Nature trail in the Lavalleja department, a hilly area about a two-hour drive from Montevideo
What to see:
Salto del Penitente
The Salto del Penitente is a waterfall about 60 meters high, located within the park of the same name, which gets its name from two rocks that resemble hands clasped in penance.
The waterfall flows into a small lake, a great spot to cool off in the summer. You can admire it from an artificial platform that offers a wonderful view of the park, or you can go down to the base of the waterfall to take a dip.
Penitente Park is located 300 meters above sea level and covers 45 hectares, featuring numerous trails for walking or horseback riding.
There is an admission fee to enter the park; a 40-peso fee is charged to help cover maintenance costs (I recommend avoiding a visit during the winter season, as only a tiny trickle of water flows from the waterfall). Inside, you’ll find various amenities and places to eat (restaurants and picnic areas).
Villa Serrana
Villa Serrana is a tourist resort located 25 km north of Minas.
The resort was founded in 1946 based on a design by architect Julio Vilamajó and is now home to about 100 permanent residents, as well as hosting numerous tourists eager to escape city traffic and relax through yoga and meditation.
Villa Serrana also features a charming pond in a private park that is open to the public, provided visitors respect the environment and behave courteously.
It feels like stepping into a fantasy world, far removed from the daily grind of the capital.
Cerro Arequita and the Ombus forest
Mount Arequita is a rocky massif with a flat summit rising 305 meters above sea level, located 11 km north of Minas. It is characterized by very steep rock faces, ideal for climbing, while the summit is covered in karst vegetation.
At the foot of the mountain lies the beautiful Ombus Forest, from which a trail leads to the summit of the massif.
The Ombu is a native tree that grows among the rocks and is rarely found in groups; in fact, this forest is the second largest in the entire country. These are impressive trees, with trunks about 1 meter in diameter.
Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.
The name “Arequita” is of Guaraní origin and means “water from the high rocks of the caves,” referring to the water that constantly flows inside the caves on the hill.
Useful Information
Eating: It’s convenient to bring a packed lunch, but I recommend enjoying a hearty breakfast in Minas to give you the energy you’ll need to tackle the day’s trails at the city’s oldest pastry shop, la Confiteria Isarri, founded in 1898.
I tried the traditional pastry filled with di dulce de leche, it was absolutely delicious.
Parque Salus: Warning! The park is closed, even though it’s listed as open online (in fact, the access road to the park is littered with large potholes, a clear sign of poor maintenance…).
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