Five places to enjoy the night sky in Uruguay

1. Cabo Polonio, Rocha

The Cabo Polonio National Park is a great enchanter of bohemian spirits for preserving typical characteristics of the landscape of the Uruguayan Atlantic coast, prior to the transformation process that began in the mid-20th century. There is no public lighting, which allows the observation of the starry sky in full. There are no streets but irregular paths that link the small and rudimentary houses. The entry is made in all-terrain vehicles, specially conditioned so as not to damage the natural landscape.

At the landscape level, gigantic dunes, sandy beaches, rocky points, coastal native forest and small islands full of sea lions are part of the charms of the place.

2. Villa Serrana, Lavalleja

Located in the middle of the Lavalleja mountains, 25 kilometers from Minas, this small town offers unique starry nights, which can be appreciated even more from the neighborhood where the "Eta Carinae" astronomical observatory was located -currently closed- and named among the tenants such as the "Observatorio" neighborhood. From there you can participate in the observation days called "Open Sky Planetarium", organized by the Octante Astronomical Society, made up of friends, amateurs and professionals of astronomy who frequent the place.

Its tranquility invites you to meet yourself and nature. Among the favorite walks, there is a tour of the Salto del Penitente Park, visiting the Ventorrillo de la Buena Vista inn, the Padre Pío grotto, sitting down to drink the traditional mate on the shores of the reservoir lake, walking through the wild surroundings, hiking through the Valley of the Thread of Life and ride a horse through all its corners.

3. Arequita Hill, Lavalleja

Huge rocks of 120 million years that lie 12 kilometers from the city of Minas will make you feel the immensity of nature and the value of the starry sky that accompanies them.

This geological curiosity, which reaches a height of 505 meters, has various caves inside that captivate the visitor. At the base of the hill is the Parador El Mirador, which offers homemade meals and guided tours. Nearby is the municipal campsite with cabins and full services or the one at the base of the Laguna de los Cuervos, smaller and with a very familiar profile.

4. Quebrada de los Cuervos, Treinta y Tres

If you are looking to breathe fresh air and feel that you are "immersed" in nature, it will become one of your favorite destinations just by witnessing the majesty of its landscape and dark sky. This hidden paradise is a geographical accident that combines a gorge opened by the Yerbal Chico stream and wild mountains.

An unforgettable adventure destination to experience nature up close and appreciate more than 180 species of birds recorded so far and a large variety of mammals, amphibians and fish.

Among the services available in the ravine are: hiking, bird watching, environmental education activities, visitor center, park ranger service, camping and cabins. There are also some restrictions, since it is a Protected Natural Area: such as the entry with pets, hunting, fishing, bonfires and the collection of plants.

5. Barrancas de San Pedro, Colonia

It is a portion of 8 km of coastline in the department of Colonia, between the San Juan River and the San Pedro stream, where there are ravines up to 15 meters high of high paleontological value. There, on the ravine or in the pieces that have detached from them and that now lie on the sand, you can find fossil remains and mollusk molds. All this is part of the Camacho formation, sediments from the Tertiary era, which are between 5 and 11 million years old and are exposed..., just look.

The descent to the beach is through Brisas del Plata, a picturesque campsite that offers the possibility of staying a few meters from the coast, with all the services. Given the proximity to Colonia del Sacramento and Buenos Aires, there are domes of light pollution on the horizon (except to the East), but the sky maintains a degree of darkness that allows you to enjoy many stars and even the Milky Way with the naked eye.