List of national parks of Uruguay

Uruguay is better known for its beaches (Punta del Este, La Paloma), than for its National Parks. However there are some excellent natural areas, and a system of National Parks is being established. (SNAP - Sistema National de Areas Protegidas)

Eastern Wetlands and Ocean Coast

The lagoons on Uruguay's east coast are recognized as a Wetland of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention, due to the presence of thousands of migratory waders, ducks, swans, grebes, flamingos, grebes, herons and other waterbirds.

Rocha Lagoon - Rocha

Semi-freshwater lagoon of 72 km² (28 sq mi). Ten kilometres by road from the beachside resort town of La Paloma (closer along the beach). The lagoon has an outlet to the sea during winter months. A bird paradise, with 220 species are recorded. Many migratory waders, Flamingos, Swans, Herons, Ducks, etc. A small fishing community live on the eastern shore (near the ocean coast), who take tourists for boat trips on the lagoon.

Castillos Lagoon - Rocha

Freshwater lagoon. Many bird species. Impressive remnants of Palm Forest (Butia) on the western shore. An unusual small forest of the curious Ombu on the eastern side (Monte de los Ombues), which resembles a tree with enormous fat trunks, but is actually a giant herb! Access from either the beachside hamlet of Valizas (Ruta 10), or the town of Castillos (Ruta 9). An eco-tourism resort close to Castillos.

Garzon Lagoon - Rocha & Maldonado

Semi-fresh lagoon. Easy access from the up-market resort town of Jose Ignacio (Ruta 10). A good place to view Penguins, Mallards, and Eagles.

Santa Teresa - Rocha

An impressive fort built in Spanish colonial times (late 18th century). Large plantation of many forest species and beautiful ocean coast. Offshore islands with breeding colonies of terns and gulls.

Cabo Polonia - Rocha

Famous for its huge sand dunes. Actually a severely over-grazed coastal area, with very little coastal bush remaining. Miles of lovely ocean beaches, many shipwrecks. A large colony of Sea Lions and Fur Seals breed on offshore islands, with hundreds on the Cape rocks for part of the year. One of the few places on the Uruguay coast which does not have public vehicle access. Either a 7 km walk from the Ruta 10, or transport in 4WD lorries. Camping and cabin accommodation available. Two hotels and a few small restaurants. The resident population of fishing families is 88 persons.

Central Hill Country

Lunarejo Valley - Rivera

201 square kilometres of beautiful valleys and gorges, some of the most impressive landscape in Uruguay. Situated between the cities of Rivera and Artigas (on the border with Brazil). Native grassland and hill scrub, with small pockets of sub-tropical vegetation in the valleys. Many ferns (including tree ferns), orchids, bromeliads, etc. Many plant species which are not found anywhere else in Uruguay. The last known location of Tamandua (anteater) and Coendú in Uruguay. One of the few reserves with population of Coatimundi. Almost 200 bird species recorded, 31 mammals, 38 reptiles and 22 amphibians. Accommodation in the small town of Tranqueras, or in the eco-resort 'Balcones de Lunarejo'.

Vulture Gorge (Quebrada de los Cuervos) - Treinta-y-Tres

Close to Treinta-y-Tres. Largest canyon in Uruguay, with sub-tropical forest in the bottom of the gorge. Many bird species which are rare in Uruguay. Vultures breed on the cliffs. Camping and Youth Hostel at the Gorge.

Arequita National Park - Lavalleja

Arequita National Park is located in the Department of Lavalleja, 10km north the department capital Minas. Minas is about 2 hours north of Montevideo the capital of Uruguay. The park protects Cerro Arequita a large round mesa of volcanic rock that rises above the surrounding landscape. A forest of Ombu trees and other forest species grow on the west aspect of the mesa providing habitat for a variety of native wildlife. A cave is located on the southwest side of the mesa. At one time tourists could enter the cave through a gated entrance.

Cerro de los Cuervos rises to the south of Cerro Arequita. The Rio Santa Lucia runs between the cerros and creates La Laguna de los Cuervos an ideal spot to enjoy the natural wonders of the Uruguayan countryside.

Uruguay River

Esteros de Farrapos National Park - Rio Negro

A new National Park Esteros de Farrapos and Islands of River Uruguay, which is recognised under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Significance. Esteros de Farrapos which is 174.96 km², includes 24 islands, is the last known refuge for the Puma in Uruguay, and the only protected area where Maned Wolf have been recorded. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the park, 30 mammals, 14 reptiles, 8 amphibians and many butterflies.

External links

• Rocha Lagoon
• Lunarejo National Park
• Lunarejo National Park
• Lunarejo National Park