Top Things to do in Maldonado Department
What to do and see in Maldonado Department, Maldonado Department: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Maldonado Department, Uruguay including Indigena - Area Protegida de Flora y Fauna, Pan De Azucar, Playa Mansa, Isla de Lobos, Isla Gorriti, Arboretum Lussich, Grutas de Salamanca, Playa Hermosa, Cerro Catedral, Playa de Jose Ignacio.
Restaurants in Maldonado Department
1. Indigena - Area Protegida de Flora y Fauna
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Enjoy nature very close to Montevideo and Punta del Este. Explore Uruguayan native flora and fauna.INDIGENA is a private nature reserve extending over 130 hectares, where native flora and fauna are protected. It is located between the hills and the sea, in Bellavista, Maldonado, Uruguay. At INDIGENA, visitors can walk through three totally different ecosystems: grasslands, gallery woodlands and wetlands. Guided by a park ranger, they will be able to learn many interesting things about Uruguayan native flora and fauna, enjoying new scents, textures and flavors. Visitors will experience how exciting it is to see animals in their real habitat, living freely in the wild. They will learn how to recognize animal traces and will very probably have a close encounter with Rheas - “Nandu” - the biggest American bird, and Capybaras - “Carpincho” - the biggest rodent in the world. There are around 45 Rheas and 150 Capybaras in the Reserve. INDIGENA is also a great place for bird-watching; approximately 145 species have been recorded in the area. Option A – Sendero Blanco (White): The tour starts through the Wetlands, along a low difficulty trail, where visitors will observe plants and birds from the comfort of a raised boardwalk. They will come across capybaras resting in the woods, swimming or grazing. The tour continues to the Gallery Woodlands where visitors will enter a special microclimate and they will have the opportunity to taste some plants and learn about their secrets, such as their medicinal uses. A short hike then leads the visitors to the Grasslands, from where they will enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside and hills. Option B - Sendero Verde (Green): Besides exploring the three different ecosystems, Sendero Verde also includes our Native Plant Nursery and greenhouse (“Vivero”), where visitors will enjoy some original wooden sculptures which turn the “Vivero” into a truly magical place. Option C - Sendero Rojo (Red): Besides exploring the three different ecosystems on foot, Sendero Rojo also includes cruising along the Arroyo Espinas in a small electric-powered motorboat. Special with tea (for Groups): This option includes Sendero Blanco (White) and a visit to the Native Plant Nursery. After the walk, visitors will taste local delicatessens in our picnic area in the woods. If the tour is in the afternoon, we offer “pasta frola” (quince pie) and native herbal teas. At noon, refreshments will be served with “empanadas” or homemade bread, natural dips, native herbal teas and water. Large groups are divided into smaller groups of maximum 15 per guide. SMALL GROUP OR PRIVATE TOURS AVAILABLE Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended (walking boots, if possible) Tour price: depends on the option. Guided tour times: Morning walks: 9:00 a.m. Afternoon walks: 14:00 p.m. Summer time afternoon walks: 17:00 p.m Guided tour days: Monday to Saturday Location: Ruta 10, Km 85.500, calle Aguatero 14 y calle Boyero 25, Bellavista, Maldonado.
2. Pan De Azucar
3. Playa Mansa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,156 reviews
Reviewed By FiloFilmz
This very nice beach is a favorite for beach-goers as well as for beach fishing. Since it's the Mansa (river) side of the PdE peninsula, it tends to have smaller waves.
4. Isla de Lobos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
Reviewed By Michaelpery - Berlin, Germany
If you want to go to Isla de Lobos, there are some tours from Punta del Este. One tour leaves around 11.30 and come back at 14.00. Other tour leaves at 12.00 and come back around 14.00. If the weather is nice, you can swim with sealions around the island. Dont worry, the ones who lies on the island is territorial and if you get so close they bite. However, the ones whom swims are not dangerous. You can see these amazing creatures in the middle of sea. Highly recommended and tour prices are little bit expensive about 50usd.
5. Isla Gorriti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 318 reviews
Reviewed By gmuy - Montevideo, Uruguay
The ticket on Jan 2020 is Uruguayan Pesos 350 (about 9.5 USD). We brought food, beverages for a picnic on the beach under the shade of a tree. The views from the island are very nice. There are lots of trees and some trails between them which are nice too. We went to two beaches and finally chose the one protected from the wind. There is a British cemetery and a few very old cannon batteries built by the Spanish to defend the bay.
6. Arboretum Lussich
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Reviewed By 365traceyw - Chesterton, United Kingdom
Lots of trails to walk as long or short as you feel. Great views, beautiful trees and several good viewpoints.
7. Grutas de Salamanca
8. Playa Hermosa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By juanmK4181NG
Playa Hermosa (Beautiful Beach) is a lovely long and wide Beach that is close to the city of Pirapolis. Not as busy as some of the better know beaches close by (Pirapolis, San Fransisco) but every bit as nice. A lovely spot to watch the sunset.
9. Cerro Catedral
10. Playa de Jose Ignacio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 526 reviews
Reviewed By frankw46 - Munich, Germany
This beach is a place where you will like wheter you are there judt alone, as a couple or with family & friends. Long sand dunes and nice access to the sea. For those who like waves there are also some around. Go and take a swim.
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