Minas combines historic charm with a beautiful setting in the Uruguayan countryside. The historic centre charms with its tree-lined streets, colonial architecture and bustling plazas. Venture out of the city to discover the rolling hills, rugged granite peaks and lush countryside of the Lavalleja Department.
Things to do in Minas
The picturesque streets and architecture characterise the city’s town centre. All roads lead to Plaza Libertad, a lively central square anchored by a bubbling fountain. Catedral de Minas towers over the plaza and features a beautiful Neoclassical façade. Visit after dark to see the plaza come to life with live music and street food stalls.
From the Sierra de Carapé mountains to the Santa Lucía River, Minas is an excellent base for outdoor adventures in Uruguay. Hike to the summit of Cerro Arequita for sweeping views over the town and surrounding countryside. Cascading waterfalls and crystalline pools make Parque Salto del Penitente the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
Enjoy a show at Teatro Lavalleja, a beautifully restored playhouse built in the early 1900s. The building is a historic landmark and features an impressive red-brick façade with soaring arches and columns. Within the theatre is Museo del Humor y la Historieta, an engaging museum dedicated to Uruguayan comic artists, authors and playwrights.
Dine at local restaurants and enjoy delicious Uruguayan cuisine. Order traditional dishes like “asado” BBQ meat, “parrilladas” mixed grills and “chivito” steak sandwiches. Pair your meal with a glass of Tannat, a Uruguayan wine famous for its ruby-red hue.
Getting around Minas
Minas is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Lavalleja Department, a two-hour drive from Montevideo. Local buses and taxis are a fast and affordable way to cover longer distances. Rent a car for the freedom to visit Minas and explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo is a two-hour drive away.