Sierra de las Animas

The Sierra de las Ánimas reaches just over five hundred metres, which in Uruguay makes it one of the highest points in the country, a granite ridge of bare rock, scrub and native woodland between Piriápolis and the interior. A marked trail climbs from the road in three to four hours return, passing a waterfall and the Cañada de los Espantos on the way, and the summit gives a view over the coast and the rolling country inland.

What you actually see

• The summit - just over five hundred metres, among the highest ground in the country.
• The granite ridge - bare rock and outcrops along the climb.
• The waterfall - a seasonal fall on the route up.
• The native woodland - monte serrano in the valleys below the ridge.

When to go

March to November is best for walking; summer is hot with little shade. The waterfall only runs after rain. Winter mornings can be foggy.

Honest expectations

The trail is unmarked in places and a map or guide helps. There is no water on the route and none at the top. Summer heat on the bare rock is severe.

Nearby

Piriapolis is southeast, and Minas is north.