- Address: Ruta 9 Km 302, 27204 Rocha, Departamento de Rocha, Uruguay
- Working hours: daily 10: 00-18: 00
- Phone: +598 4477 2103
- Area: 3000 hectares
In the west of Uruguay in the immediate vicinity of the Atlantic coast is the National Park of Santa Teresa. Thanks to the richness of flora and fauna, as well as beautiful landscapes and clean beaches, it is one of the most popular tourist centers of the country.
History of the park of Santa Teresa
In the XVIII century, the territory of Uruguay was often the subject of a dispute between Spain and Portugal. To protect the west coast of Castillos Chicos from the invasion of the Spaniards, the leadership of the Portuguese army decided to erect a fortress. Later, it was around this fort that the national park of Santa Teresa was defeated.
Until 1928, this area was abandoned. Only thanks to the well-known archaeologist and researcher Orassio Arredondo, the restoration of the old military fortification began, and afterwards - the ennobling of the territory of the National Park of Santa Teresa.
Attractions of the park of Santa Teresa
This national park is known for its tranquil beaches, picturesque landscapes and almost wild nature. On the territory of 3000 hectares there is a natural forest, greenhouses for growing local and exotic plants, as well as a nature reserve.
The main attractions of the park are:
- The eponymous colonial fortress, built in the XVIII century;
- pink garden, in which more than 300 kinds of roses grow;
- artificial basin of Chorro;
- The observation deck Recreo del Soldado, which offers a breathtaking view of the countryside;
- greenhouses erected from granite and glass;
- cages, serving as a habitat for exotic and endangered species of animals.
Recreation and entertainment in the park of Santa Teresa
Due to the fact that the park is located in a seaside zone, most tourists come here to sunbathe on the Atlantic coast. Directly on the territory of Santa Teresa, four beaches are broken:
Here you can spend the night in tents or stay in a cozy room. In the park of Santa Teresa there are the following accommodation options:
- cozy cottages for 6 people ($ 108-167);
- houses for 5-10 people ($ 50-125);
- bungalow for 6 people ($ 41-70);
- the hostel ($ 10-17).
The cost of living depends on the level of comfort of the house or cottage. Some of the rooms are equipped with only the most necessary things, and the cost of the cottages includes maid service, garage and clean linen. Camping in the park of Santa Teresa costs $ 5.
How to get to the park of Santa Teresa?
The national park is located in the west of Uruguay on the Atlantic coast. You can get to it only by car or sightseeing bus. The distance from Montevideo to Santa Teresa is 292 km. This way can be overcome in 3.5 hours. For this, you need to move along motorway No. 9, considering that there are paid sections on it.
Not far from the national park are the popular Uruguayan resorts of Punta del Diablo and La Coronilla. They can also be reached via route No. 9.