Beach & Spa Tourism in Uruguay
Spa Tourism
In the northwestern part of Uruguay, 400 km from Montevideo, in the departments of Salto and Paysandú, there is a wide area of thermal options which are a true gift of nature. The water from the hot springs comes from the Guaraní Aquifer System, which is the largest in South America, and constitutes one of the most important underground water resources on the planet due to its size and the quality and temperature of the water.
In Uruguay, this great water park has temperatures that range between 38°C and 46°C. In the region, tourists find multiple ways to take advantage of this resource: pools of all sizes, shapes and water temperatures, relaxing showers, invigorating jet pools and bubble baths are a temptation to rest, enjoy and leave stress behind. These hot springs, in close contact and communication with nature, are surrounded by soft and undulating natural meadows furrowed by the water of rivers and creeks. The landscape is wonderful and to reach some of the Thermal Centers visitors have to deviate from the route along idyllic spots. For those who seek an even closer approach to nature, and the traditions of the rural setting, there are tourist farms and inns where visitors can participate in daily farm activities, such as milking, rodeos and shearing. There are six thermal centers: Arapey, Daymán, Guaviyú, Salto Grande, San Nicanor and Almirón.
Beach tourism
The Uruguayan coast is as vast as it is diverse. Nature, family friendly environments, sightseeing, and adrenaline all come together to offer amazing and unique experiences. There are small beaches surrounded by nature, or wild coasts ideal for water sports: beach lovers of all kinds always find what they were looking for, and more.
Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, is a business, event, and cultural center, and has great beaches right here in town. Piriápolis is another beach paradise to discover, with a European-style ocean-side avenue. Punta del Este is a fitting alternative for high end beach goers, with a variety of services, the latest trends in design, fashion, and cuisine. Cabo Polonio is a gem by the Atlantic Ocean for a small beach-town vibe.
Other beaches such as La Paloma and Punta del Diablo are a must-go for surfers. After the sun goes down everyone comes out to have a good time. Go out to eat, catch a movie or a concert, or just stay in and contemplate the sky as it changes color and the stars come out.
Dive into the first crystalline lagoon in Uruguay
Diving into a crystal clear saltwater lagoon and enjoying various water attractions for the family are some of the new proposals that Punta del Este has to offer to visitors this summer 2017. Located in the Solanas complex, at kilometer 118.500 of the Interbalnearia Route, more precisely, in the beach resort of Portezuelo, the first crystal lagoon in Uruguay opened in early January this year. The innovative initiative called Solanas Cristal Beach, emerged within the framework of the 40th Anniversary of Solanas Holiday Club and required an investment of 14 million dollars. This aquatic paradise offers the ideal conditions for recreation, swimming and water sports and it is the perfect place for relaxation surrounded by nature. It has an area of 5 hectares, includes 3 white sand beaches with loungers and services, two bars, a pedestrian path, and a children’s pool with a pirate ship and slides. The place offers several activities to kids and adults such as hydro gym classes, rhythm gym, yoga, pilates, water sports school and games, children’s shows, musical shows, a live DJ, water games, stand paddel, family and individual pedal boats, Catamaran trips, kayaks, and the big ball, among other proposals. Solanas Crystal Beach stands out for being sustainable and friendly with the environment, as it allows the rational use of scarce resources such as energy and water. For example, its innovative technology uses 100 times fewer products than conventional swimming pools and consumes only 2% of the energy required by traditional filter systems.
