Laguna de Castillos & Monte de Ombúes
Laguna de Castillos, Monte de Ombúes
Take a boat through the wetlands to a rare grove of ancient ombú trees, some several hundred years old, with plenty of waterbirds.
Laguna de Castillos is part of Uruguay's Eastern Wetlands protected area. The ombú grove beside the lake is one of the few extensive ombú groves in the world. Its thick, gnarled trunks are striking, and some trees are said to be more than 500 years old. Visitors usually take a local small boat from the bridge over the Valizas River on Route 10. Along the way, you can see black-necked swans, herons and other waterbirds. The whole trip takes about 2 to 3 hours. There are several departures a day in peak season, and in the off season you should contact the boatman in advance.
Opening hours
Boat tours approx. 09:00–18:00 (varies by season)
Nearby sights
- Cabo Polonio Dunes & 4x4 Truck Ride
- Barra de Valizas
- Playa Sur
- Playa La Calavera (Playa Norte)
- Cabo Polonio Village
- Cabo Polonio Lighthouse
- Sea Lion Colony (Lobería)
- Aguas Dulces