Canoe crossing of the Rocha Lagoon
This tour will take you along the coast and you will explore the nature surrounding Rocha and its lagoon. A canoe adventure that will take you across this beautiful lagoon full of birds, local wildlife and native vegetation. There is also a biking adventure in store for you. Once you cross the lagoon, bikes will be waiting for you to ride to the village of La Paloma with its beautiful lighthouse. This tour is great choice for nature and canoeing lovers!
DAY 1 – CROSSING THE EASTERN BIOSPHERE RESERVE ON A CANOE
Transfer from José Ignacio to the Rocha Lagoon. This unique protected natural area is part of what we call the wetlands of the Eastern Biosphere Reserve internationally recognized within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere (Man and the Biosphere, MAB) of UNESCO since 1976. A specialized guide will row with you across the Rocha Lagoon, a semi-freshwater lagoon of 72 km2 (28 sq mi). This lagoon, located only 25 minutes from the Jose Ignacio village, has an outlet to the sea during winter months and constitutes a bird paradise with more 220 species which have been recorded like migratory waders, flamingos, swans, herons and ducks among other. We will be able to see various bird species, local wildlife, native vegetation. Once on the other side, our bikes will be waiting for us to ride to the village of La Paloma and continue onto La Pedrera. Accommodation at Pueblo Barrancas Eco Lodge or a hotel in the area.
DAY 2 – RETURN
After breakfast, we can coordinate a transfer to your next destination (not included) or add some extra nights at this beautiful lodge.
Pueblo Barrancas – La Pedrera, Rocha (Day 1)
Canoe Journey along the Queguay River
The Indians who inhabited these lands gave the river its actual name; in the local Guarani language, Queguay means “place where dreams converge” and the area where our journey takes place is, in fact, where the Queguay Grande and Queguay Chico rivers converge.
With some 300 km of course, the Queguay River is one of the only ones that remain untouched and part of the area denominated Montes del Queguay which is in the National Protected Areas System. Nature lovers prefer it for its rich biodiversity, and because its course is the largest continuous area of native forest to be found in Uruguay!
DAY 1 – GUICHON, A SMALL QUIET TOWN WHERE THE ADVENTURE STARTS
Arrival to the small town of Guichón, where we will meet tour local guides who will drive us to the Queguay River. The canoes are waiting for us to start the adventure! We will soon discover it is a stream with cliffs on both sides, virtually no sandy shores, with several curves and a unique and exuberant native forest surrounding it. Very tall trees bend over the river and in some areas even block the water course making the journey difficult but more adventurous. During the late afternoon, after an exhausting paddling day, we will find a place to camp. The typical asado will be cooked and organized by the guides together with a big fire, locally called fogón and we will celebrate the first expedition day with a good tannat wine. L, D.
DAY 2 – CANOE ADVENTURE IN THE MIDDLE OF NATURE
After breakfast, we will continue our journey along the river and as we move along, the challenge increases: the river sometimes narrows and winding curves appear increasing speed and making it more demanding to maneuver quickly and efficiently. After a morning full of fun and adventure, we stop for a picnic lunch while appreciating the beauty of the surrounding nature and the crystal clear water that can even be drank. After some fishing (to assure our dinner), we continue until our next camping spot! B, L, D.
DAY 3 – END OF THE JOURNEY
After breakfast, we continue the last portion of our canoe journey, still with no signs of civilization; we can only hear the birds singing and the river flowing. Canoeing is an experience in which you are in constant contact with nature; the canoe glides over water at an adequate speed to enjoy the river vegetation. Even though the trip can be tough at times, your adrenaline increases as there are several rapids where the water flows more strongly making you feel the adventure. Everything is under control with the company of our experienced local guides. After arriving to our destination, you will be transferred back to the town of Guichón to board the local bus to your next destination. B, L.
Please note we have different canoe adventure levels that can be adjusted to clients’ needs and interests.
