What to do and see in Maldonado Department, Maldonado Department: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

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.

View native animals, including penguins, vultures, ostriches, owls and several varieties of stags, at this beautiful nature reserve.