Visiting The Lunarejo Valley

The Lunarejo Valley is an insanely beautiful gorge, full of beautiful animals and fairytale like forests.

After 16 years of a military dictatorship, Uruguay has been on the up for the last 30 years. Now placed at the top of the tree in South America for the least corrupted country.  Uruguay is also the second richest Latin American country as of last year. Uruguay is nestled right next to the amazon, which has meant that it is a hotbed for flora and fauna. Visiting the Lunarejo Valley and you’ll see a perfect example of this…

The Lunarejo Valley is located in the north of the country, about 1600 kilometers from Montevideo, right on the border with Brazil. Protected under the law since 2009, it is home to a multitude of flora and fauna, with waterfalls and lush green forests lining the valley. The 25,000 hectare protected reserve is undulating and the highest point reaches 370 meters, which all can be enjoyed by the various walks which are designated across the national park.

The Quebradas (gorges) can be seen throughout the park as wind and water erosion has been cutting relentlessly away at the fragile balsamic rock. This makes the rivers look so impressive as they flow through giant creeks, carving out impressive waterfalls and exposing deep caves which provide the perfect cover for lots of wildlife.

What can be seen?

• 150 different types of birds (some endemic), including the broad-winged hawk and the Greater Rhea
• Apart from the lush forests, there is also exposed grassland where mammals freely roam, including anteaters, cabybaras, armadillos and bobcats
• The valley also plays host to lots of different reptiles, including the Montevideo tree frog (very rare), and a venomous snake called the Crotalus Durissus ,which is member of the pit viper family

Where to stay?

If you are keen to camp, then unfortunately you are out of luck. Camping is prohibited as the valley is private land in the hands of the National Directorate of Environment of Uruguay and the Municipality of Rivera. However, the Lunarejo Posada is full of rustic rooms with private bathrooms and A.C.

• One night costs 1.200 pesos for adults and 500 pesos for children (breakfast included.) PLEASE NOTE: it rises to 1800 pesos on weekends and public holidays.

This is the only accommodation available so it is best to check availability before your trip. You can call these numbers to arrange your stay: (598)099-826348 & (598)4650-6400, and you will be able to choose from five different senderos (routes) that are organised throughout the valley.

Options throughout the park:

• Horseback – 150 pesos
• 4×4 vehicle – 300 pesos (shared between people who travel)
• Mountain biking – 50 pesos
• The hostel provides guides (optional) which take you down eco-routes, through waterfalls and take breaks at the natural baths

With the undisturbed soundtrack of rivers, waterfalls and wildlife, a vivid feeling of peacefulness is created. It is no wonder that this paradise makes it a must see for anyone who has the slightest bit of interest in nature.