Outings and excursions · Treinta y Tres
Quebrada de los Cuervos: the green canyon of Treinta y Tres
Photos: FG Roig / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A stream that cuts through the hills to form a gorge over 100 metres deep: Uruguay's first area protected as a Protected Landscape.
About 45 km from the city of Treinta y Tres, the Yerbal Chico stream cuts through the Sierra del Yerbal and forms a narrow gorge that in places is more than 100 metres deep. It is one of Uruguay's most surprising landscapes: native woodland, rock walls, water and birds, where the country stops being flat.
A pioneering protected area
In 2008 it became the first area to join the National System of Protected Areas in the Protected Landscape category. In 2020 it was enlarged and renamed "Quebrada de los Cuervos y Sierras del Yerbal".
What to do
- Hiking: the trails descend to the stream through native woodland and rocks; some stretches are demanding.
- Birds: a great place for birdwatching, including the vultures (the "crows" of its name).
- Swimming in the stream in its cool pools in summer.
Tips
- Bring hiking boots, water and sunscreen.
- Check opening hours, services and trail conditions before you go.
- Follow the signs: it is a protected area.
