Laguna Negra

Laguna Negra takes its name from the colour of its water, stained dark by the tannins of the surrounding wetland, and it is one of the largest freshwater lagoons in the country, also called Laguna de los Difuntos, the lagoon of the dead,. Palm groves of butiá stand along parts of its shore, dunes separate it from the sea, and the wetlands around it hold capybara, marsh deer and a very long bird list. It sits within the Bañados del Este biosphere reserve.

The landscape

• The dark water - the tannin-stained lagoon that gives the place its name.
• The butia palm groves - stands of the native palm along parts of the shore.
• The marsh deer - one of the strongholds of the species in Uruguay.
• The bird list - herons, storks, ducks and raptors across the wetland.

When to go

October to April is best for birds and for the tracks. Winter is wet and access becomes difficult. Early morning is best for wildlife.

Practical notes

Access tracks are unsurfaced and often impassable after rain. There is no formal visitor infrastructure. Mosquitoes in the wetland are severe in summer.

Nearby

Santa Teresa is east, and Laguna de Castillos is west.

Key facts