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Meridiela.

Laguna Garzon

A coastal lagoon crossed by a circular bridge designed to slow traffic and frame the view.

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Typelagoon and bridge
WhereRocha
Nearest cityJose Ignacio
Best seasonDecember to March
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereOn Route 10 between Jose Ignacio and La Paloma
EntryFree

Laguna Garzón divides Maldonado from Rocha, and until 2015 the only way across was a raft carrying two cars at a time. The bridge that replaced it, designed by Rafael Viñoly, is a ring: traffic goes round a circle rather than straight across, which forces drivers to slow to walking pace and turns the crossing into a viewpoint over the lagoon and the ocean. Pedestrian walkways run round the outside of the ring.

What you actually see

  • The circular bridge - a ring-shaped crossing that forces traffic to slow.
  • The walkways - pedestrian paths round the outside of the ring.
  • The lagoon - the water body dividing Maldonado from Rocha.
  • The birdlife - waders and waterfowl on the lagoon shallows.

When to go

December to March is the busiest. The bridge is open year round. Sunset from the ring is the popular time.

Honest expectations

It is a bridge and the visit is a stop rather than a destination. Parking at either end is informal and fills in summer. The surrounding shore is being developed rapidly.

Nearby

Jose Ignacio is west, and La Paloma is east.

What to pack for Laguna Garzon

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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