The topics in the Flores region range from geology and landscapes to archaeological and historical traces, animal encounters and water-based activities. In the Flores region, a geopark, an archaeological site and a wildlife park offer different ways to explore.

Geology and Landscapes in the Flores Region

The UNESCO Global Geopark Grutas del Palacio is located in the Department of Flores, in southern central Uruguay. It offers natural landscapes as well as geological, palaeontological, archaeological, historical and cultural attractions. The geopark therefore encompasses more than a single grotto: it brings together nature and geology with various traces of the past.

The protected area of Localidad Rupestre de Chamangá covers more than 12,000 hectares east of Trinidad in the Department of Flores. It lies in the Río Negro basin and also within the Chamangá stream sub-basin, whose sources are in Cuchilla Grande Inferior. The figures and watercourse references describe different aspects of this landscape: its extent and its position within the surrounding drainage basins.

Traces of the past are also central at Arenales de Paso del Palmar. Finds there include projectile points, bolas, cores and numerous flakes. The finds are associated with people who lived there thousands of years ago; an age of possibly more than 10,000 years cannot be ruled out.

Museum and Archaeology

The Museo Histórico Departamental de Flores Dr. Fernando Gutiérrez is housed in a former railway station in Trinidad, built in 1916. Its exhibition features fossilised dinosaur remains and archaeological material related to the rock paintings in the Chamangá protected area. The museum brings palaeontological and archaeological topics together in one place, while the station’s former use provides another historical connection.

Animal and Water Experiences in the Flores Region

The Lagos de Andresito area in the Department of Flores offers nautical activities, sport fishing, geotourism and nature tourism. Water-based recreation and nature exploration are distinct focal points there. This differs from Ecoparque Tálice, whose experiences focus especially on animals and activities in the park.

At Ecoparque Tálice, visitors can ride across the lake in white swan-shaped pedal boats. An electric bus can be used to explore the park and observe animals in their natural habitat. Visitors can also explore an area of more than 40 hectares, where large herds of deer and peccaries live. The protected area is home to 1,500 animals from 120 species; these population figures may change. The park offers an educational, informative and entertaining nature experience for people of all ages.

Guided Tours at Grutas del Palacio in the Flores Region

According to the stated schedule, guided tours along the route to the grotto depart every hour: the first starts at 10 a.m. and the last at 4 p.m. Check the tour times before your visit so you can plan around them.

Discover more destinations: Ismael Cortinas, Trinidad.

Go to the main travel overview: Flores.