Santa Teresa National ParkAbout 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.
Nearby Attractions to Santa Teresa National Park
Best Time to Visit Santa Teresa National Park
Spring and early summer balance pleasant weather with manageable crowds; summer is busiest for beach activities.
Weather & Climate near Santa Teresa National Park
Santa Teresa National Park'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 7°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1178 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 17° - 27° | 22° | 99 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 17° - 26° | 22° | 117 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 16° - 25° | 21° | 88 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 13° - 22° | 17° | 94 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 10° - 18° | 14° | 92 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 8° - 15° | 12° | 111 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 7° - 15° | 11° | 119 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 8° - 16° | 12° | 94 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 100 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 11° - 20° | 15° | 89 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 13° - 22° | 18° | 92 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 16° - 25° | 20° | 83 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Santa Teresa National Park
The park is located on the coast of Rocha Department, about 45 km east of Chuy and roughly 200 km from Montevideo. Access by car via Ruta 9 and local roads; some bus services run from Rocha and nearby towns.
Tips for Visiting Santa Teresa National Park
- Plan a beachside walk at sunrise for seabird and seal activity
- Visit the Fort of Santa Teresa inside the park for an architectural and historical counterpoint to the beaches
- Avoid the park on public holiday weekends when Montevideo residents flood the coast