Anchorena’s Park

At km 198 of Route 21

This National Park, has a very romantic origin. In 1907 Mr. Aaron Anchorena was flying over the Plata River in an aerostatic balloon, when he fell in love with the beauty of the region; he was able to talk his mother into buying 11,000 hectares of land (about 27,100 acres) bathed by the Plata and the San Juan rivers.

He introduced several species of plants and animals, the axis deer among the latter, packs of which can still be seen today roaming in the park.

At the time of his death in 1965, he only had 4,700 hectares left, 1,370 of which he willed to the Uruguayan Government. Today, the original ranch house is used not only as a get-away place for the President in office, but also as the location to receive foreign dignitaries, whether for official meetings with them, or just to entertain them.

Because of its beauty, the park is also open to tourists, from Thursday to Sunday. Only guided tours are allowed, scheduled for either 10:00 am or 2:30 pm. You must arrive 1 hour before the appointed hour.

The cost of the tour is $30 or U$S 5. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge.

For more information call: 452 21510. From abroad: dial 0598, before the given telephone number

More informatios in www.parqueanchorena.gub.uy