📌Department
Treinta y Tres (eastern Uruguay). The Quebrada de los Cuervos and Sierras del Yerbal is a Protected Landscape of the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP), and it was the first protected natural area declared in Uruguay (1986). Managed as a Municipal Park by the Intendencia de Treinta y Tres, it preserves a deep canyon carved by the Yerbal Chico stream, with native forest, ranges and a notable diversity of birds and flora, in a landscape that breaks with the flat image of the Uruguayan prairie
📌How to get there
It is about 45 km north of the city of Treinta y Tres, via Route 8 and a rural access road, and about 300 km from Montevideo (approx. 4 to 5 hours combining a bus to Treinta y Tres and then a transfer). Your own or a rented car is the most practical way to get there and get around; there are also tour operators from Treinta y Tres offering guided excursions to the area
📌Best time to go
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer the ideal climate for walking and the greatest wildlife activity. Summer can be very hot, especially uncomfortable for the descents to the bottom of the canyon; winter is cool but quiet, with good visibility on clear days. The park opens Wednesday to Sunday
📌Suggested days
With 1 day you can cover the main trail (about 3.2 km, with 9 stations) and enjoy the viewpoints over the canyon. With 2 days you can add a night of camping in the park, ideal for making the most of sunrise and sunset, when the wildlife is more active, and for combining with a tour of the city of Treinta y Tres and its rural surroundings
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🌤️ Clima en Quebrada de los Cuervos
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The Quebrada de los Cuervos is one of the most emblematic protected areas of Uruguay and was, in fact, the first in the country to receive that category. Located in the department of Treinta y Tres, in the Uruguayan east, it protects a deep canyon carved by the Yerbal Chico stream, surrounded by ranges, hill woodland and native forest, in a landscape that breaks with the flat image of the prairie.
The name of the place comes from the dark-colored raptors —popularly called 'cuervos' (crows), although they are actually vultures or caracaras— that fly over and nest in the walls of the canyon. The gorge concentrates a notable biodiversity: different types of forest (canyon, riverside and hill), a great variety of birds, mammals and a rich flora, which makes it a favorite destination for hiking and nature observation.
This guide walks you through the Quebrada de los Cuervos with a practical eye: what the protected area is like, which trails and viewpoints to walk, where to stay and camp, how to get there from the city of Treinta y Tres, and why this canyon of the Uruguayan east is an essential stop for lovers of nature and ecotourism.
📖 History of Quebrada de los Cuervos
The Quebrada de los Cuervos was declared a protected area in 1986, becoming the first in Uruguay, and it was later incorporated into the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP) as the Protected Landscape 'Quebrada de los Cuervos and Sierras del Yerbal'. Managed as a Municipal Park by the Intendencia de Treinta y Tres, its name alludes to the dark raptors that nest in the walls of the canyon carved by the Yerbal Chico stream. The full history is on our history page.
Read the full history →🗺️ What to see
1
The canyon and the Yerbal Chico stream
Deep gorge carved by the stream, heart of the protected area.
The great protagonist of the place is the canyon itself: a deep gorge of rocky walls carved by the Yerbal Chico stream over thousands of years. The drop between the ranges of the upper part (about 270 meters above sea level at the edge) and the bottom of the canyon creates a boxed-in, green landscape, where water, rock and forest combine in a setting unusual for Uruguay.
On the walls of the canyon nest the birds that give the place its name —dark raptors like vultures and caracaras, popularly called 'cuervos'— which can be seen flying over the gorge. The humid, shaded bottom is home to a lush canyon forest, while the slopes and the heights present other types of woodland, generating a notable diversity of environments in little space.
ℹ️ Location: North of the city of Treinta y Tres, via Route 8 and an access road · Best time to go: Spring and autumn for comfortable walking · Admission: $100 UYU per person; $60 UYU over-65s and residents of Treinta y Tres; under-12s free (source: gub.uy / Intendencia de Treinta y Tres, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day
2
Main trail and the 9 stations
The interpretive circuit of about 3.2 km that tours the different environments of the canyon.
The most popular and accessible route of the park is the main trail, an interpretive circuit of approximately 3.2 kilometers with 9 stations or stops, each focused on a different aspect of the ecosystem: the types of forest, the wildlife, the geology of the canyon, the riverside vegetation. The trail starts at the Visitor Center, where the ranger provides information, brochures and a map of the route, and it can be done with or without a guide following the signage.
