Plizio Visual Lab

Yí River

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

River

Weather…

The Yí River is one of Uruguay's most important inland rivers and a major tributary of the Río Negro. It originates in the Cuchilla Grande highlands in the Cerro Largo Department and flows westwards through the central departments of Treinta y Tres, Florida, and Durazno, before emptying into the Río Negro. The river has a length of approximately 210 kilometers, and its basin drains a large, primarily agricultural region known for cattle ranching and farming. The name 'Yí' comes from the Guaraní language, meaning 'water' or 'river'. The river is of crucial importance to the city of Durazno, which lies on its banks and whose name ('peach') derives from a solitary peach tree that once grew there. The river not only provides water to the city but also gives recreational opportunities, such as beaches and parks along its banks. Despite its importance, the river, like many in the region, faces threats from agricultural pollution, and efforts are underway to monitor and protect its water quality.

Location: Uruguay
Nearby: Paso de los Toros (21 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	24	21	18	14	11	10	12	14	17	20	23
Rain mm	120	138	110	134	117	92	79	109	111	135	101	107

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Thanks to its central location, the Yí River is easily accessible via the Uruguayan road network, particularly near the city of Durazno. There are several accessible beaches and bridges along its course.

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Best season

A visit is worthwhile year-round, with the spring and summer months being highly good for outdoor activities. Following heavy rainfall, the river can occasionally breach its banks and flood the shores.

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Terrain & paths

The riparian landscape has a pleasant mixture of fine sandy beaches, expansive meadows, and light wooded areas. Paths in the recreational zones close to the towns are mostly flat and very easy to walk.

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What to bring

For a relaxing visit, comfortable everyday shoes, sun protection, and some drinking water are entirely sufficient. Those planning longer walks away from the main beaches should also pack insect repellent.

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Parking

Designated and partially shaded parking areas are available in the popular recreational zones near the cities. In more remote sections of the river, you can usually park without issues along the roadside.

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Safety

The current is generally calm in most beach areas, though caution is still advised in deeper sections. Swimming is widely practiced and generally safe at the designated, well-visited beaches during the summer.

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Time needed

A stay at the Yí River can vary anywhere from a brief, one-hour stroll to an extended, multi-hour family picnic afternoon, entirely depending on your personal schedule and planned activities.