Laguna del Sauce
Lake Coastal lagoon serving Punta del Este water supply
Near Punta del Este, Laguna del Sauce provides freshwater for the region and has beaches, boat ramps and lakeside restaurants; residents and visitors swim, sail and picnic along the Maldonado shore.
Laguna del Sauce is a freshwater lagoon in Maldonado Department on Uruguay’s Atlantic coast, located inland from the resort city of Punta del Este. It functions as an important local water reservoir for the surrounding metropolitan area.
The shoreline and surrounding wetlands attract birdlife and are used locally for fishing and low-impact recreation; roads around parts of the lake provide roadside viewpoints. Facilities and access are primarily local rather than tourist-focused.
The body of water is a natural lagoon that has been managed to serve as a municipal water source; infrastructure for water abstraction and treatment was developed in the 20th century. Ownership and management are under regional authorities responsible for supply and environmental protection.
The lagoon sits northwest of Punta del Este within Maldonado Department, set inland from the Atlantic coast amid low hills and pastureland. The nearest urban center is the city of Maldonado and the resort city of Punta del Este to the southeast.
- Water supply: Supplies potable water to the Maldonado-Punta del Este area and is an important freshwater resource for the department.
- Wildlife and viewpoints: Good for birdwatching and local recreational fishing, with roadside viewpoints on the roads that skirt the lake.
How to Get to Laguna del Sauce #
From Punta del Este: drive west on Ruta Interbalnearia (Route IB) and follow signs toward Maldonado and Laguna del Sauce; from the city center it is roughly a 20-30 minute drive (about 15-20 km). Local buses run to Maldonado and nearby stops, with short taxi rides to the lagoon.
Tips for Visiting Laguna del Sauce #
- If traveling from Punta del Este, expect about a 30-40 minute drive - explore the shoreline early to avoid afternoon winds.
- Birdwatchers should bring binoculars: the lagoon attracts migrant and resident species not always visible from roads.
- Combine a visit with nearby vineyards or the coastal towns of Punta del Este and Piriápolis for a full-day outing.
Best Time to Visit Laguna del Sauce #
Best from late spring through summer when the weather is warm and birdlife is active.
Weather & Climate near Laguna del Sauce #
Laguna del Sauce's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1062 mm/year), wettest in September, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 96 mm of rain.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
