Northern Interior Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and naturally stunning Northern Interior region of Uruguay with our comprehensive travel guide. From must-visit attractions, best hiking trails, and delicious local cuisine, to travel logistics and safety tips, find everything you need to plan a memorable trip.


Introduction to Northern Interior

Located in Uruguay’s northern region, the Northern Interior boasts a plethora of cultural and natural attractions ideal for travelers seeking an offbeat destination. This sparsely populated region offers scenic countryside roads and expansive grasslands, flowering orchids, and pristine rivers. The region is home to picturesque wild parks and splendid museums, testament to the nation’s indigenous and colonial past. With a friendly Uruguayan vibe and welcoming locals, visitors are sure to be endeared to this enchanting and often-overlooked part of Uruguay.

List of Places to Visit in Northern Interior

Visitors will find plenty to do in Northern Interior, and the following is a list of must-visit destinations.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Treinta y Tres: Named after Uruguay’s first constitution, Treinta y Tres town is an ideal spot to experience the country’s rich history. The architecture dates back to the 18th century, and the treasures of the region’s indigenous Guaraní people are displayed at the museum.
  2. Melo: This charming town is a must-see for antique enthusiasts with its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with antique shops. The town also has the best museum of potters, showcasing traditional pottery production in the region.
  3. Minas de Corrales: A historic mining town in the region, Minas de Corrales is an important site for Uruguayan history. Visitors to the town can visit the mining sites and explore the subterranean tunnels carved out by the Colonial period’s miners.
  4. Santa Teresa Fortress: The Santa Teresa National Park, established in 1945, boasts one of the most militarily significant fortresses in Uruguay. The castle echoes the intricacies of the past, telling the story of the region’s colonial period.

Natural Attractions of Northern Interior: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Grutas del Palacio: The region’s signature geographic feature, Grutas del Palacio, are the limestone caves that sit atop the Rio Yerba. Visitors to the site will have access to different narrated tours, and you can enjoy the lush forest and scenic views nearby.
  2. Iporá: A unique natural area that is home to over 300 identified bird species, Iporá is paradise for birdwatchers. Located in an expansive nature reserve, there are a variety of hiking trails available, making the park an exceptional place for a weekend getaway.
  3. Quebrada de los Cuervos: Also known as Crow’s Ravine, Quebrada de los Cuervos is a must-visit destination with its narrow mountain crevices and crystaline streams. With several hiking routes and campsites, this location is perfect for nature lovers looking for a peaceful escape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Interior

Northern Interior is home to several remarkable hiking and biking routes. Here are our recommendations:

  1. Cuchilla de Haedo trail: A challenging and scenic hiking route, Cuchilla de Haedo trail is a long-distance route that traverses through the hilly landscape of the Northern Interior region.
  2. Pueblo del Barro cycling route: Located adjacent to the Miguelete River, this cycling route offers ideal scenery, including pristine forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers. The 37-mile route makes a gentle uphill climb through peaceful pastoral areas.

Best Things to Do in Northern Interior: Activities and Tours

  1. Wine tour: Northern Interior is renowned for its wineries, so why not take a guided tour of the region’s wine scene? Uruguay’s surrounding regions produce crafts wine that pairs well with the area’s fiery beef dishes.
  2. Water sports: Located in the Roja Chica area are several tour operators that conduct water sport activities, including kayaking, raft building, hiking tours, and countryside picnics.
  3. Horse Riding: Horse riders can explore the region’ countryside at several equestrian centers near Treinta y Tres town.

Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Interior

A one-week itinerary should look like this:

Day 1-2: Visit the Grutas del Palacio and explore traditional ranches Days 3-4: Traverse through Crow’s Ravine and then visit the wine zone Days 5-6: Enjoy a countryside picnic near the Rapetata Creek and a horseback ride along Quebrada del Tigre. Day 7: Visit Treinta y Tres historic town and Melo antique shops.

Food and Drink Scene of Northern Interior

Must-Try Dishes

The food in the Northern Interior region boasts delicious meat dishes that feature prominently on virtually every restaurant menu. The following dishes are undoubtedly unique to the Northern Interior:

  1. Asado: Uruguay’s signature barbecue is famously included on the Southern Cone’s UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The meat is cooked over an open flame typically, over charcoal and wood, assisting its truly distinctive taste and texture.
  2. Chivito: The national dish of Uruguay is a sandwich indeed larger than life. The massive sandwich is composed of steak, bananas, eggs, cheese, bacon, ham, peas, mayonnaise, and lettuce.
  3. Mate: Uruguay’s ritual beverage is prepared by infusing yerba mate herbs in hot water and drinking it through a filtered straw; it is served in a hollow gourd.

