Outings and excursions · Colón
Colón and El Palmar National Park
Photos: Joshua Stone / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Opposite Paysandú, the gateway to one of the world's last yatay palm groves, on the banks of the Uruguay river.
Colón, in Entre Ríos, lies right opposite Paysandú, linked by the General Artigas bridge. It is a town of river beaches and hot springs, and the best base to visit El Palmar National Park, about 50 km north.
El Palmar
Created in 1965, the park protects some 8,200 hectares along the Uruguay river to conserve one of the last large groves of yatay palms, a species that once covered much of the region and has almost vanished outside the park.
What to do
- Walk its trails and lookouts among the palms.
- Watch birds and wildlife such as viscachas and capybaras.
- See the sunset among the palms, one of the most photographed views of the region.
Getting there from Uruguay
From Paysandú, cross the General Artigas bridge to Colón; from there, take national route 14 north.
Tips
- Check park entry times.
- Bring insect repellent and water.
