The Monumento a Perpetuidad, also known as “Cementerio Viejo,” is an open-air museum of funerary art in Paysandú. The museum’s name clearly defines its focus: funerary art is presented in an open-air setting. Visitors choosing cultural highlights for their stay will find a different experience here than with music and food culture.
City history and its traces
The 1864–1865 siege of Paysandú is represented in different ways. Traces of cannonball impacts from the siege remain on the façade of the Jefatura de Policía de Paysandú. In September 2025, a historical reenactment was described at the Centro de Interpretación de la Defensa on Plaza Constitución, using images and sounds to illustrate the siege and the suffering of families and defenders. Thus, surviving traces on a façade sit alongside a narrative presentation of historical events.
The history of Semana de la Cerveza also goes back a long way: its first edition was held in 1966 on Plaza Constitución. The program for the 2026 edition includes international music performances every night at the Anfiteatro del Río Uruguay, which opened in 1995. Artists who have performed there include Christian Castro, José Luis Rodríguez, Luciano Pereyra, Alejandro Lerner, Divididos, No Te Va Gustar, La Vela Puerca and Ruben Rada.
Events bringing together food and music
Several food events offer different highlights. Cocinarte took place from August 14 to 17, 2025, at the Nuevo Estadio 8 de Junio and was the 21st edition of the food event. At one edition of Sabores Heroicos at the Feria Franca de Paysandú, visitors could sample dishes for free, prepared by students using locally produced ingredients.
The Cata Nacional de Tomates is considered a traditional Paysandú event. More than 200 heirloom tomato varieties are featured in tastings, workshops and live cooking events; the format may vary from one edition to another. For several years, children have also been learning there how to prepare and taste tomatoes through play. The Cata therefore brings together different ways of engaging with the topic: tasting, hands-on workshops and cooking together.
Paysandú in the wider regional context
The wider destination of Paysandú includes other cultural and landscape attractions in the department. Estancia Buen Retiro and the Morató family’s castle are located in the rural interior of Paysandú Department, in the Municipality of Guichón. When the estancia’s main building was completed in 1904, contemporaries called it “Castillo” because of its imposing appearance.
The Islas del Queguay protected area lies in Paysandú Department, where the Río Queguay Grande meets the Río Uruguay. It includes nine islands, adjacent coastal areas and the Río Uruguay, covering a total area of 8,327 hectares. Another protected area, Montes de Queguay, can be explored on guided routes on foot, by kayak or by canoe. Check the local arrangements for these guided routes before visiting.
The thermal facilities also differ in what they offer. Termas de Almirón has heated outdoor pools, indoor pools and a large pool kept at a moderate temperature for summer. Termas de Guaviyú has eight large pools, Jacuzzis, an indoor pool and courts for pádel, frontón, football and volleyball. As facilities may change, check the respective offerings before your visit.
A seasonal event in the wider destination of Paysandú is Vuela Termas, an international model aircraft gathering held in February. It features more than 180 aircraft, helicopters and drones, as well as pilots from Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil. Before making plans, check whether the gathering is taking place in February of your travel year.
Discover more destinations: Guichón, Piedras Coloradas, Quebracho, Daymán, Termas de San Nicanor, Beisso, Esperanza
Return to the main travel overview: Paysandú.