Just 200 meters from the start you reach the first stop: a natural viewpoint, at about 270 meters above sea level, that offers an impressive panorama of the gorge and of the raptors in flight. The ascending stretch after crossing the stream is of medium-high difficulty, with a steep climb that leads to the final viewpoint, the culminating point of the route, with a privileged view of the whole area.
ℹ️ Location: Starts at the park's Visitor Center · Length: Approx. 3.2 km (3,250 meters), 9 interpretive stations · Admission: Included in the general park admission ($100 UYU, verified July 2026) · Duration: 2 to 3 hours (medium-high difficulty in the final stretch)
3
Viewpoints over the canyon
Panoramic points in the upper part from which you contemplate the gorge in all its magnitude.
The protected area has several natural viewpoints in the upper part from which you contemplate the gorge in all its magnitude, with the canyon opening downward and the forest covering its walls, ideal for photography and for grasping the real dimension of the landscape. The first, just 200 meters from the Visitor Center, already offers a notable view; the final viewpoint, after the most demanding stretch of the trail, crowns the route with the most complete panorama of the whole system of canyons and Yerbal ranges.
These viewpoints are also the best point to observe in flight the vultures and caracaras that give the place its name, gliding over the rocky walls making use of the thermal currents. Sunrise and sunset are the moments of greatest bird activity and the most favorable light for photos.
ℹ️ Location: Within the protected area, on the main trail · Best time to go: Clear days; sunrise and sunset for wildlife and light · Admission: Included in the general park admission · Duration: 30 to 60 minutes per viewpoint
4
Descent to the bottom of the canyon and the canyon forest
Stretches that go down to the stream, crossing the humid forest at the bottom of the gorge.
Some routes of the park descend to the bottom of the gorge, next to the Yerbal Chico stream, crossing the humid and shady canyon forest that grows protected between the rocky walls. It is a very different environment from that of the open ranges of the upper part: fresh air, dense vegetation, ferns and species that make use of the constant humidity of the bottom of the canyon, as well as a notable diversity of understory birds.
These stretches can be more demanding because of the up-and-down drop, so it's best to calculate the time and your energy well before undertaking them, bring trekking footwear and enough water, and respect the ranger's instructions about the state of the trails, which can be closed after heavy rains.
ℹ️ Location: Bottom of the canyon, next to the Yerbal Chico stream · Best time to go: Spring and autumn; avoid the extreme summer heat for the climb back · Admission: Included in the general park admission · Duration: 1 to 2 additional hours
5
Municipal Park campsite
The campsite of the protected area, with grills, hot water and wifi at the administration.
The protected area has a campsite with limited capacity that lets you spend the night in the middle of nature and enjoy the place more calmly, alternating the walks with rest in the hill setting. It has bathrooms, showers with hot water, covered sectors with grills, firewood provided and wifi in the administration area. Spending the night in the area is the best way to make the most of the first and last hours of the day, when the wildlife is more active and the light favors observation and photography.
Because of its limited capacity, it is not recommended to arrive without a reservation, especially on long weekends and in high season; the reservation is managed through the government's procedures portal (gub.uy) and confirmed by phone with the park administration.
ℹ️ Location: Within the Quebrada de los Cuervos Municipal Park · Park hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer · Admission: Camping: $110 UYU per person per night, plus the general park admission ($100 UYU) (source: gub.uy, verified July 2026; reserve at +598 4450 1556) · Duration: One or more nights
6
Rural surroundings and ranges of Treinta y Tres
The landscape of countryside, ranches and ranges surrounding the protected area, with a gaucho imprint.
Beyond the canyon, the Quebrada de los Cuervos is immersed in the rural landscape characteristic of the department of Treinta y Tres: rolling ranges, cattle-ranching fields, native woodland and estancias, with a strong gaucho imprint. The department is also famous for its link with the historic feat of the Treinta y Tres Orientales, which gives it its name.
Touring the rural roads that access the park, crossing paths with herds of cattle or riders, and visiting a rural-tourism estancia in the area is a way to complete the nature experience with direct contact with the country culture of the Uruguayan east. It is a good complement to the visit to the canyon, especially for those staying more than a day in the area.
