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Lecocq Nature Park

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Animal habitat
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Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)

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Lecocq Park is an extensive ecological park and zoo located on the outskirts of Montevideo, covering over 120 hectares. It was founded in 1949 on land donated to the state by the Lecocq family. The park is distinguished by its large enclosures that allow animals to roam in semi-free conditions, replicating their natural habitats as closely as possible. It houses a diverse collection of animals from Uruguay and around the world, including the country's largest captive capybara population and a significant herd of antelopes. The park plays an important role in conservation and environmental education. It is part of the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) and includes the wetlands of the Santa Lucía River, an area of great ecological importance. Visitors can explore the park by car or on foot, not only observing the animals but also enjoying the native flora and the scenic landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232321181512101213161921
Rain mm10210611811484989289961039686

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The park is open year-round, but spring (September-November) has the most active wildlife. The mild temperatures in autumn (March-May) are also good for visits.
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Best time of day
The cooler morning and evening hours are well-suited for seeing animals in motion. During the midday heat, many species seek shade and are less active.
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Etiquette
Do not feed the animals, as it can harm their health. Keep distance from exotic species that may react aggressively.
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What to bring
Binoculars help observe animals from a safe distance. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are important for walking through the park.
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Getting there
The park is located within Montevideo city and is well served by public transport. Several entrances and ample parking are available.
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What to expect
Some animals are shy and hide; stay quiet and wait a few minutes in one spot. Feeding times in the zoo sections often provide guaranteed sightings.

Geography

Coordinates
-34.78330, -56.35000

Facts

  • Opened in 1949.
  • It covers 120 hectares (296 acres).
  • Named after Francisco Lecocq, a 19th-century politician.
  • Home to the largest herd of Addax antelope outside of Africa.
  • Integrated into the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP).
  • Located on the banks of the Santa Lucía River.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Santa Lucía RiverSanta Lucía River2 km · NExplore →
Ciudad del PlataCiudad del Plata4 km · SExplore →
ISUSA Fertilizer PlantISUSA Fertilizer Plant7 km · SEExplore →
Bodega Bouza WineryBodega Bouza Winery7 km · NExplore →
Cerro Industrial Technological Park (PTI)Cerro Industrial Technological Park (PTI)11 km · NWExplore →
Bodegas CarrauBodegas Carrau14 km · NExplore →
Church of San IsidroChurch of San Isidro15 km · NExplore →
ANCAP La Teja RefineryANCAP La Teja Refinery15 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lecocq Nature Park (5)

Puente de la Barra📍 landmark

A prominent bridge over the Santa Lucía River connecting Montevideo with the San José department.

Parque de Punta Espinillo🌳 park

A coastal park featuring dense eucalyptus forests and rocky beaches on the shores of the Río de la Plata.

Playa La Colorada🎡 recreation

A quiet beach in Punta Espinillo known for the reddish tint of its sand at sunset.

Iglesia de Jesucristo de los santos de los últimos días📍 landmark

A modern Mormon church building near Parque Lecocq featuring functional architecture.

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Guardia y San Luis Gonzaga📍 landmark

A historic parish in Santiago Vázquez closely linked to the local fishing and maritime traditions.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What animals can we see in Parque Lecocq?
The park hosts many species, including zebras, giraffes and native birds.
Is the park a zoo?
It is more of a nature-oriented park with large enclosures.
Are there picnic areas?
Yes, the park provides nice areas for picnics and breaks.
How to get to the park?
Best by car as it is slightly outside the city center.
Is the park open all year?
Yes, it is generally open all year round.
Lecocq Nature Park: where is it located?
Lecocq Nature Park is located in Uruguay.
Lecocq Nature Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Puente de la Barra, Parque de Punta Espinillo, Playa La Colorada.
Lecocq Nature Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Lecocq Nature Park: why is it worth visiting?
Lecocq Park is an extensive ecological park and zoo located on the outskirts of Montevideo, covering over 120 hectares.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Montevideo — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay.

History & landmarks

Fortress of the Cerro — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Fortress of the Cerro
A historic fortress on the Cerro de Montevideo that protected the Bay of Montevideo.
Port Market — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Port Market
A historic market hall in the Old City of Montevideo, famous for its barbecue restaurants.
Taranco Palace — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Taranco Palace
An elegant French-style palace in the Old City that houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.
Metropolitan Cathedral — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Metropolitan Cathedral
The main Catholic church in Montevideo, located on the Plaza de la Constitución.
Solís Theatre — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Solís Theatre
The oldest theatre in Uruguay, playing an important role in the cultural life of Montevideo.
Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Mausoleum of José Gervasio Artigas
An impressive mausoleum in Plaza Independencia housing the remains of the national hero.
Palacio Salvo — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Palacio Salvo
This iconic building on Plaza Independencia was once the tallest in South America.
Telecommunications Tower — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Telecommunications Tower
A modern skyscraper and the tallest building in Uruguay, used by Antel.

More places

Bodega Bouza Winery — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Bodega Bouza Winery
A premium boutique winery near the capital, known for Albarino wines and a classic car collection.
Bodega Bouza — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Bodega Bouza
A leading winery near Montevideo famous for producing premium Tannat wines.
Cerro Industrial Technological Park (PTI) — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Cerro Industrial Technological Park (PTI)
An urban industrial park in Montevideo supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises.
Fortress of the Cerro — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Fortress of the Cerro
A historic fortress on the highest hill of Montevideo, built in 1809 to defend the city.
Bodegas Carrau — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Bodegas Carrau
A historic winery with a long tradition of crafting quality Uruguayan wines.
ANCAP La Teja Refinery — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
ANCAP La Teja Refinery
The only oil refinery in Uruguay, supplying all of the country's fuel needs.
Montevideo Free Port — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Montevideo Free Port
A special customs zone within the Port of Montevideo allowing logistics and goods handling without import taxes.
Port Market — Lecocq Nature Park (Uruguay)
Port Market
A historical market hall in Montevideo from 1868 with an impressive iron structure.