Museo Departamental

A natural monument 46 km from Trinidad, on the ancient National Road N°3 surrounded by nature. It is a seventeen-hectare geopark. It is considered the second geopark in Latin America, incorporated in the global network by UNESCO, which declared it a national natural heritage site. It is a stone monument which consists of caves that are formed by around 200 columns of about 2 m in height and 80 cm in diameter. The caves can be accessed through about forty different entrances and the public can explore them freely. For years it was thought that the caves had been constructed by the ancient inhabitants of Uruguay. These inhabitants did use the caves as dwellings, but studies have confirmed that the site is a natural formation which was sculpted by water about 70,000 years ago. Different tools and artifacts that were found there allowed geologists to learn about the Proterozoic, Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic ages – see them at the museum at the entrance to the caves. Visitors can get in on their own all year round, or they can ask for guides who are specialized in its history. Every year, generally in April, Flores City Council organises tours to the place, and you can get there by bus.