ℹ️ Location: Surroundings of the park, access road from Route 8 · Best time to go: All year; spring and autumn for horseback rides and outings · Admission: Free to tour the rural roads; estancias and horseback rides at a separate cost (check directly, indicative, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day
💵 Prices
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|
| Access to the protected area (general admission) | $100 UYU per person; $60 UYU over-65s and residents of Treinta y Tres; under-12s free (source: gub.uy / Intendencia de Treinta y Tres, verified July 2026) |
| Camping (per person/night) | $110 UYU per person per night, plus the general park admission (source: gub.uy, verified July 2026) |
| Guided visit with a ranger | Included in the general admission; availability depending on staff (check on arrival) |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
Activities and tours
| Activity | Price | Duration | Operator |
|---|
| Hiking through the canyon and the ranges (3.2 km trail) | $100 UYU (general admission, verified July 2026) | 2 to 3 hours | Municipal Park administration (Intendencia de Treinta y Tres) |
| Birdwatching and wildlife observation at the viewpoints | Included in the general admission | Half a day | Self-guided or with a ranger |
| Camping and outdoor life | $110 UYU per person/night + general admission (source: gub.uy, verified July 2026) | One or more nights | Municipal Park campsite (reservation via gub.uy, tel. +598 4450 1556) |
| Guided excursion from Treinta y Tres | About US$ 25–45 per person (half day, with transfer, indicative, verified July 2026) | Half a day to a full day | Tour operators of Treinta y Tres |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🚌 How to get there and distances
Getting around
| Mode | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|
| Private or rented car | Rental from US$ 35–55 per day | Variable | Essential to get there; the final access is via a rural road from Route 8 |
| Excursions with operators | US$ 25–45 per person (half day, indicative, verified July 2026) | Half a day to a full day | Operators from Treinta y Tres offer guided outings to the area for those without a car |
| On foot (internal trails) | Included in the park admission | Variable | Within the area the routes are done on foot along the marked, authorized trails |
| How to pay and public transport | Cash | Variable | The Quebrada de los Cuervos is a remote rural park: it has no urban public transport or real-time apps. Admission and camping are paid in cash at the administration (it's best to bring Uruguayan pesos). To get there without a car, the option is to hire an excursion from Treinta y Tres; the long-distance bus to the city of Treinta y Tres (Núñez/Cynsa, Rutas del Sol) is paid in cash or by card when buying the ticket (source: Intendencia de Treinta y Tres, verified July 2026) |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
How to get there
| Route | Airlines / operators | Avg. price | Duration |
|---|
| Treinta y Tres (city) → Quebrada de los Cuervos (Route 8 + access) | Private car or tour operator | Minimal fuel (about 45 km); guided excursion from US$ 25-45 | Approx. 1 to 1.5 h |
| Montevideo → Treinta y Tres (bus) | Núñez/Cynsa, Rutas del Sol and others (Route 8) | About $959 UYU (about US$ 24), plus terminal fee (source: Montevideo–Treinta y Tres bus fares, verified July 2026) | Approx. 4 h 30 min (about 288 km) |
| Montevideo → Quebrada de los Cuervos (car via Route 8) | Own or rented vehicle | Fuel about US$ 35-45 each way + road tolls | Approx. 4 to 5 h (about 330 km total) |
| Melo → Quebrada de los Cuervos (Route 8 southward) | Private car or tour operator | Minimal fuel (short trip) | Approx. 1.5 to 2 h |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🏨 Where to stay
No exact prices: a scale from $ (budget) to $$$$$ (luxury), with 2-3 options per category.
| Category | Price | Recommended options |
|---|
| Protected-area campsite | $$$$$ | $110 UYU per person/night + general park admission ($100 UYU); bathrooms, showers with hot water, covered grills, firewood provided and wifi at the administration (source: gub.uy, verified July 2026; reservation recommended) |
| Inns and rural tourism in the area | $$$$$ | US$ 50–90 a night with breakfast; inns and rural-tourism estancias near the park, some with country activities included |
| Hotels in the city of Treinta y Tres | $$$$$ | US$ 35–65 a night; hotels of the departmental capital, the most practical urban base 45 km from the park, with more services and dining variety |
🍴 Where to eat
| Type | Price | Options / signature dish |
|---|
| Country cooking and grill at inns and estancias | $$$$$ | US$ 12–20 per dish or set menu; asados and home-cooked meals at inns and estancias of the rural area |
| Campsite services / supply store | $$$$$ | The campsite has no supply store of its own; it's best to bring provisions from Treinta y Tres, since the grills and the firewood are included in the fee |
| Restaurants and grills in Treinta y Tres | $$$$$ | US$ 10–18 per dish; grills and Uruguayan-cuisine restaurants in the city of Treinta y Tres, a supply point before heading up to the park |
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the Quebrada de los Cuervos and how much is admission?+
It is a Protected Landscape of the National System of Protected Areas, in the department of Treinta y Tres, that preserves a deep canyon carved by the Yerbal Chico stream, surrounded by native forest and ranges. It was the first protected area declared in Uruguay, in 1986. Admission costs $100 UYU per person ($60 UYU for over-65s and residents of Treinta y Tres, free for under-12s; source: gub.uy, verified July 2026).
