San Gregorio de Polanco is known as the “Península Dorada” (Golden Peninsula). The name refers to the clean sandy beaches and extensive dunes along the banks of the Río Negro. Planted pine and eucalyptus forests also shape the landscape around the town. Here, waterside scenery, sand, and vast stretches of forest come together, offering a striking introduction to Tacuarembó’s diverse landscapes.
Waterscapes and wide horizons
At Rincón del Bonete lies an artificial lake with 12,000 hectares of water. It is described as the country’s largest-capacity reservoir. The associated Represa Rincón del Bonete is a hydroelectric power plant owned by UTE and opened in 1945. Víctor Sudriers, Adolfo Ludín, and Julio Vilamajó were involved in its creation. The site combines a vast waterscape with the history of a major engineering work.
Visitors to the hydroelectric power plant can see the former Sala de Mando (control room), which houses a photo gallery. On the second floor is the UTE Museum, with historical objects and mementos from the institution. Those interested in the plant’s history can explore these interior spaces and collections as well as the structure itself.
Other waterscapes can be found around Arroyo Jabonería. The stream is eight kilometers long, and its clear water flows over rocks. The 100-meter-long “Gregorio Simón Viera” suspension bridge crosses the stream and offers views of the valley’s characteristic landscape. The 15-meter-high Pozo Hondo waterfall is the source of Arroyo Jabonería; the property is private. Also nearby are the Marmitas Gigantes: hollowed-out sandstone formations approximately one meter in diameter and depth.
Local history in San Gregorio de Polanco
The Museo Histórico Casa Muga (MUHCAM) is housed in a former general store from the early 20th century that belonged to the Muga family. The building is associated with another story: over several decades, more than 400 archaeological objects were collected by Segundo Ademar “Pocho” Muga Prieto, a resident of the town. The long period of collecting and the size of the collection give this museum its own historical dimension.
Valle Edén: Railway heritage and stargazing
Valle Edén lies at kilometer 208 of Ruta 26. For orientation, it is about 23 kilometers from the city of Tacuarembó and 18 kilometers from Tambores; distances may vary depending on the measurement point. The former Estación de Trenes de AFE preserves a piece of railway history: its water tank, once used to supply steam locomotives, is still there.
The landscape and history around Valle can also be explored at specific locations. Cerro Cementerio lies about one kilometer before the entrance to Valle Edén. Its slopes contain graves carved in stone and wood, with burials there beginning in the 19th century. Arroyo Jabonería and the suspension bridge offer another view of the valley, while the Marmitas Gigantes, with their approximate dimensions, are a geological feature of the surrounding area.
In Valle Edén, visitors can enjoy expert-led stargazing and astrophotography experiences. These include observing the Moon through telescopes, identifying lunar craters, and recognizing constellations and planets. In addition, in July 2026, the Ministry of Tourism and the Intendencia de Tacuarembó inaugurated an astrotourism viewpoint in the green space next to the Museo Carlos Gardel. The opening of this viewpoint is a distinct part of the town’s recent history.
Whether you are interested in coastal landscapes, engineering history, archaeological collections, or the night sky, Tacuarembó offers a range of themes to explore. Each place and story has its own focus, from the Río Negro and its dunes to the historical traces in Valle Edén.
Discover more destinations: Tacuarembó, Entre Ríos, Artigas, Colonia, Departamento de Salto, Cerro Largo, Maldonado, Treinta y Tres.
For the main travel overview: Uruguay.
