Santa Teresa National Park

Santa Teresa National Park is a protected coastal park in Rocha Department on Uruguay’s Atlantic coast, combining natural habitats and a preserved colonial fort. The park protects beaches, dunes, forests and historic military architecture.

The fort was constructed in the mid-18th century during the period of Portuguese and Spanish rivalry in the region and was later restored and incorporated into the national park framework. The park itself was designated to protect both the coastal ecosystems and the historic complex.

The park sits on Uruguay’s Atlantic seaboard in Rocha Department near the towns of Chuy and Punta del Diablo, close to the border with Brazil and accessible from the coastal road that links eastern Rocha’s tourist centres.

• Historic fort: The historic fort dates to the colonial period (mid-18th century) and is a focal point for visitors combining natural and cultural tourism within the park.

What to See #

• Fortaleza de Santa Teresa: An 18th-century stone fortification, the Fortaleza de Santa Teresa, stands within the park and is preserved as a historic site open to visitors.
• Beaches and natural habitats: Coastal dunes, sandy beaches and maritime forest habitats form the park's main natural attractions, with trails and campgrounds distributed across the protected area.