Mining Tourism in Artigas and Minas de Corrales

There are two tours: Mining Safari and Artigas Amethyst Mining Tourism, which include excursions around the city of Artigas, featuring guided visits to quarries in the Los Catalanes region, where internationally renowned amethyst and agate geodes are extracted, prized for their size and intense purple tones.

In 2023, this area was recognized by UNESCO’s International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) as one of the 100 Geological Heritage Sites of Humanity due to its concentration of mega-geodes, vast reserves, gem quality, and size and shape variety. Both open-pit and tunnel mining are practiced here. In one of these tunnels, you’ll find Uruguay’s first underground restaurant, where you can enjoy a traditional local dish.

The Mining Safari and Artigas Amethyst Mining Tourism experiences take about 4 hours and cover around 150 kilometers, following National Route 30 and scenic backroads through the countryside where the mines are located. Along the way, you can awe at the local flora and fauna, stop at picturesque rural stores, and try regional products.

During the tour, visitors can collect their own semiprecious stones. Tools, training, and safety equipment are included. On the way back to the city, various workshops are visited where the raw stones undergo handcrafted processes to get ready for market.

GOLD ROUTE
In the town of Minas de Corrales, visitors can explore the gold mines, the pioneering cableway system, the Cuñapirú hydroelectric dam, and the ruins of Uruguay’s first mining village, a site rich in history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. This route can be combined with a city tour of Rivera, visits to local wineries, or a shopping trip to the border area.

For those into ecotourism, another great option is the Protected Area of Lunarejo Valley.

Useful Information
www.turismominero.com.uy
www.safariminero.com
www.facebook.com/amatistasartigastour