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Minas de Corrales
ℹ️Practical info — Minas de Corrales
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Join a 'Safari Minero' to safely explore the historic gold mines with a guide.
- Visit the ruins of the Cuñapirú Dam, the first hydroelectric plant in South America.
- The Gold Museum in the center features a fascinating insight into the 19th-century gold rush.
- Spring and Autumn are the best seasons for hiking the surrounding hills.
- Inquire about guided tours, as many mine entrances are located on private property.
🍽 Food
A hearty stew traditionally served in the rural countryside areas.
Unique restaurant experience inside an old gallery, try local specialties underground.
Look for small family-run spots for the most authentic fillings.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Buy handmade belts and boots in the typical local gaucho style.
Small rock samples and minerals from the region are popular keepsakes from the mining town.
A history-rich spot on the riverbank, handy for a quiet picnic.
These hills are home to rare dwarf palms and offer peaceful views over the pasture landscape.
Water temperature…
Minas de Corrales is a town in the Rivera Department of Uruguay, renowned for its deep-rooted history in gold mining. The town was officially founded in 1879 following the discovery of gold deposits in the region, which sparked a significant gold rush that attracted settlers and prospectors. Its development is inextricably linked to mining, which shaped the local economy and culture for over a century. Today, the San Gregorio mine, operated by Orosur Mining, stands as one of the largest gold mines in the country and a major employer. Beyond mining, the local economy also relies on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching. Its geographical setting on the Corrales stream and near the Cuchilla de Haedo hills gives the landscape a distinct character. Despite its relatively small size, with a population of around 3,800, the town preserves a unique heritage visible in its urban layout and the stories of its people.
- Location: Uruguay
- Nearby: Tranqueras (32 km)
- Population: ~3.788 (2021)
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 | 22 | 18 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 127 | 141 | 118 | 161 | 136 | 92 | 92 | 112 | 135 | 181 | 138 | 131 |
Geography
Facts
- Officially founded in 1879.
- The population is approximately 3,788 inhabitants (2011 census).
- Its name means 'Mines of the Corrals'.
- Gold mining operations began here around 1820.
- The San Gregorio mine is the largest gold mine in Uruguay.
- It is located in the Rivera Department, 95 kilometers south of the capital city, Rivera.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Frequently asked questions
What is the background of Minas de Corrales?
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Minas de Corrales: where is it located?
Minas de Corrales: when is the best time to visit?
Minas de Corrales: why is it worth visiting?
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