Fortaleza de Santa Teresa

An imposing 18th-century stone fortress built by the Portuguese and completed by the Spanish, overlooking the Atlantic coast. Its restored ramparts, museum and dramatic setting make it one of Uruguay's most impressive historic monuments.

Things to do

• Explore the fortress ramparts — Walk the restored stone walls and bastions for sweeping views over the Atlantic coast and surrounding wetlands.
• Visit the fortress museum — See period weapons, uniforms and artifacts documenting the Portuguese-Spanish colonial struggle for control of this frontier.
• Wander the Parque Nacional Santa Teresa — Stroll the surrounding national park's shaded trails, planted forests and gardens established around the fortress.
• See the coastal viewpoint — Look out toward the ocean and imagine the strategic role this stronghold played guarding the border between empires.
• Relax at nearby beaches — Head to the park's wild Atlantic beaches like La Moza and La Coronilla for swimming and quiet dunes.
• Visit the Capataz greenhouse and rose garden — Explore the invernáculo and cultivated flower beds that showcase the park's horticultural heritage.
• Photograph the fortress at sunrise — Catch golden light on the honey-colored stone walls with the ocean as a dramatic backdrop.

Food to try

• Asado — Uruguay's classic wood-fired barbecue of beef and sausages, best enjoyed at a parrilla near the park.
• Chivito — The national sandwich piled with steak, ham, cheese, egg and salad, a hearty road-trip meal.
• Fresh Atlantic seafood — Seek out grilled brótola or corvina fish caught along the nearby coast at La Coronilla.
• Empanadas — Baked or fried pastries filled with beef, ham and cheese, ideal for a quick bite while exploring.
• Mate — The ubiquitous shared herbal tea Uruguayans sip constantly from a gourd with a metal straw.
• Dulce de leche desserts — Caramelized milk spread found in alfajores, pastries and ice cream throughout the region.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring cash — The fortress and remote park facilities may not accept cards, so carry Uruguayan pesos for entry and snacks.
• Check opening hours — The fortress and museum keep limited hours and may close on certain weekdays, so verify before visiting.
• Come prepared for the outdoors — The exposed coastal setting is windy and sunny, so bring sun protection, water and a light jacket.
• Respect the historic monument — This is a protected national heritage site, so avoid climbing on fragile walls or removing stones.

Nearby

• Santa Teresa National Park (Atlantic Riviera) — 1 km
• Punta del Diablo (Atlantic Riviera) — 8 km
• Laguna Negra — 18 km
• Fuerte San Miguel — 32 km