Local Beverages

Uruguay prides itself on the quality of its wine, and the Northern Interior boasts numerous vineyards. Also, a refreshing Tannat wine bottle brewed from the grape used extensively in the region’s wine industry is always worth trying.

Where to Stay in Northern Interior: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the Northern Interior, and options include:

  1. Hotel Casino, Melo: Known in the region as one of the best five-star hotels, Hotel Casino offers luxurious accommodation and an exceptional restaurant.
  2. Rancho Aparte - Albergue Rural, Treinta y Tres: A unique hostel catering to eco-tourists, Rancho Aparte offers rustic accommodation and is completely constructed with pure raw materials from the area.
  3. Estancia “El Ceibal,” Minas de Corrales: This historical beautiful ranch is a perfect escape from the city. It is a preserved eighteenth-century masterpiece operated to date.

What to Buy in Northern Interior: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When bored of the typical souvenir T-shirts and trinkets, the following are some unique Northern Interior gift ideas to consider:

  1. Handicrafts made from recycled materials: Maison Antigo structures, for instance, provide tourists a chance to buy eco-friendly handcrafted products from the area’s hills and vineyards.
  2. Mates (Uruguayan Tea) and Accessories: Look out for some of the most intricate mate gourds in the Northern Interior region at local markets and souvenir shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Northern Interior

Uruguayans are known for their hospitability and friendly nature. When engaging with locals, it is customary to take part in mate drinking ceremonies with the locals. Uruguayans are courteous and hospitable, so try not to be too formal with greetings.

Best Time to Visit Northern Interior

The best time to visit is during Uruguay’s fall (April to June) and spring (September to December) seasons. When the temperature is mild, Tourism activity in the Northern Interior tends to peak in these seasons. However, it is also ideal to visit in winter since activities such as skiing are feasible.

Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Interior

Do:

  1. Do try the local cuisine and delicacies.
  2. Do take part in mate ceremonies.
  3. Do dress comfortably for outdoor excursions.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t underestimate the power of the sun; bring ample sunscreen.
  2. Don’t expect nightlife activities and glitterati parties.
  3. Don’t disrespect Uruguayan cultural traditions or indigenous customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Northern Interior

Northern Interior is generally a safe area in Uruguay, with a low crime rate. Nonetheless, tourists should take precautions, such as not carrying valuable possessions while out and about and taking necessary safety measures when traveling in offbeat areas.

Health in Northern Interior

Northern Interior is a malaria-free area, and any other related conditions in the area are rare. It’s typically advisable to carry bottled water while travelling in areas without reliable drinking water.

Getting to Northern Interior: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Northern Interior

The nearest airport is Carrasco International Airport, in Montevideo, roughly a two-hour drive from Northern Interior.

Bus Stations Near Northern Interior

Visitors can take a bus from Montevideo to Treinta y Tres, one of the region’s largest towns.

Other Options

Driving through Uruguayan countryside to reach the Northern Interior is preferable, providing freedom of movement and appreciation of the area’s sights.

How to Get Around in Northern Interior

The Northern Interior offers multiple exploration options that include renting bicycles and vehicles.

Where to Go Next from Northern Interior: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Punta del Este: Famous for its clean beaches and resorts, Punta del Este is often referred to as the “Monaco of South America.” The resort town is roughly a three-hour drive from Northern Interior.
  2. Montevideo: Uruguay’s capital city, Montevideo, offers an array of attractions, including museums, shopping, and entertainment, approximately a two-hour drive from Northern Interior.

Conclusion

Northern Interior is a must-visit for travelers seeking a timeless destination. The area is brimming with culture and natural attractions, including historical sites, vineyards, and biking trails. The region’s locals are friendly, and the food and drink scene are superlative. Uruguay’s undiscovered vast landscapes may just steal your heart and beckon to return.

Landscape in Paysandú department Landscape in Paysandú department


    Bella Unión
    Paysandú
    Salto
    Tacuarembó