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Palm-dotted ravine of Quebrada de los Cuervos, Treinta y Tres
Nature · Treinta y Tres Department

Quebrada de los Cuervos

A deep wooded gorge cut by the Yerbal Chico stream in the hills of Treinta y Tres, Uruguay's first protected natural area

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Ambient sound · similar settingFast-flowing river over stones
Photo: FG Roig / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Discover Quebrada de los Cuervos

The Quebrada de los Cuervos is a narrow valley cut deep into the rolling hills of Treinta y Tres, with a drop of more than 100 metres in places between the viewpoints on the rim, at around 270 to 300 metres above sea level, and the clear stream at the bottom. The steep sides hold a sheltered, almost subtropical microclimate that contrasts with the open grassland around it, and the valley floor is lined with gallery forest of palms, climbers, ferns and native yerba mate.

The name, 'Crows' Ravine', comes from the vultures that nest on its cliffs, which locals call cuervos. The area is an Important Bird Area, home to several threatened grassland and marsh species. The municipal park at its centre has a visitor area, campsite and trails down into the gorge, and the wider protected landscape covers the surrounding Sierras del Yerbal, where cattle ranching continues alongside conservation.

Don’t miss

  1. 01Views into the gorge from the rim, more than 100 metres above the stream
  2. 02Gallery forest of palms, ferns, climbers and wild yerba mate
  3. 03Vultures nesting on the cliffs, which give the gorge its name
  4. 04Birdwatching in an Important Bird Area with several threatened species
  5. 05Clear water in the Yerbal Chico stream
  6. 06Camping in the municipal park

History & culture

The story of Quebrada de los Cuervos

The original park of 365 hectares was donated to the municipality of Treinta y Tres in 1944 by Dr Francisco Nicasio Oliveres. For years it remained hard to reach and little known, looked after by local people. In 1986 the department declared it a protected natural area, the first of its kind in Uruguay.

In 2008 the national government designated it a protected landscape and brought it into the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP), with 4,413 hectares. In 2020 the area was enlarged to 19,395 hectares and renamed Quebrada de los Cuervos y Sierras del Yerbal. In 2021 it was chosen as one of the '7 Wonders of Uruguay' in a public vote run by the newspaper El País with the Ministry of Tourism, and the department has since presented a master plan for visitor facilities and conservation.

Local life & traditions

The protected landscape includes public and private land, much of it used for extensive cattle ranching, with growing numbers of agroecological and tourism projects on nearby farms. The departmental government runs the municipal park and has worked with the SNAP on the trails and facilities, and with local producers, who have been invited to sell crafts and food at the park.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

Visitors walk the trails from the municipal park down through the woodland to the stream and up to panoramic viewpoints over the valley. Birdwatching is a major draw, with vultures circling the cliffs and many smaller species in the forest and grasslands. Guided hikes reach more remote parts of the protected area, including the Brujo waterfall. Many people stay overnight at the small campsite, which has individual barbecue grills, a covered communal fire area, toilets and showers.

When to go

The Ministry of Tourism highlights autumn, when soft light, mild temperatures and the changing colours of the native woodland make for good hiking. Heavy rain can damage trails, so it is worth checking conditions before travelling. The campsite is small and busy on holidays such as Easter week and the September school break.

Plan your visit

Verified information

Entry fee (2023)
UYU 100 general entry; UYU 60 for over-65s and residents of Treinta y Tres with ID. Camping is charged on top of entry. Source: gub.uy ↗
Opening days
The municipal park opens Wednesday to Sunday: entry from 08:00 on Wednesday, and campers must leave by 16:30 on Sunday. Times may change on special dates. Source: gub.uy ↗
Getting there
Turn off Route 8 at km 306.7 and follow the Camino Quebrada de los Cuervos about 24.5 km west. Source: gub.uy ↗
Camping
Small campsite without electricity; booking is recommended, especially on special dates. Check-in 11:00 to 16:00, check-out by 11:00. Bookings are confirmed by phone on (+598) 4450 1556. Source: gub.uy ↗
Protected area
Protected landscape in the SNAP since 2008; enlarged in 2020 to 19,395 hectares as Quebrada de los Cuervos y Sierras del Yerbal. Source: es.wikipedia.org ↗

Checked against the sources on 31 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

  • Book the campsite ahead; it is small and has no electricity.
  • Remember the park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • The final 24.5 km is a gravel road, so allow extra time.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the steep trail into the gorge.
  • Bring binoculars for vultures and other birds.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Quebrada de los Cuervos: food, markets & places to stay

The city of Treinta y Tres, about 45 kilometres away, is the main base, with the Route 8 junction to the east of the gorge. The surrounding Sierras del Yerbal form part of the same protected landscape, and other wooded quebradas lie in the hills of the department.

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Sources & verification

This guide was researched from the sources below and reviewed by our team on 31 October 2026. Facts under “Verified information” link to the page they were checked on; travel tips are general guidance. Photos are credited on each image. The ambient recording’s author and licence are shown in the sound player.

  1. Reserva de camping en Parque Municipal Quebrada de los Cuervos — Gobierno de Treinta y Tres / gub.uy
  2. Una de las 7 maravillas de Uruguay, Quebrada de los Cuervos — Intendencia de Treinta y Tres
  3. La Intendenta presentó el Plan Maestro de la Quebrada de los Cuervos — Intendencia de Treinta y Tres
  4. Otoño en Uruguay: de las termas saladas a las quebradas del norte — Montevideo Portal
  5. Quebrada de los Cuervos (Ravens Creek) — Vida Silvestre Uruguay
  6. Paisaje protegido Quebrada de los Cuervos y Sierras del Yerbal — Wikipedia (Spanish)
  7. Quebrada de los Cuervos — Wikipedia

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