Audio Guide of Santa Teresa National Park

The national park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, making it ideal for walks and camping. However, the historical museum inside Santa Teresa Fortress usually operates from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in high season and until 5:00 p.m. in winter (it is recommended to check before going).

Access to the gardens, beaches, and general areas of the park is completely free for day visits. Only a very modest admission fee (approximately 50 Uruguayan pesos) is charged to enter the interior museum of the fortress.

To visit the Fortress, the Greenhouse, the Shade House, and the Rose Garden, I recommend setting aside at least 3 hours. If you plan to enjoy Playa Grande or have a picnic, it is best to dedicate the whole day.

It is one of the most important and best-preserved colonial military constructions in South America, begun by the Portuguese in 1762 and completed by the Spanish. It was a key strategic point in the territorial disputes between both empires and a witness to the birth of the Uruguayan nation.

Spring and summer (from November to March) are ideal for enjoying the beaches and gardens at their finest. I suggest going early in the morning to explore the fortress in pleasant temperatures before heading to the beach.

The park has paved roads that allow visitors to tour the gardens and reach the viewpoints by vehicle. However, the interior of the fortress has steps and uneven historic ground that make full wheelchair access difficult.

You are just a few minutes from the seaside resort of Punta del Diablo, famous for its handicrafts and beaches. You can also visit Black Lagoon and the Ombú Forest, or go shopping in the border city of Chuy.

Wear very comfortable shoes because you will do quite a bit of walking, and bring insect repellent if you visit the wooded areas. Do not forget to download an audio guide to understand the rich history behind each wall of the fortress while exploring the site at your own pace.