Puerto Platero is defined by a clearly designated coastline and its dune landscape. The beach known as “Playa agreste Puerto Platero” is 2,000 meters long. It stretches from the mouth of the stream east of the harbor, on the border with El Ensueño, to the area with rocks and vegetation west of the harbor, on the border with Playa Matamora. A 2011 departmental decree lists the beach under this name. These named endpoints and the harbor provide a specific reference for the extent of this coastal stretch.
Beach and Coastal Landscape
The coastal landscape remains largely unchanged. In addition to the sandy beach, there is a belt of partly stabilized primary dunes; beyond them are more dunes with scattered Candelas and some native trees. The dunes border wetlands and lagoons where totora reeds, rushes and caraguatás grow. The beach, dunes and wetlands and lagoons behind them are therefore defining features of the landscape.
Dense pine stands line the beach. The Arroyo Pinto stream, as well as groups of rocks and dense clusters of plants, are also found along the shore; these become more numerous towards the harbor. These features add another change along the coastal stretch to the picture of dunes and lagoons: rock and plant clusters become more frequent towards the harbor.
The Harbor in Historical Perspective
The harbor is also part of the area's history, though within a clearly defined period. In the early 20th century, the former Puerto Plateros harbor was used to transport sand from the coastal dunes to Buenos Aires. It is no longer in operation. This historical use connects two specific elements of the coast: the dunes were the source of the transported sand, and the harbor was part of its route to Buenos Aires.
Colonia: More Things to Explore in Other Places
The wider destination of Colonia offers a broader regional perspective: the Department of Colonia lies on the southern edge of the Brazilian Massif, or Shield. Tourist attractions in Nueva Helvecia include Plaza de los Fundadores, Museo Archivo Regional, Parque Municipal JosĂ© Pedro Varela and Molino Quemado. They also include QueserĂa TeĂłfilo Karlen, Santuario de Schöenstatt, Cine HelvĂ©tico, Parque Retiro and EstaciĂłn AFE. This selection offers a distinct look at attractions in Nueva Helvecia alongside the coastal landscape of Puerto Platero.
In Conchillas, preserved British roots are reflected in tea celebrations, cuisine and architectural features characteristic of the islands. Casa Evans was built in 1910 as a general store; a description from 2019 identifies it as a visitor center. Another historical site is Estancia de Belén: the Society of Jesus founded it in 1741, and it was one of the most important Jesuit establishments in what is now Uruguay.
Carmelo also offers its own attractions within the wider destination of Colonia. The Carmelo Wine Route is described as having seven wineries within a 16-kilometer radius. Visitors can visit family-run wineries and taste Carmelo wines; check with each winery for availability before visiting. In 2019, excursions by catamaran, kayak and canoe, as well as sailing trips, were also offered in Carmelo. Check current offerings when planning your trip.
When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: here, Puerto Platero is about the beach, dunes and history of the former harbor; the cultural and wine-related attractions mentioned are in other places within the wider destination of Colonia.
Discover more destinations: Rosario, Conchillas, Riachuelo, Colonia Del Sacramento, Balneario Santa Ana, Minuano, Nueva Palmira, Florencio Sanchez.
For the overview of the wider destination: Colonia.
