In Treinta Y Tres, different discoveries sit side by side: the Festival del Olimar in the city of Treinta Y Tres, the deeply cut Quebrada de los Cuervos and the water features of Salto de Agua near Cerro Chato. The Río Olimar is associated with both the festival and a river beach. Together, these places offer insights into the culture and landscape of the department.

Festival and River Beach

The Festival del Olimar takes place every year in Parque del Río Olimar in the city of Treinta Y Tres. If you choose it as the focus of your trip, check the specific festival dates for your travel year. This lets you plan your visit around a recurring cultural event without assuming a particular date.

In 2024, Playa Accesible del Río Olimar officially opened as Uruguay’s first accessible river beach. The year refers to its opening; before visiting, check the current operating conditions.

Gorge and Water Features

Quebrada de los Cuervos is the very narrow passage of the Yerbal Chico stream through the Sierra del Yerbal. Here it forms a deep gorge that is more than 100 meters deep in places. The description brings together two scales: the stream’s narrow passage and the gorge’s depth.

Parque Municipal Quebrada de los Cuervos is part of Paisaje Protegido Quebrada de los Cuervos y Sierras del Yerbal. Campsites can be reserved at the park’s campground. If camping is an option for you, confirm availability and conditions before your trip.

Another natural feature can be found in Parque del Salto de Agua in Cerro Chato: there are two natural pools formed by a stream’s waterfall. Thus, Treinta Y Tres has both a deep, narrow gorge and two waterfall-formed pools, representing distinct landscape features.

More Perspectives on Uruguay

Uruguay also offers geological and historical subjects. Grutas del Palacio were formed by water erosion. A roof about 70 centimeters thick is supported by reddish, consolidated sandstone columns averaging two meters in height. The caves have scientific, educational and tourism value. In Uruguay, Grutas del Palacio is the geopark’s most emblematic site and gives it its name.

Visits to Grutas del Palacio include guided tours led by specialists; there is also an interpretation center, an audiovisual room, a café and a themed museum. Before your trip, check the current operating arrangements and availability of these facilities.

In Uruguay, the history of Colonia del Sacramento dates back to 1680, when the Portuguese founded the city on the Río de la Plata, in a strategically important location for resisting the Spanish. The Historic Quarter is the only example in the region of an urban plan that does not follow the rigid grid pattern prescribed by Spain under the “Leyes de Indias.” Narrow cobbled streets and more private areas shape the cityscape. One-story houses predominate, while two-story houses are rare.

Parque Nacional Cabo Polonio is a protected area that preserves one of Uruguay’s most distinctive coastal landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Valentines, Treinta Y Tres, Tacuarembó, Canelones, San José, Durazno, Tacuarembó, Flores.

For the main travel overview: Uruguay.