not well maintained. Great place to go for a run.

Take 50 minutes at 1:30 a. m. There is a small museum with dinosaur bones, precious stones and other anthropological objects that belonged to the Charruas who lived here.

A red, ochre and yellow geological concretion sculpted by erosion, the Valle de la Luna is a set of pointed mounds, some of them quite imposing, crisscrossed by regular rain flows, which by their aspect and their mineral panorama remind us a bit of lunar landscapes. Be careful not to get lost because one quickly loses his way. A local hippie guide who lives in the forest with his wife and children will show you the secrets. He will gladly invite you to take a mate in his gnome house. A nice discovery.

Located about 20 minutes by car from the city center, this 150-hectare nature reserve invites you to stroll along its shaded trails lined with native species and to observe the local wildlife. Among the 60 animal species present in the park are alligators, coatis, field deer and collared peccaries (the latter are particularly fond of being petted). The main objective of the park is to protect and breed wild species in order to reintroduce them into their natural habitat.

The majestic statue of General Jose Artigas stands proudly atop Cerro Artigas. This monumental ten-meter work, created by Belloni's son, celebrates the greatness and heroism of this emblematic national hero. Every year, on the night of Los Fogones in October, visitors flock to sing in unison the moving hymn "A Don José, oriental en la vida y en la muerte tambien", showing their deep respect for this illustrious character and his essential role in Uruguay's independence.

Located in front of the richest and most exclusive part of the city, this beach is considered one of the most prestigious in Montevideo. Although it is a bit far from the city center, it is still an excellent alternative to the beaches in the center, since it is bigger, cleaner and more attractive. And since it is usually deserted most of the year, it is perfect for travelers looking to get away from the crowds. Ideal for jogging or walking early in the morning along the rambla Republica de México.

In front of Rodó Park and the Mercosur building is Ramírez Beach, one of the most popular places to meet for maté in the evening. It is located near the Afro-Uruguayan neighborhood of Palermo, where the Lemanja festival is held every February 2. Some people swim in its shallow waters, although we do not recommend it for swimming. It has recently been fitted out with vegetated dunes and has a completely different face, more welcoming than before. Perfect place to watch the sunset.

Located in the Malvin district, this beach offers a breathtaking view of Montevideo's coastline and is nestled in a large bay, between the districts of Buceo and Punta Gorda to the west and east, respectively. It is an ideal place for a day out with the family or to practice water activities such as surfing, windsurfing or jet-skiing. Like all the beaches in Montevideo, lifeguard services and cabins are available. The landscape is enhanced by the rock formation of Isla de las Gaviotas, which rises in front of it.

Ah, the Baño de la India, that little corner of paradise surrounded by a waterfall and a lagoon, created by the genius of the architect Julio Vilamajó. An ideal place to soak your feet and cool off on hot days. To get there, you just have to go down the stone stairs and reach the beach. And for hiking enthusiasts, don't miss the Martiniano trail that starts right here. No need for GPS, the path is marked like the nose on your face. Follow the signs and you'll be there in no time!

Between the neighborhoods of Malvín and Carrasco, a beautiful beach of fine white sand surrounded by residences on its rambla. Ideal for swimming and for practicing water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and jet-skiing because of the stronger waves. It is best to go by bus, as the parking lot is often full. Nearby is the Club Nautico, which has sports facilities such as tennis and soccer courts, a swimming pool, a weight room and a spinning room. Book a class via WhatsApp at +598 9851 8846.

Laguna José Ignacio is a privileged place to observe the local fauna and flora. Visitors can admire a wide variety of bird species, such as flamingos, swans, herons and roseate spoonbills. Boat and kayak tours allow visitors to discover the diversity of this fascinating fauna. In addition, the site is also famous for its waves generated by the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular spot for surfers, especially at El Pepe, a coastal point located at the mouth of the lagoon.

Next to the Arroyo Colla, this park allows a picnic on tables, canoeing and swimming, all in full nature. A little further, the Puente de Piedra is like a natural barrier between the city and the nature so dense, where the amateurs of nautical activities will find their happiness.

Colonia is also frequented for the charm of its coast. The currents have created sublime beaches of fine sand, ideal for relaxing and getting some colour. Stay within the bathing area, however, as the Río de la Plata is subject to currents that can sometimes be dangerous. Playa Fernando, less populated and more shady than its neighbour, Playa Honda, can be reached in 45 minutes on foot. It is a beautiful beach of fine sand bordered by pine and eucalyptus forests. Its crystalline waters also allow diving.