Canelones can be explored through a range of very different themes: its wine route, wetlands and cultural sites. On one hand, vineyards and tastings draw the eye; on the other, riparian forests and protected landscapes offer a different perspective, complemented by historic buildings and museums. You can tailor your choices to whether you want to focus on wine, nature or cultural history during your trip.
Wine Route and Wine Tastings
The Canelones Wine Route includes 110 wineries; this number may change. More than 60 percent of wineries geared toward wine tourism are located in the department. Wine tourism offerings include walks through vineyards and tastings of wines from Canelones. These two experiences have different emphases: the vineyard walk focuses on the wine-growing landscape, while the tasting focuses on the wine itself. Together, they offer two ways to explore the wine theme rather than reducing it to a single experience.
Wetlands along the RĂo Santa LucĂa
Another highlight is the Humedales del Santa LucĂa, which are part of Uruguay’s National System of Protected Areas (SNAP). In the department of Canelones, the area stretches between Santa LucĂa and Aguas Corrientes. Its landscape includes extensive riparian forests and wetlands, which are important for the ecosystem and water quality. This water landscape is a distinctly different focus from the wine theme.
The Sendero de InterpretaciĂłn Ambiental Picada Alaniz is 300 meters long. It is located in the wetlands of the RĂo Santa LucĂa near El RincĂłn, in the city of Santa LucĂa; park rangers are stationed in the area on a permanent basis. If you would like to include the trail in your plans, check visitor access in advance.
History and Culture in Las Piedras and Estación Atlántida
In Las Piedras, La Pilarica is one of the oldest buildings in the city and the department of Canelones. It stands 59 meters above sea level along the historic route that connected Montevideo with the eastern hinterland via Paso de Las Piedras—later called Paso del Calpino. This places the site in the context of a route linking the capital with the hinterland, while its history extends beyond the building alone.
The Museo Julio Sosa offers another perspective on local culture. This cultural space dedicated to singer Julio Sosa is located within the grounds of the Hipódromo de Las Piedras and features exhibitions on the culture of Las Piedras. In Estación Atlántida, the Iglesia Cristo Obrero, designed by engineer Eladio Dieste, offers another chapter in the region’s cultural heritage: UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site on July 27, 2021. Together, the museum, historic route and UNESCO site offer different ways to explore the cultural history of Canelones.
Museums and the Summer Season
The Museo de la Uva y el Vino also offers a distinct way to explore the wine theme. Its visitor offering includes a visitor area and a boutique selling wines and cheeses. As the offering may change, check in advance what will be available at the time of your visit.
The Carnaval de Canelones is a tourist attraction during the summer season. Its program includes more than 120 activities across the department’s 30 municipalities, including parades, Llamadas, competitions, Corsos and stage performances. The number of activities may vary by season. If you would like to plan your trip around the Carnaval, check the dates for your visit.
Discover more destinations: Ciudad De La Costa, Atlántida, Jaureguiberry, Santa Rosa, Santa LucĂa, Estacion La Floresta, Las Toscas, GuazĂş-Virá, Parque Del Plata, Colonia Nicolich, Costa Azul, Los Cerrillos.
For the main travel overview: Uruguay.
