The village of Pueblo Eden is located within the Maldonado department, bordering Lavalleja, in Uruguay's countryside, in the southern part of the country, approximately forty kilometers north of Punta del Este, and 140 kilometers east of the capital Montevideo. You'll be captivated by the landscapes surrounding this village and by its architectural style, reminiscent of Provençal villages of yesteryear. Spanish colonial design features whitewashed houses with distinctly Mediterranean character, topped with metal roofing.

The village center, reached via a wonderfully quiet road, retains all the authenticity of such settlements, with the church plaza offering views of rolling hills adorned with vibrant colors throughout the year. You'll discover the famous "sierras"—those South American hillsides—beneath an eternally azure sky.

Pueblo Eden's roads are typically serene and empty. You may spot locals chatting or sipping aperitifs in their gardens. The primary modes of transport are bicycles and horses, though the occasional car does pass through. These pathways are ideal for spending a tranquil half-day exploring on horseback to observe this abundant and picturesque nature. You'll also find numerous traditional guesthouses and country lodges on site, an organic market, and several wine bars and rustic restaurants offering tastings of their wines and olive oils.

History

The town of Pueblo Eden, also known as Mataojo, has developed over the past century under a lens of rich cultural blending. The town as we know it today was born on August 8, 1917, when Don Roman Furtado, owner of lands adjacent to the Pintado creek, subdivided them to create the Villa de Mataojo de San Carlos. The first settler to inhabit this villa was Zoilo Martinez. A primary school soon followed the construction of the first homes, with José Frade serving as the schoolmaster.

The town subsequently developed from that point forward, organizing numerous cultural events including dances and musical performances. Don Roman Furtado established a fair that remains open today and is still operated by his descendants. Agriculture flourished as well, with wheat plantations and mills becoming renowned throughout the country, including the famous Tassano and Moreira mills. The authentic and distinctive shops that exist today trace their roots to this educated culture cultivated over the past century.

After many village residents, as well as people from surrounding areas, migrated to larger cities in search of better opportunities—a trend that also affected the broader Maldonado department for many years—Pueblo Eden experienced a renaissance of prominence in 2007. That year, Argentine pianist Roberto Giordano purchased land here, bringing significant visibility to the location.

It is this very cultural and agricultural heritage, combined with this sublime setting brimming with countless shades of green and offering breathtaking landscapes, that gives Pueblo Eden its incomparable charm in Uruguay today. Just 40 kilometers from the leisure of Punta del Este, the village feels like the perfect stopover to recover from the nightlife and breathe in paradise for a few days.

To reach Pueblo Eden, take National Route 12 from Punta Ballena for approximately forty kilometers.

From Punta del Este, simply take National Route 10 for about fifteen kilometers heading west toward Punta Ballena, then turn right, heading north on National Route 12.