The most beautiful natural sites to discover Uruguay

About ten minutes northeast of Minas, here is a peaceful and rejuvenating environment, the ideal place to relax and immerse yourself in a reading under the majestic eucalyptus trees. A modern complex is available for visitors to enjoy a day in communion with nature, with cottages and a restaurant. There are also several hiking trails to explore, offering different and fascinating perspectives on the surrounding valley.

The Valley of the Thread of Life is a unique archaeological site, consisting of approximately 80 stone mounds erected by the indigenous people. Hiking trails allow you to explore the natural beauty of the area. In addition, you can stay at a charming inn with six beautiful rooms, all with a terrace offering a great view of the surrounding landscape. A guided tour is available to discover the secrets of this fascinating place.

At the exit of the city, on the 53 ruta, you will discover a wooded park where relaxation is made. You are on the grass or eat lunch on picnic tables, and above all, you bathe in the river. Children's playgrounds are found, even if they prefer to make diving competitions, especially in summer when temperatures exceed 35 ° C.

Carmelo beach without which the city would not be what it is. This stretch of fine sand is quiet and calm. It is ideal for sports and water activities. The river flows a little overhead and the trees provide shade, creating an ideal atmosphere for a walk. Although the water may seem murky due to the presence of silt, discouraging some visitors, summer bathers will be easily charmed and will not want to leave the water once they dive in.

The castle, which currently houses a bodega (Maua wines), an art gallery and a museum of paleontology, was built by the Brazilian businessman and banker, Eliseu Evangelista de Souza who later became the Viscount of Mauá. The park surrounding the property once had an area of almost 16,000 hectares, but it has since been reduced to only three hectares. Nevertheless, it is still a pleasant place to walk around and to admire the view of the Negro River.

The park was inaugurated in 1942 by Don Guillermo Ruggia according to the structure of the soil, whose geological formation took place, according to specialists, more than 35 million years ago. It has pleasant paths that can be walked and can easily be combined with a walk along the Rambla. There is also a statue of the bust of the Uruguayan poet Dr. Juan Zorilla de San Martin. And to top it all off, the Teatro de Verano, which evokes the architecture of the ancient Greek theaters, is sure to dazzle you.

The coastline of Nueva Palmira is dotted with beautiful sandy beaches along the river. It is possible to practice water sports. Nearby, you can see the old port still in activity, housing a famous shipwrecked vessel whose emerging part contrasts with the modern infrastructure. A few kilometers from the city, near the Estancia de Ordoñada, is Playa La Agraciada, which is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the region and offers camping for visitors.

Largest of the coastal lagoons of the country, the Laguna Negra enjoys a superb natural environment. It is a very peaceful place dedicated to the observation of birds and flamingos. Hills covered with low foliage trees delight the walker. The walk can be done on foot from Punta del Diablo or on horseback. Many other smaller lagoons border this exceptional ecosystem: lagunas Verde, Blanca, del Bicho, which can be interesting to discover if you are motorized (or by kayak). Superb sunsets.

The park is at the intersection of roads 1 and 2; it is a place for relaxation and fishing where eucalyptus is planted.

Charming little beach located at the point where the Collaarroyo widens and calms down. It is surrounded by lush forest vegetation, and since the water is shallow, it is a good place to cool off, or to have a picnic in the shade of the willows, as the local residents do. Not far from there, going down the river, it joins the Rosario river , at the level of the Bote lagoon. This is a place where amateurs can enjoy fishing.

This reserve was created as part of the "Flores por la Vida" campaign in July 1991. It consists of 65 hectares that constitute a natural habitat for 500 specimens belonging to a hundred different species, mainly of indigenous fauna, some of which are endangered. Ideal for a family outing in the afternoon. The park has an on-site restaurant, and visitors can enjoy an electric bus tour to observe the animals ($150).

A large green area with playgrounds. Ideal for children, and parents who will enjoy walking.

The municipal cemetery is located in the park. Advice to enthusiasts: " Go to the cemetery and warn your friends, " (Jacques Higelin), because some of the graves are real works of art. Also a small zoo.

This park for relaxation and picnic deserves a visit, if only for its 5-metre high waterfall.

This hill rises 250 meters above sea level. It is possible to climb to the top of the hill, but part of it can only be done on foot. On the way, we will stop at the Fuente del Toro, a mineral spring dominated by a statue of a bull that is said to be the work of a student of Rodin. These springs are said to have therapeutic properties! Then, you take the stairs dug in the rock to reach the top, where a superb panoramic view awaits you. The path is marked by arrows on the rocks.