Trekking of the Ficus forest & Cerro de la Virgen
Enjoy an amazing view of the incredible palm groves of Rocha from the Virgin hill and hike along the Coast to the Green Hill Protected area to spot the dolphins, whales (August to November) and get involved in the preservation of the green turtles carried out by the local NGO Karumbe!
DAY 1 – GREEN HILL PROTECTED AREA & SANTA TERESA NATIONAL PARK
A Lares Guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the Santa Teresa National Park, from where we will start a trek along the coast towards the Green Hill Protected Area. We will be looking for green turtles and dolphins (November to March). After a picnic lunch, we will walk over the hanging bridge of La Coronilla and visit the visitors´ centre of the local NGO Karumbé (which means “turtle” in the local Guaraní language), where a specialist will tell us about the different activities they are carrying out in the area. We will then drive to the Santa Teresa National Park to discover the Portuguese fortress and learn about the history of the area. Transfer to Punta del Diablo and accommodation at Posada La Viuda del Diablo.
DAY 2 – THE FICUS FOREST, PALM GROVES AND BLACK LAGOON
A Lares guide will take you to the starting point of the adventure, the Trail of the Indians, entrance to Establecimiento Don Bosco and where we start to hike towards the Navarro Hill, down the ravine and across the Ficus Forest to the top of Cerro de la Virgen, from where we will appreciate the most amazing view of the massive Palm Groves of Rocha. There are numerous legends regarding the origins of the palm groves. Some 500 palm trees per hectare can be found in this Palm Grove considered the world’s largest and most fascinating one. We will trek down to the shores of the Black Lagoon also known as Laguna de los Difuntos (The Lagoon of the dead) due to its location near the indigenous graveyards or cerritos de indios. After enjoying our picnic lunch next to the lagoon shores, return to the Posada La Viuda del Diablo. B, L
DAY 3: RETURN
After breakfast, transfer to the local bus station to board the regular bus to your next destination. B
Posada Viuda del Diablo – Rocha (Day 1-2)
Wild west of Uruguay – Gaucho overnight & Trekking the Quebrada de los Cuervos National Park
Experience the daily life of the countryside and immerse yourself in a trekking tour down the unexplored “Crows Ravine”, one of the most natural landscapes of Uruguay and encounter a great variety of flora and fauna. The “Yerbal Chico” stream created a canyon and formed a fascinating gorge with cliffs up to 120 meters. A narrow footpath leads you down the rocks, accompanied by the sound of the wind and the rustling of crows flying overhead.
DAY 1 – LOS PLATANOS: A TRADITIONAL WORKING RANCH
Transfer to the local bus station to board the regular bus to Valentines where someone from Estancia Los Platanos will be waiting for you. Accommodation at Estancia Los Platanos, D.
DAY 2 – THE REAL COUNTRYSIDE LIFE OF A GAUCHO
Discover the Uruguayan countryside and enjoy life in a traditional Ranch. The captivating landscape is the perfect place to experience the authenticity of the Uruguayan countryside and to discover the world of the gauchos. Explore the land by horse, horse cart or walks and join in the daily ranch chores and activities. After a long day of rustic life, enjoy a homemade Uruguayan dinner. B, L, D.
DAY 3 – TREKKING THE NATIONAL PARK OF QUEBRADA DE LOS CUERVOS PROTECTED AREA
After breakfast, experience one of the most natural landscapes of Uruguay and encounter a great variety of flora and fauna. The Yerbal Chico stream created a canyon and formed a fascinating gorge with cliffs up to 120 meters. A narrow footpath leads you down the rocks, accompanied by the sound of the wind and the rustling of crows flying overhead. The unevenness that comprises the scenic beauty of this place is stunning and it seems like you are entering different world as you make your way down to the river. After a traditional lunch, transfer to the local bus station in Treinta y Tres to board the regular bus to Montevideo. B, L.
Estancia Los Platanos– Rocha (Day 1-2)
Discover the unexplored valleys, gorges, gold mines and vineyards of Northern Uruguay
We will trek the Lunarejo Valley Regional Park, a natural protected area of 30,000 hectares with great diversity including deep gorges, numerous streams, 14 species of native mammals, more than 536 different animals and an incredible and almost unexplored landscape. We will visit one of the best vineyards in the country and explore the goldmines of Minas de Corrales.
Day 1 – Carrau Winery in Cerro Chapeu
Arrival to Rivera city and transfer to Carrau winery and vineyards located in Cerro Chapeu, a lovely area with wonderful panoramic views of the vineyards, located only 10kms from the city of Rivera (just on the border with the Brazilian city of Livramento). The route to the estancia will take us along a panoramic route over the Santana Hills which separates Uruguay from Brazil. On arrival, we will visit the vineyards which are 300 meters above sea level. This is highest winery where the finest and most awarded Carrau wines come from. We will enjoy a premium tasting of their wines and learn about the Amat wine, one of the best tannats from Uruguay. Dinner and accommodation at Carrau Winery in Cerro Chapeu. D.
Day 2 – The Lunarejo Valley, one of the largest protected & unexplored areas
Just after breakfast, a local guide will drive you to the Lunarejo Valley, a national protected area where we will discover several trails. We will trek down to the Valley and across the great gorge towards the Lunarejo stream, where we will enjoy a typical “criollo lunch”. During the afternoon, we will start trekking up the “Boqueron Hill” until we reach the top from where we will be able to enjoy an incredible 360 panoramic view of the whole Valley.
After a full day of incredible trekking, we will return to the wine lodge. Dinner and accommodation at Carrau Winery in Cerro Chapeu. B, L, D.
Please note that we have different trail levels that can be adjusted to clients’ needs and interests. A full trekking program of 3 or more days can also be organized in the area.
Bodega Carrau – Cerro Chapeu, Rivera (Day 1,2)