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Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park

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Animal habitat
—°3
Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)

Weather…

Valle del Lunarejo, located in the Rivera department, is a protected landscape area known for its unique geography and rich biodiversity. Part of the National System of Protected Areas, the valley is characterized by its deep gorges, streams, and subtropical gallery forests that contrast with the surrounding grasslands. This landscape is the result of erosion that has formed a series of hills and valleys known as 'cuchillas'. The area is considered a biodiversity hotspot, hosting species at the southern limit of their distribution, including the puma, the ocelot, and the maned sloth. It is also an important area for birdwatching, with over 150 species recorded, some of which are rare in other parts of Uruguay. The park features opportunities for ecotourism, including hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting, while promoting conservation and sustainable development in collaboration with local landowners.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252422181412111314182023
Rain mm132139112161135848196124171148144

📋 Practical info

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Best season
Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are well-suited for wildlife watching in Valle del Lunarejo. During these months temperatures are mild and many animals are active.
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Best time of day
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see birds and mammals like coatis. Cooler hours after rainfall are especially good for amphibian observations.
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Etiquette
Stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing the fragile vegetation and wildlife. Do not feed animals and avoid loud noises to preserve the peaceful atmosphere.
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What to bring
Hiking boots with good grip are important for the partly slippery paths along the waterfalls. Binoculars, rain jacket and waterproof bags are recommended for the humid climate.
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Getting there
Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park is in northwestern Uruguay, near Artigas city. It is reachable by car on unpaved roads; a 4×4 is helpful in rainy weather.
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What to expect
Dense vegetation can make spotting animals difficult; loud rustling in the undergrowth may indicate coatis. Take your time and linger at water points to discover amphibians.

Geography

Coordinates
-31.18330, -55.93330

Facts

  • Located in the Rivera department, on the border with Brazil.
  • It was designated as a protected area in 2009.
  • It covers an area of approximately 29,286 hectares.
  • Over 150 species of birds have been recorded in the valley.
  • The valley is part of the Pampa and Atlantic Forest biome.
  • It is one of the few places in Uruguay where pumas have been sighted.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TranquerasTranqueras24 km · NWExplore →
Cuchilla NegraCuchilla Negra32 km · NExplore →
Marfrig Tacuarembó SlaughterhouseMarfrig Tacuarembó Slaughterhouse34 km · WExplore →
Cerro BlancoCerro Blanco37 km · WExplore →
Cuchilla del OmbúCuchilla del Ombú41 km · WExplore →
RiveraRivera46 km · NExplore →
Cerro de la SepulturaCerro de la Sepultura47 km · WExplore →
Sierra de la AuroraSierra de la Aurora47 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 Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (3)

Sendero Balcones📍 landmark

A nature trail in the Valle del Lunarejo leading to wooden viewpoints with panoramas of the canyon and native forest.

Sendero Puntas del Lunarejo📍 landmark

This scenic hiking trail leads through the protected ravines and native forests of the Lunarejo Valley.

Sendero El Gavilán📍 landmark

A nature trail offering views of the rugged landscape and birdwatching opportunities in the valley.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Valle del Lunarejo?
A protected nature park with beautiful valleys and waterfalls.
Can I go horse riding there?
Yes, horse riding is a popular way to explore the vast landscape.
What is the best way to get there?
By car from Rivera, the last kilometers are unpaved.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, but allow plenty of time as the journey takes a while.
Are there accommodations there?
There are simple guesthouses and eco-lodges in the region.
Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park: where is it located?
Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park is located in Uruguay.
Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sendero Balcones, Sendero Puntas del Lunarejo, Sendero El Gavilán.
Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park: why is it worth visiting?
Valle del Lunarejo, located in the Rivera department, is a protected landscape area known for its unique geography and rich biodiversity.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Rivera — Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)
Rivera
Rivera is the capital city of the RV department in Uruguay and the administrative center of the region.
Tranqueras — Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)
Tranqueras
Tranqueras is an important city in the RV department of Uruguay, known for its role in the regional economy.
Minas de Corrales — Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)
Minas de Corrales
Minas de Corrales is an important city in the RV department of Uruguay, known for its role in the regional economy.
Artigas — Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)
Artigas
Artigas is the capital city of the AR department in Uruguay and the administrative center of the region.

More places

Cuchilla Negra — Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)
Cuchilla Negra
A hill range on the border with Brazil, named after its dark rock.
Sierra de la Aurora — Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)
Sierra de la Aurora
A range of hills in northern Uruguay, near the Brazilian border.
Marfrig Tacuarembó Slaughterhouse — Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)
Marfrig Tacuarembó Slaughterhouse
A large meat processing plant producing high-quality Uruguayan beef for global markets.
Cerro Blanco — Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)
Cerro Blanco
A prominent elevation near Valle Edén.
🗺️
Cuchilla del Ombú
A row of hills in the Tacuarembó department, ideal for cattle ranching.
Cerro de la Sepultura — Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)
Cerro de la Sepultura
A hill with a striking profile in the Tacuarembó region.
Cuchilla de Haedo — Valle del Lunarejo Nature Park (Uruguay)
Cuchilla de Haedo
An important hill system in northwestern Uruguay.