Located on the eastern bank of the Río Uruguay, 500 km from Montevideo, Salto is an appealing destination within Uruguayan territory. Founded in 1756 by José Joaquín de Viana, this city faces Concordia. The two are linked to the north by the Salto Grande International Bridge. The latter spans the eponymous dam that supplies electricity to both towns. Tourists come to Salto primarily to admire its historic treasures, to enjoy its hot springs, its riverside beaches, and to discover its enormous dam.

History

Salto derives its name from the waterfalls or "saltos" that the river presents near the city. In the 18th century, early explorers navigated it from the Río de la Plata northward through the territory, making the city a strategic point hosting various exchanges. Over time, a settlement formed with colonizers and indigenous peoples. Populated and depopulated many times, Salto gained city status in June 1837 following population consolidation in the early 19th century. A formal founding of the city never occurred despite the historical significance of José Joaquín de Viana's passage in October 1756. This explorer only settled in the locality for a few weeks.

Today

Being Uruguay's second-largest city after the capital, Salto serves as the terminus for shallow-draft vessels navigating the Río Uruguay. It hosts a port supplying the northwestern part of the country and certain regions of Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state. Among Salto's important industrial activities are wine production and orange-derived bottling. This stems from the region's remarkable cultivation of these two fruits. The production of mandarins and oranges occupies much of the arable land. Citrus groves extend nearly 32 km around Salto, while Salto's vineyards are renowned as the finest throughout the country.

Meat processing also constitutes a significant sector in the city. The region is indeed conducive to pasturing, thus to cattle and sheep ranching. Finally, numerous crops of corn, wheat, flax, tomatoes, strawberries, sunflower seeds, and fodder crops are found here.

What to Do in Salto?

Discover Salto's Historic Center

If you wish to observe national monuments, the historic center is worth the visit. Stop at the Sitio del Ayuí, the place where General Artigas established his camp during the exodus or La Redota. This remarkable episode in the country's history unfolded from October to December 1811.

On the other side, you'll see the Larrañaga Theatre. Inaugurated in 1882, this artistic landmark of the city allows you to admire furniture, costumes, and various posters from past works. The hall features boxes, stands, walls adorned with tapestries, and curtains decorated by renowned painters.

You also won't miss the San Juan Bautista Basilica Cathedral, built in 1889. It notably houses mural works by famous artists, such as José Zorrilla de San Martín. It also contains statutory and European altars.

Thermal Springs

It's impossible to visit Salto without enjoying one of its thermal stations. For this, you'll be invited to head to the Horacio Quiroga aquatic park, located just 10 km from the city. This site belongs to the Salto Grande Thermal Baths, on the shore of the lake formed by the dam. It boasts magnificent pools, thermal water jets, and entertainment suited to all ages. To relax, you can enjoy an effective massage near a giant waterfall, in a jacuzzi, or under a Scottish or Finnish shower.

At the confluence of the Río Uruguay and Río Arapey, you'll explore the Arapey Thermal Baths, located 87 km from Salto. Being Salto's oldest thermal station, it welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually from around the world. Its open-air pools are surrounded by splendid tropical gardens. Its 39°C waters are recommended for numerous therapeutic treatments. Countless hotel rooms and a camping area are present to accommodate travelers.

Located 498 km from Montevideo, the city of Salto is accessible via Route 1 then Route 2 from the Uruguayan capital. The journey can be made by bus in approximately 6 hours. You can also rent a car for a week, for example.

Furthermore, you can cross the Salto Grande International Bridge if you reach Salto from Argentina. Indeed, the city of Concordia is only 40 km north of Salto. There are also boats connecting the two towns daily.

Salto is connected to other riverside cities by numerous highway, rail, river, and air services.