- Address: Lavalleja, Uruguay
- Phone: +598 99 844 386, +598 4440 3096
- E-mail: info@saltodelpenitente.com
- Website: www.saltodelpenitente.com
- Area: 45 hectares
Uruguay , compared with the rest of the Hispanic countries of South America, occupies a much smaller area and is often simply not noticed by travelers. A common misconception is that there are not so many attractions here , as, for example, in the same Argentina or Brazil. Nevertheless, everyone who travels to Uruguay, falls in love instantly and irrevocably into this amazing land of snow-white beaches and wildlife. One of the most interesting places of the state is the Salto del Penente park, which will be discussed in our article.
Interesting Facts
Salto del Peniente is in the south of Uruguay, in the province of Lavalleja, about 140 km from Montevideo. The total area occupied by the park is 45 hectares, 4 of which were donated to the municipality of the region by a local resident Francisco Ferber.
Since the reserve is located in the mountainous terrain, the climate here is appropriate: moist and mild. The best time to visit will be the South American summer (December-February), when the thermometer does not drop below +20 ... +22 ° С. The coldest months are June and July: the average temperature in this period is no more than +10 ... +12 ° С.
Active rest and entertainments
Salto del Penitente is a favorite place for many Uruguayans and visiting tourists who prefer active outdoor recreation . In addition to the amazingly clean mountain air, travelers are attracted by numerous entertainments:
- Mountaineering. This kind of sport in Uruguay is not very popular because of its inaccessibility: there are very few places in the country where you can conquer mountain peaks, but a couple are still present, including Salto del Penente. On the territory of the park there are several specially equipped rocks with a height of 13 to 30 m of different difficulty levels, so that both beginners and professionals can enjoy this unusual adventure.
- Abseiling. The technique is a bit like climbing, only after climbing to the top climber should go down using a rope and special equipment. This type of entertainment is safe enough, does not require special physical training and is suitable even for children.
- Kanopi (ziplain). If you want to enjoy the best views of Salto del Peniente, go for a canopy tour of the park. In total, the reserve has 2 cables 150 and 180 meters long. Despite the fact that the flight will last for a few seconds, emotions and unforgettable impressions will remain for a long time.
- Waterfall Salto del Penentente. One of the most romantic places in the park is a beautiful waterfall with the same name, whose height is more than 60 m. At its base there is a small lagoon where everyone can swim.
- Horseback riding. Walking on horses is another type of active recreation in the park. Depending on the number of people and the chosen route, the duration of such a tour can be from 5-10 minutes to a full day! In addition, this is an excellent opportunity to get to know the local flora and fauna and to view the most hidden corners of Salto del Peniente.
Catering and accommodation
Infrastructure Salto del Penente is well developed. On the territory of the park there are:
- Camping. Most of the places where you can camp, are located right on the river bank. If you want to have fun in a company of friends and family, enjoying the starry sky and guitar sounds, the best option is not found.
- Hostel. At the service of guests are 4 cozy rooms, which can accommodate up to 30 people, and a large common room with a fireplace. Outdoor facilities, there is hot water.
- A restaurant. Just a couple of meters from the mini-hotel there is a fine restaurant that offers a choice of dishes from the simplest (snacks, pasta) to more sophisticated (barbecue, baked boar, lamb rack).
Useful information for tourists
Salto del Peniente is 140 km from Montevideo , 97 km from the glorious resort of Punta del Este and only 20 km from Minas . Following from the nearest city to the east on the road number 8, you can reach the park in 2 ways:- after passing the sign (125th km), turn right and continue to the entrance until the entrance to the park another 18 km;
- The same route, only turn should be on the 135th km.