Central Uruguay Travel Guide

Explore Minas At the edge of Lavalleja’s rolling hills, Minas attracts visitors for Parque Salto del Penitente, Cerro Arequita vistas, tree-lined plazas and parrillas serving grilled beef. Explore Melo Quiet provincial capital, Melo attracts visitors interested in gaucho ranch life, estancia stays, colonial plazas like Plaza Independencia, and local asado - a good base for horseback rides across rolling pampas and occasional folk music evenings. Explore Treinta y Tres A low-slung departmental capital, Treinta y Tres attracts travelers seeking gaucho ranch life, estancia stays, the Río Olimar riverfront promenade, and regional festivals where asado and folk music dominate. Explore Durazno Durazno stages Uruguay’s countryside life: gaucho fairs, horse shows and seasonal music festivals draw visitors, while the Río Yí and open plains invite horseback riding, river swims and estancia stays. Explore Florida The provincial capital Florida offers broad plazas, a colonial church and estancia tours; visitors arrive for gaucho demonstrations, asado dinners, local museums and the quiet rhythms of Uruguay’s cattle country. Explore Trinidad A quiet Flores Department town, Trinidad attracts visitors into estancia life - horses, asado and gaucho demonstrations - plus river swims and weekend markets showing regional crafts and cheeses. Explore Río Branco On Uruguay’s Brazilian border, Río Branco lures cross-border shoppers, food stalls selling grilled meats and a compact historic center. Explore Sarandí del Yí On the banks of the Río Yi, Sarandí del Yí serves as a rural stop for anglers, gaucho culture and regional fairs.