Camping in Santa Teresa National park

Initially we had planned to head back towards Argentina around the 7th and try to make our way to the Ibera wetlands before continuing to the Iguazú Falls on the Argentinian-Brazilian border.

As it turns out, getting to Ibera and from there to Iguazú is a big and expensive headache. Also at this time of year it's very hot and humid and full of mosquitos 🦟 So we decided to change plans and spend a bit more time at the beach!

We hopped on a 15 min bus taking us further east to the Santa Theresa National Park. Unfortunately the bus dropped us off at the exit far away from the entrance and the guards did not let us in despite the scorching sun. However, a nice older couple helped us out and took us to the entrance in their car, while snapping pictures for their family social media.

Santa Teresa is a huge nature reserve/campsite/its own microcosmos, run by the military. Never have we seen a campsite like this! A staggering amount of tents, even some converted busses, nestled beneath the trees, in a huge area, with a grocery shop, beach bars, barbecue spots and even a small animal park. Unfortunately the facilities were a bit run down, but they did the job and were constantly being cleaned by military personnel who must have drawn the short stick at the job distribution.

We spent the days lounging in our hammocks, jumping through the waves and relaxing at the beach, occasionally sipping a Fernet-Coca with a view from the beach bar. And we explored the animal park with lots of cute and very chill Capybaras hanging out in the shade of trees and stones. Highly recommended place if you ever come to Uruguay!

🐾 Capybaras seen: 20+
🧂 Liters of salt water swallowed: 2 (Laura)
🍸 Fernet-Cocas enjoyed: 2
⛺️ Number of tents at campsite: ♾️
🧼 Rei in der Tube lost: 1 😭Read more