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Cerro de las Ánimas

Mountain

Cerro de las Ánimas is Uruguay's highest point in the Maldonado hills; hikers visit for short climbs, panoramic countryside views and rural gaucho landscapes.

Cerro de las Ánimas MontevideoPunta del EsteColonia del SacramentoCabo PolonioCerro de las Ánimas
In this guide

Cerro de las Ánimas essentials

Country: Uruguay
Driest months: Nov-Jan
Pay in: Peso ($)
Language: Spanish

Cerro de las Ánimas at a Glance

About Cerro de las Ánimas

Cerro de las Ánimas is a prominent hill in the Maldonado Department of southeastern Uruguay and is part of the local Sierra de las Ánimas range. It rises to roughly 501 metres above sea level and is ranked among the country’s highest elevations.

The summit and surrounding slopes are used for hiking and offer wide views across rolling hill country typical of this part of Uruguay. Trails to the top are unpaved and the area is largely rural, with livestock grazing and small forestry patches on the lower slopes.

The hill lies inland in Maldonado Department, within the interior hill country of southeastern Uruguay, and is accessible by road from nearby towns in the department.

  • Elevation and views: At about 501 metres above sea level it is one of Uruguay’s highest points and is popular with hikers seeking panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cerro de las Ánimas

Pleasant months are spring and autumn; summer offers the best chance for clear coastal panoramas but also stronger sun and heat.

Spring and Autumn
March-May, September-November · 10-20°C (50-68°F)
Milder temperatures make walking and climbing more comfortable.
Summer
December-February · 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Warmer weather and clearer coastal views; mid-day heat can be strong.

Weather & Climate near Cerro de las Ánimas

Climate

Cerro de las Ánimas's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1144 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 41 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 15° - 25° 20° 87 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
February - 15° - 24° 20° 93 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
March - 14° - 23° 19° 99 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
April - 11° - 20° 15° 101 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
May - 8° - 16° 12° 100 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
June - 6° - 13° 7° 100 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
July - 5° - 13° 7° 92 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
August - 6° - 14° 7° 99 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
September - 7° - 16° 11° 101 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
October - 9° - 18° 14° 103 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
November - 11° - 21° 16° 93 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
December - 14° - 24° 19° 76 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Cerro de las Ánimas

Cerro de las Ánimas is outside Punta del Este/Maldonado. Access is typically by car from Maldonado city (approx. 20-40 minutes depending on specific trailhead). Local signage and maps at tourist offices indicate trailheads and parking.

Tips for Visiting Cerro de las Ánimas

  • Hike early in the morning: fog can roll in later and obscure views from the summit.
  • Local trails are unshaded in parts; sun protection and sturdy footwear help on steeper sections.
  • Combine the hike with a visit to the surrounding Maldonado hills for varied scenery and coastal glimpses.