The landscape of the protected Valle del Lunarejo area includes grasslands and hills, as well as ravines with steep-sided native forest, caves, vertical cliffs and waterfalls amid lush subtropical vegetation. For a trip to Rivera, Lunarejo offers a distinct focus on nature, where landforms and subtropical vegetation together shape its character.

More than 250 species of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals have been recorded in Valle del Lunarejo. The total covers four different animal groups and adds a biological dimension to the picture of the landscape.

For a nature-focused trip, there are two distinct questions: which landforms characterize the area, and which animal groups have been recorded there? Lunarejo brings together a diversity of terrain and species within the same protected area.

Finding your way around Valle del Lunarejo

The visitor center for the protected Valle del Lunarejo area is on Ruta 30 at kilometer 237. The kilometer marker gives you a specific reference point for finding your way; check road conditions before setting out.

Historic sites in Rivera

The region's history also comes to life at specific locations. In 1904, the area around Masoller was the site of the battle that brought Uruguay's civil wars to an end; General Aparicio Saravia was fatally wounded there. Well-preserved stone structures, which played an important role in historical conflicts in the region, can still be seen in Valle del Lunarejo. The historical perspective thus connects the dated event at Masoller and visible architectural traces with their role in regional conflicts.

Parque Gran Bretaña was declared a national historic monument in 1981. The Cuñapirú Dam adds a history of engineering to this heritage: it was inaugurated in 1882 and was also declared a national historic monument. It is described as the first hydroelectric dam in the Americas and was a stop on a tour of Minas de Corrales. The Ruinas de Santa Ernestina are part of the Ruta del Oro, which also includes Minas de Corrales.

The dates place these points of interest in chronological context: 1882 marks the dam's inauguration, 1904 the battle at Masoller, and 1981 the park's designation. This makes it possible to consider engineering history, a pivotal event in a war and a later historic designation as distinct historical contexts.

Activities at Miradores del Valle

A 2024 guide lists camping for RVs and tents, hiking, vehicle excursions and horseback rides at Miradores del Valle. These include agrotourism rides and rides to Arroyo Lunarejo. Arroyo Lunarejo is explicitly named as a destination for the rides; agrotourism rides are another option. Check which activities are currently available before planning.

Discover more destinations: Minas De Corrales, Guaviyú, Rivera, Canelones, Tacuarembó, Entre Ríos, Rocha, Lavalleja.

For the main travel overview: Uruguay.