Descubrir Canelones oeste en un finde
In addition to its long coast and hosting 70% of the country’s wineries, Canelones has a unique charm in its nature and its people. The western area of the department offers several great options for a weekend getaway, whether as a couple or with the whole family, and without needing a big budget. Discover more!
Early in the day, the Santa Lucía River offers not only a scenic view but also the chance to navigate its waters, and features the Parador Tajes, a 62-hectare park located on the riverbank that will surprise you with its rich natural beauty. It’s an ideal place to spend the day or go camping. Here you’ll find a recreational area built around Tajes Villa, the summer home of General Máximo Tajes, President of Uruguay from 1882 to 1886.
The park is open every day from 6:00 a.m. till midnight. It has a grocery store where you can buy food, a barbecue-style dining area, picnic tables, and games for the younger members of the family to enjoy, such as shuffleboard, foosball, and pool.
Among its highlights: the Tajes Villa, walking the park’s trails, or fishing along the riverbank. In summer, visitors also enjoy the small beach for swimming or water sports.
Parador Tajes is located at kilometer 51 of Route 47. From Montevideo, take Route 5 and turn left onto Melilla Road (Route 36). Once in the town of Los Cerrillos, take Route 47 until you reach the bank of the Santa Lucía River.
WHERE TO STAY?
When night falls, if you’re looking for more comfortable lodging, another option is El Rocío, Private Family Club, a country house for up to 12 guests, located at kilometer 51 of Route 47, in Los Cerrillos. Its owners offer a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with views of the countryside and the riverbank. In addition to guaranteed rest, the walks around the area are rejuvenating. It also features an event hall for celebrating special occasions with family or for small companies.
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UNWIND
El Vergel is another accommodation option. It’s a country house located at kilometer 42 of Route 46, featuring a covered heated pool and other leisure options such as yoga, mantra singing, or a stargazing tour to discover the stories written in the night sky. It also has barbecue areas to enjoy an outdoor asado or engage in traditional countryside activities.
In the morning, besides enjoying the rural landscape, you can visit the Parque Lineal de Las Brujas. It’s ideal for a walk while the kids play and discover giant sculptures over four meters tall. The Grandmother, the Girl with Butterflies, a Girl with Fireflies, and a Boy Holding a Stage are some of the sculptures installed at the end of Route 48, where the Santa Lucía River ends. At night, the place takes on a special charm with sun-powered lighting.
Another must-see is Bodega Artesana, located at kilometer 3.600 of Route 48, in Las Brujas. It’s a perfect stop for wine lovers. The winery is known for its Tannat wines, Uruguay’s signature grape, and also for Zinfandel. They also produce Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay–Petit Manseng, and other blends.
SOULFUL
In the afternoon, a place to treat your senses is Alma de Gloria. Their specialty is house-blended teas and exquisite sweet and savory treats made with seasonal ingredients and all the love of its owners, Ana Gloria and Jorge. Their tea house is a full sensory experience, set among blackberry, raspberry, goldenberry, and fig crops. The place is located on Route 36, kilometer 24,500, in El Colorado, Canelones, just 30 minutes from downtown Montevideo.
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The west is a great plan, sure to become one of your most cherished memories.
