Federación

Federación has an unusual history: when the Salto Grande dam raised the Uruguay river in the late 1970s, the original town was submerged, and a new Federación was built from nothing on higher ground, with its residents moved house by house. Decades later the town struck hot mineral water while drilling, and the thermal park that opened in 1997 turned it into the country's leading spa destination, with graded pools, water slides, a covered complex and a lakeside setting. The reservoir provides beaches, fishing and boat trips, and a park on the shore preserves remnants of the drowned town, including the old cemetery gates. It is a purpose-built resort town, well kept and unashamedly focused on relaxation.

What you actually see

• The thermal park - graded pools, slides and a covered complex.
• The reservoir shore - beaches, fishing and boat trips on Salto Grande.
• The old town relics - remains and memorials of the flooded settlement.
• The planned town - the entirely rebuilt grid on higher ground.

When to go

April to November is the main thermal season, when cool weather makes the hot pools most enjoyable; winter holidays are busy. Summer combines the lake with the baths but is hot and humid. Weekends fill year-round.

Honest expectations

This is a resort built around one attraction, and there is little else to do. The thermal park can be crowded and family-heavy in holidays. The town is modern and functional, without historic character, by definition.

Nearby

Concordia lies south; the Uruguay border crossing is close by.