A paradise for wildlife created by rich natural environment

The Marshlands of the Eastern Biosphere Reserve consist of ten sanctuaries, including four national parks in the country. It is said that about 300 kinds of wild birds, or 75% of all the birds in Uruguay, can be observed here. It is said that the inhabitation number of flamingos and black-necked swans is in the first or second place in the world, and the area was designated as the wildlife reserve district by UNESCO in 1976. Tour information: Although sightseeing is available throughout a year, the best season is between December and February when the weather is stable. Bird-watching is available throughout a year.

Main Attractions

Lake Rocha (LAGUNAS DE ROCHA)
There is a marshland located some more kilometers away from Rocha City. It is birds’ habitat.
This district is known to have the world’s largest number of flamingos and black-necked swans native to the southern hemisphere.
In Lake Rocha, boating, windsurfing, and sightseeing by barge are possible.

Accommodation information: There are well-appointed hotels and camping sites in the surrounding area.

Polonio Cape and its Sand Dunes (CABO POLONIO)
Sand dunes in Polonio Cape are designated as a natural monument of the country. The spacious beach is a popular spot for sea bathing and sun bathing.
The vast sand beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean is accessible by a four-wheel driven car and horse-wagon.
120,000 seals live in Polonio Cape, and 20,000 live in Lobos Island at the southern end of the country.
Whales go north from July through November every year and you can see them from the coastline.

Access: 4WD vehicles receiving permission are allowed to drive in. It takes about 1 hour from La Paloma.

Ombu Forest (BOSQUES DE OMBUES)
Ombue is the national tree of Uruguay. Ombue is generally stands alone on the grasslands, and therefore here is the only place where ombues form a forest. The giant trees which shed overwhelming presence even alone growing here and there will overwhelm you even more.

From March through May, lobster fishing at nighttime is done near the forest. It is fun just to watch.

Access:It takes about 1 hour from La Paloma.Valizas stream (el Arroyo Valizas) is crossed by a boat.

Santa Teresa National Park (PARQUE NACIONAL DE SANTA TERESA)
This park is a must-see. It has all kinds of trees numbering approximately two million of both domestic and international origin situated on about 1,000 hectare land area.

San Miguel National Park (PARQUE NACIONAL DE SAN MIGUEL)
With steep ups and downs, this national park has a rich ecological environment like Santa Teresa National Park. In the park, there is a fort from the colonial era, too.