The reinvention of the Lunarejo Valley as a way to unplug in Uruguay
When visiting the Lunarejo Valley: this beautiful corner of northern Uruguay has reinvented itself as a place to "unplug".
Although tourism has been and continues to be, one of the hardest-hit sectors since the sanitary emergency was declared in 2020, this destination has become one of the most coveted in the country. The Lunarejo Valley offers from two-hour tours to trips suitable for qualified audiences, in which for four days you dive into its depths.
In this land that borders the departments (provinces) of Artigas and Tacuarembó, locals and visitors can find an endless number of natural varieties ranging from some 150 species of birds to wildlife such as snakes, coatis, wild boars or wild cats, and countless diversity of plants ranging from mint and peppers to a natural "viagra".
Regardless of the season, when visitors enter the density of the natural forest they are greeted by a microclimate that ranges between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius (64 to 75 F) 365 days a year, accompanied by a vast trail of crystal clear waterfalls that invite you to, at least, wet your hands to feel its temperature.
The Indio and Grande waterfalls are the main attractions of this place, as well as balconies and natural pools, the Quebrada del Gavilán, the Punta del Lunarejo, and the crossing of the Cañón de Laureles; without a doubt, a range of options for those who seek to breathe nature.
In the shortest hike (two hours) to the ravines of El Gavilán, everything starts with a wide panoramic view of the Lunarejo Valley in which the human eye can appreciate, if not in its entirety, almost the complete palette of green colors as in few occasions in nature.