Where does the name come from?+
From the dark-colored raptors that nest in the walls of the canyon, popularly called 'cuervos' (crows), although they are actually species like vultures and caracaras. They are seen flying over the gorge, especially from the viewpoints.
How do you get there?+
By car, from the city of Treinta y Tres (about 45 km to the north, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, via Route 8 and an access road). From Montevideo it is about 330 km (4 to 5 hours). There are also operators from Treinta y Tres offering guided excursions to the area from US$ 25-45 per person.
Can you camp and how much does it cost?+
Yes, the Municipal Park has a campsite of limited capacity, with bathrooms, hot-water showers, grills and wifi at the administration. It costs $ 110 UYU per person per night, plus the general park admission ($ 100 UYU). Reservation is mandatory (via gub.uy or at the phone +598 4450 1556), especially on long weekends.
What are the trails like?+
The main trail covers about 3.2 km with 9 interpretive stations, from the Visitor Center to the viewpoints over the canyon; the first viewpoint is just 200 meters from the start. There are stretches that descend to the bottom of the gorge, next to the stream, of medium-high difficulty because of the drop. It's best to check their state with the ranger on arrival.
What is the best time to visit?+
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer the best climate for walking and the greatest wildlife activity. In summer it can be very hot, especially for the descents into the canyon. The park opens Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer.
How do I get around and how do you pay? Is there a bus to the park?+
The Quebrada is a remote rural park, with no urban public transport or real-time apps. The most practical way is to arrive by car via Route 8 and an access road (about 45 km from the city of Treinta y Tres); without a car, the option is a guided excursion from Treinta y Tres (from US$ 25-45). Admission and camping are paid in cash at the administration, so it's best to bring Uruguayan pesos. The long-distance bus to the city of Treinta y Tres (Núñez/Cynsa, Rutas del Sol; about $959 UYU from Montevideo) is paid in cash or by card when buying the ticket (verified July 2026).
Sources consulted (11)
- Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas (SNAP) / Ministerio de Ambiente — «Quebrada de los Cuervos y Sierras del Yerbal»: https://www.ambiente.gub.uy/oan/snap/quebrada-de-los-cuervos-y-sierras-del-yerbal/
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Quebrada de los Cuervos»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quebrada_de_los_Cuervos
- Intendencia de Treinta y Tres — Turismo: https://www.treintaytres.gub.uy/
- Ministerio de Turismo de Uruguay: https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-turismo/
- Gub.uy — Reserva de camping Parque Municipal Quebrada de los Cuervos: https://www.gub.uy/tramites/reserva-camping-parque-municipal-quebrada-cuervos-treinta-tres
- Todo Uruguay — Turismo aventura en la Quebrada de los Cuervos: https://www.todouruguay.net/turismo-aventura-en-la-quebrada-de-los-cuervos/
- La Hormiguita Viajera — Senderismo en Quebrada de los Cuervos: https://antviajera.online/que-hacer-en-uruguay-quebrada-cuervos/
- El Observador — La Quebrada de los Cuervos, opción turística a orillas del Yerbal: https://www.elobservador.com.uy/nota/la-quebrada-de-los-cuervos-una-opcion-turistica-a-orillas-del-yerbal-2018330500
- Empresa Núñez / Viajes Cynsa — Tarifas y horarios (Montevideo–Treinta y Tres, verificado julio 2026): https://nunez.com.uy/tarifas/
- Rutas del Sol — Tarifas (verificado julio 2026): https://www.rutasdelsol.com.uy/tarifas
- BusesUY — Montevideo a Treinta y Tres: https://buses.uy/es/buscar/origen/montevideo,montevideo/destino/treinta-y-tres,treinta-y-tres
