What is the main attraction in Treinta y Tres?

The Quebrada de los Cuervos Natural Park is the standout attraction, a deep canyon with subtropical vegetation, hiking trails, and waterfalls, offering a unique ecosystem.

Is Treinta y Tres good for family travel?

Yes, it's excellent for families interested in nature, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences on safe, family-run estancias.

Do I need to speak Spanish to visit?

Yes, basic Spanish is very helpful as English is not widely spoken outside of some tourist estancias or main hotels in the capital.

Can I use credit cards in Treinta y Tres?

In Treinta y Tres city, yes, at hotels, larger restaurants, and stores. In rural areas and small towns, carry sufficient Uruguayan pesos in cash.

What is a typical local dish to try?

Asado (barbecue) is paramount. Also try chivito (steak sandwich), and locally produced cheeses and dulce de leche.

Varies by nationality. Many countries (US, EU, UK) get 90-day visa-free entry. Check with Uruguayan consulate.

What currency is used?

Uruguayan Peso (UYU). US dollars are accepted in some hotels but not widely. Credit cards are common in towns.

Is English widely spoken?

Not widely; Spanish is the main language. Basic Spanish phrases help. Some hotels and tour operators speak English.

How do I get to Treinta y Tres?

Fly to Montevideo (MVD) then take a bus (3.5 hours) or rent a car. No direct flights.

What is the best way to see Laguna Merín?

Join a guided boat tour from the town of Vergara or drive to the shore. Birdwatching tours are popular.

Yes, in Treinta y Tres town. Carry cash for rural areas.

Can I drink tap water?

Generally safe, but bottled water is recommended for visitors.

Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a light jacket for evenings, and a reusable water bottle.

Is it safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, with usual precautions. Locals are helpful. Avoid isolated areas at night.

What local dishes should I try?

Asado (barbecue), chivito (steak sandwich), and fresh fish from the lagoon. Try mate tea.

Are there any festivals?

The Semana de la Cerveza (Beer Week) in March/April and the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha in March celebrate gaucho culture.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Yes, coverage is good in towns. Buy a local SIM from Antel or Claro for data.

Treinta y Tres - Travel destination image

Treinta y Tres

ProvinceUruguay, South America

Treinta y Tres is a STATE in Uruguay, South America.

Treinta y Tres, named in honor of the thirty-three patriots who fought for Uruguayan independence, is a province of authentic rural charm and historical significance in eastern Uruguay. This region offers travelers a genuine glimpse into gaucho culture, with vast cattle ranches, rolling hills, and the serene beauty of the Olimar and Cebollatí river valleys. Nature lovers are drawn to the Quebrada de los Cuervos, a stunning protected canyon with subtropical forest—a unique ecological island in the country. The provincial capital, also called Treinta y Tres, provides a quiet, friendly base with its Plaza 19 de Abril and the evocative Monument to the Thirty-Three Orientals. The area is deeply connected to traditional music, particularly the guitar and folk styles. Visitors can experience estancia life, horseback riding, birdwatching in wetlands, and fishing in pristine rivers. It's a destination for those seeking tranquility, cultural depth, and unspoiled natural landscapes away from the crowded tourist trails.

Best time to visit Treinta y Tres

Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures, fewer rains, and lush landscapes. Summer (December to February) can be hot and humid, but it's festival season. Winter (June to August) is cool and quieter.

October

Now Best time

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 16-24°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Mid

Best time for outdoor activities.

Know before you go

Getting there

MVD

Carrasco International Airport

International

280 km away

PDP

Capitan de Corbeta Carlos A. Curbelo International Airport

Domestic

180 km away

Getting around

"Public transportation is limited. Intercity buses connect Treinta y Tres city to other towns and Montevideo. Within the capital, local buses and taxis are available. The most practical way to explore the province's rural attractions is by renting a car (available in the capital), allowing flexibility for visiting estancias, Quebrada de los Cuervos, and river areas. Ride-hailing apps are not available. Bicycles can be rented for local exploration. For remote areas, guided tours with transportation are recommended."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels and cafes in town

Local SIM

Local SIM available at Antel store in town from $5

Calling code

+598

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low crime but rural roads can be hazardous at night.

Night safety

7/10

Low crime but rural roads can be hazardous at night.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Treinta y Tres is generally very safe with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare. Exercise normal precautions: secure valuables, avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night, and be cautious on rural roads. Petty theft like bag-snatching is uncommon but possible in bus stations or markets. Scams are not prevalent. The main safety concerns are related to driving on unpaved rural roads and weather conditions. Always inform someone of your travel plans when venturing into natural areas like Quebrada de los Cuervos."

Police

911

Ambulance

105

Fire

104

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities are basic in Treinta y Tres city, with the main public hospital being Hospital Departamental de Treinta y Tres. For serious conditions, transfer to Montevideo may be necessary. Private clinics are limited. Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio, flu) should be up-to-date. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended due to potential exposure through food or water. Dengue fever is a risk in Uruguay; use insect repellent. Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas. Travel health insurance is strongly advised."

Culture

Local customs

"Life is slow-paced and traditional. Greet people with a handshake. Gaucho culture is respected; be polite when visiting estancias. Dress is casual but modest. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated: 10% in restaurants if service is good, small change for taxi drivers, and a tip for tour guides. Mate (herbal tea) is a social ritual; if offered, it is polite to accept. Sunday is a quiet day with most businesses closed."

Spanish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Uruguayan Peso (UYU) · $

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5-10 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-10

Hotels

$30-60 | budget hotels range $30-60/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Treinta y Tres is affordable; costs are lower than Montevideo.

Timezone

America/Montevideo -03:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

48,000

Area

9,529 km²

Government

Departmental government with an Intendente (Mayor) and a Departmental Board

ISO code

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Treinta y Tres, UY-TT, トレインタ・イ・トレス県, Трейнта-и-Трес, 三十三人省, TYT, Treinta i Tresas, Trejnta i Tres, Trejnta-i-Tres, Treynta i Tres, Trinta-i-Tres, Villa de Treinta y Tres, san shi san ren cheng, teuleintaiteuleseu, tirenita yi tiresi, trainta va'i tresa, tre'inta i tresa, trenta va'i tresa, trynta ay trs, trynta ay trys, trynta y trys, Трейнта и Трес, Трейнта-і-Трес, Тринта-и-Трес, Տրեյնտա ի Տրես, ترينتا إي تريس, ترینتا ای ترس, ترینتا ای تریس, ترینتا ی تریس, ट्रेंटा वाई ट्रेस, ট্রেইন্টা ই ট্রেস, ਟ੍ਰੈਂਟਾ ਵਾਈ ਟ੍ਰੇਸ, ტრეინტა-ი-ტრესი, ትሬንታ ዪ ትሬስ, トレインタ・イ・トレス, 三十三人城, 트레인타이트레스

Capital CityMajor HubNatureBirdwatchingRuralHikingOff the Beaten Path