Information
Landmark: Parque Nacional Santa TeresaCity: Canelones
Country: Uruguay
Continent: South America
Parque Nacional Santa Teresa, Canelones, Uruguay, South America
Overview
Parque Nacional Santa Teresa, a sprawling stretch of forest and coastline in eastern Uruguay’s Cerro Largo Department, sits close to the Brazilian border, where you can hear the surf crash against the dunes.In this protected stretch of nature, you can wander from quiet sandy beaches to dense forests alive with birdsong, pass grazing deer, and stumble upon old stone ruins-no wonder it’s one of Uruguay’s favorite national parks for anyone who loves the outdoors.Here’s what you can look forward to at Parque Nacional Santa Teresa-think ocean breeze, rustling palms, and wide open trails.Covering more than 3,000 hectares, the park unfolds in a sweep of dense, pine-scented forests that eventually give way to wide, wind‑brushed beaches.Forests and woodlands shelter a rich mix of wildlife-deer stepping softly through the undergrowth, capybaras grazing by quiet streams, and birds flashing color between the trees.The park includes windswept dunes and quiet wetlands, creating a rare habitat where wildflowers bloom and herons stalk the shallows.Number two.One of the park’s biggest draws is its gorgeous Atlantic shoreline, where soft sand meets the steady crash of the waves.The beach is great for swimming, soaking up the sun, or playing volleyball in the sand, with gentle water lapping one shore and rough, crashing waves on the other.Playa de Santa Teresa draws visitors with its soft, warm sand, clear turquoise water, and a calm that settles over you like the hush before sunset.Three.The park’s well-marked trails invite you to walk, hike, or cycle through shifting landscapes, from pine-scented woods to open meadows.Birdwatching enthusiasts will love the park, where flashes of bright feathers and quick wingbeats reveal the wide variety of birds that call it home.Fishing and Water Sports: The beaches invite you to cast a line from the pier, catch the wind on a surfboard, or race across the waves on a windsurfer.Camping spots are set aside inside the park, ideal for anyone who wants to wake up to birdsong and see the landscape’s beauty right outside their tent.Guided Tours: Join a guide and wander shaded trails while learning about the park’s ecosystems, spotting wildlife, and hearing stories from its history.Number four.Historic Sites Fortaleza de Santa Teresa: Among the park’s main draws is the Santa Teresa Fort, an 18th‑century stronghold the Portuguese built, its stone walls still cool to the touch after a long afternoon in the sun.Back in the colonial era, the fort stood as part of a larger defense network, built to guard against any Spanish threat-watchtowers scanned the horizon for sails on the water.Visitors can wander through the fort’s stone archways, browse its historical exhibits, and take in sweeping views of the park and the glittering coastline.Number five stood out, like a small red mark on a clean white page.The park bursts with life, sheltering native trees like the dark-green carob, the swaying palm, and the sharp-scented eucalyptus.Keep an eye out for red foxes darting through the brush, armadillos shuffling along the trail, and reptiles basking on warm rocks, plus flashes of color from parakeets, herons, and circling vultures overhead.Summer, from December to March, bursts with life-crowded beaches, the smell of sunscreen, and long sunny days perfect for camping and outdoor adventures-so it’s no surprise it’s the busiest time to visit.The sun’s out, the air feels warm, and the beaches are perfect for a cool swim in the gentle waves.Spring and fall, from September to November, bring cooler air and quieter trails-perfect for spotting deer in the woods or hiking without the summer crowds.Winter, from June to August, brings cooler air but a calm stillness to the park, with quiet trails, fewer visitors, and time to wander past weathered stone walls and old paths.You can drive to Parque Nacional Santa Teresa from Montevideo, a trip of about six or seven hours along open highways and winding coastal roads.Or you could drive from Punta del Este-it’s only about an hour, just enough time to watch the coastline slip by.There’s no direct bus or train to the park, but you can ride into a nearby town-say, the one with the little red train station-and then grab a taxi or shuttle to the entrance.In short, Parque Nacional Santa Teresa is a place you shouldn’t miss-whether you love hiking under tall pines, exploring rich history, or just soaking up a quiet stretch of beach.Whether you’re wandering through weathered old forts, sinking your toes into soft white sand, or spotting rare birds in Uruguay’s wild landscapes, this park packs an incredible mix of experiences and scenery.Blending rugged trails, rich history, and sweeping views of the coast, it stands among Uruguay’s top national parks.
