3 National Parks Worth Checking Out in Uruguay

Cabo Santa Maria Lighthouse in La Paloma, Rocah, Uruguay
Cabo Santa Maria Lighthouse in La Paloma, Rocah, Uruguay. Photo by Pedro Slinger on Pexels

Each country in South America has a few pretty impressive national parks in store, and Uruguay is no exception. If you’re looking forward to exploring the natural beauty of this country, here are three national parks that you should put on your bucket list.

Santa Teresa National Park

Located on the Atlantic coast, in close proximity to the border with Brazil, Santa Teresa is one of Uruguay’s most popular national parks. It’s best known for being home to many beautiful beaches, but you can also find walking trails, camping areas, and a historic Fort of Santa Teresa on its premises.

Isla de Flores National Park

Located off the coast of Uruguay’s capital Montevideo, Isla de Flores is one of the youngest national parks in this country. This tiny island is worth checking out if you’re looking for a quick escape, and it’s best known for being home to a historic lighthouse.

Cabo Polonio National Park

Cabo Polonio is a popular attraction for travelers who want to go off the grid during their time in Uruguay. This quiet village is a hippies’ paradise and there is no road leading to it. You can either access it by walking through sand dunes or by renting a 4×4 vehicle, and you won’t even have electricity or running water once you’re there.