Santa Teresa Fortress

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Located in a military area, the Forte (as local people call it) is a fascinating place, designed with an aesthetic sense, keeping the ecological balance. It started in the surroundings of Santa Teresa Fortress, in 1762. After being abandoned and laid waste, there was a restoration in 1928, and has been taken care of by Uruguayan military men since then.

Three thousand hectares with over 2 million exotic and native trees, 60 km of paved roads, 15 km of beaches with lots of vegetation, a museum and loose animals, among other attractions. Everything well signposted.

There is a lot to do inside the park and out. Capatacia, the main office, stands near the Historical Museum and Lagoa De Peña, and both offer guided tours. Invernáculo is a special place to renew your energy – a greenhouse with exotic and scented plants from around the world and background music, making you feel comfortable and at ease. Leaving the greenhouse, you go along Rosedal (a corridor with over 300 types of roses) until Sombráculo (a place for exotic plants that require half-light). Pajarera, where we can see a bigger concentration of animals, is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. El Chorro holds beautiful vegetation and a sweet water stone pool.       Santa Teresa Fortress has a museum with a big variety of objects. From the Fortress top, it is possible to admire the sunset in the Uruguayan Pampa. Besides all that, there are amazing beaches, divided by rock formations: LA MOZA, Las Achiras (where the waters are calmer), Punta Cerro Chato, El Barco and Playa Grande (rough seas).

Between December to March, the park offers all the infrastructure needed to satisfy those who enjoy camping in the wild. At La Moza, you can find electric outlets and water taps. There is a bar, icecream, restaurant, grocery store, pizza house, bakery, butchery, public phones, bus, chemical toilets for rent, potable water, public bathrooms with boiler and firewood. The camping site is so big that it is almost impossible to have a crowd of tents near you, unless you want it.

Early in the morning, surfers go from one side to another, looking for the best wave. The good ones are usually at La Moza or Playa Grande. Since the water is very cold, they need special surf clothing. The place is also famous for fishing activities. Many people go rollerblading or skateboarding, ride their bike or just take a walk. Sandboard is a good choice, when the tide is high in Playa Grande, you can go down to the sea really fast.

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Translated by Lúcia Maciel
English teacher