Escapada aventurera a Juan Lacaze
One of the key spots for adventure tourism in Uruguay is Juan Lacaze. In addition to being the birthplace of musician El Sabalero, actor Osvaldo Laport, and footballer Cristian “Cebolla” Rodríguez, it holds part of the country’s industrial history and captivates visitors with its rivers and water activities.
Located in the southern Colonia, about 49 km from Colonia del Sacramento, it boasts a beautiful bay and a beach over 6 km long, connecting the Rosario River with Playa Verde. This makes it a cultural destination, perfect for beach time and various water adventures.
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
Before the founding of this city, which today has over 13,600 inhabitants, the area only had a meat-salting plant established in 1840. However, the favorable features of the natural port drew the attention of the Lacaze family, and in February 1884, Juan L. Lacaze, on behalf of Lavalle, Medeci & Co., purchased the lands adjacent to the bay from the heirs of Blanco, the local meat plant owner. One year later, in 1885, they established a stone and sand company in El Sauce, as the area was known at the time, under the name Lacaze & Co. This company began attracting settlers to the region, and the population continued to grow with the establishment of the National Paper Factory (FANAPEL) in 1898 and the textile factory La Industrial, owned by Campomar & Soulas, founded in 1903. Today, both can be visited at least from the outside, standing as faithful witnesses to the area’s industrial development.
What to do?
Go kitesurfing: one of the most versatile water sports, with endless movement possibilities depending on the wind, which is present on many days year-round in Colonia. Kitesurfing schools are open in Colonia Valdense, Los Pinos, Playa Charrúa, Juan Lacaze, and Colonia del Sacramento.
Canoeing on Sauce stream: Silvina Sobrado, a tourism host, offers a canoe ride on Sauce stream to discover it from the inside. The tour consists of a paddle from the stream’s mouth to Paso La Balsa bridge, with the return at that point. This is a nature-immersive activity, including birdwatching and identification of native flora over 90 minutes. Book in advance: 094 680 767
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Recreational bike riding: Explore beautiful landscapes while learning about local history, flora, and fauna, all while pedaling with friends or family.
Book in advance: 094 680 767
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Fishing is a common activity in its rivers, and tournaments take place year-round.
Kerayvoty Foundation: a nature reserve with native and exotic animals working on their recovery. It also has a restaurant where visitors can have lunch before touring the site.
Location: Route 1, Km 149.5
Entry: free
Watching the beautiful sunset over the River Plate is a must for those visiting this picturesque destination.
info at the Municipality of Juan Lacaze:
Phone: +598 4586 3563 / WhatsApp: 091 397 548
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