Among the must-see tourist sites to discover in Uruguay, Santa Teresa National Park promises unforgettable adventures. This forested area sits on the Atlantic coast in the Rocha department. Upon arrival, you'll be captivated by splendid sandy beaches and a nature reserve teeming with diverse animal and plant species. The park offers ample camping space and a greenhouse sheltering an impressive variety of plants. You'll also find the historic Santa Teresa Fort, maintained and overseen by the armed forces.

To reach the site, cycling is possible from the beach resort of Punta Del Diablo, just 3 km away.

The Fortaleza de Santa Teresa

Erected in 1762 by the Portuguese, the Fortaleza de Santa Teresa is a military fortification and stands as a major feature of Santa Teresa National Park. Its structure takes the form of an irregular pentagon with five angles finished in projecting bastions. Each angle features control points built as sculpted stone towers. The fortress spans a perimeter of roughly 652 m. The walls are massive, made of enormous granite masonry and perfectly sculpted. Some outer wall sections reach up to 11.5 m in height.

The fortress's main gate is crafted from solid wood. Arched at the top, it faces west. There is also "La puerta oculta de socorro" (the hidden relief gate), which faces south with proportions smaller than "la Puerta Principal". Furthermore, the structure contains tunnels, namely "El Túnel de la Trinchera" and "El Túnel del Arca". The latter is said to run beneath the Fort and, according to oral tradition, comprises multiple chambers connected by walkways with a large tunnel heading eastward. Approximately 2,000 m from the Atlantic Ocean lies a rumored exit.

The Fortaleza de Santa Teresa once housed up to 300 men. The state of interior construction (cut stone) remains intact from the colonial era. Only roofs have been replaced. You'll still see the flag room, the guardia, the main gate that once welcomed the chapel, the powder magazine, two large granite blocks and prison cells.

The Park's Beaches

Santa Teresa National Park boasts numerous picturesque beaches perfect for idyllic moments with family or friends. Along the resort's coastline, you can discover Playa del Barco, hugely popular with young visitors. It's known for its pronounced depth and powerful swells that attract surfing enthusiasts. You'll have the opportunity to reach Playa Achiras, which offers various water activities. Autumn and winter are the best seasons to visit. Further north, at the border with La Coronilla, you'll find Playa La Moza, one of the most frequented spots by vacationers. This golden sand beach enchants with a fabulous rose garden situated near the shore. You'll also explore a stunning eucalyptus forest where you may encounter rheas, giant bird species native to South America.

The Greenhouse and Its Verdant Setting

For nature lovers, Santa Teresa Park offers a magnificent greenhouse. Built in 1939, this glass dome prevents direct sunlight to cultivate plants of tropical origin. With its carefully controlled heating and humidity systems, it ensures the growth and cultivation of species from all five continents. On the other side of the area stands the Sombráculo, erected the same year for subtropical plants. This structure is fashioned from granite with roofs and lateral branches of eucalyptus. This setting provides plants with proper oxygenation and sufficient shade while maintaining a completely natural climate. It houses over 90 plant species from around the world, including ferns and palms.

In the garden's ponds, you'll spot a varied collection of aquatic plants, including water lilies and papyrus. Its calm waters also host more than 300 types of roses, such as climbing roses, English roses, floribundas, miniature roses and park roses. Nearby, you can follow wooden paths to reach a viewpoint overlooking Laguna de Peña. This lagoon contains the region's most significant capybara reserve, with a large animal population including deer and otters, plus birds like white herons, bass and mulberries.

The Camping Area

When visiting Santa Teresa National Park, you can camp in rustic sites or in areas equipped with water and electricity. You'll enjoy access to a supermarket and restaurants spread across the beaches. The site is heavily frequented during peak season, particularly in January.