Uruguay · Lavalleja
Salto Ventana
A modest but scenic drop in the granite hills of Uruguay's Lavalleja department, reached via a rolling hike through one of the country's few protected native forests. It's a favorite weekend swimming hole for visitors from Montevideo rather than an international marquee stop.
A modest but scenic drop in the granite hills of Uruguay's Lavalleja department, reached via a rolling hike through one of the country's few protected native forests. It's a favorite weekend swimming hole for visitors from Montevideo rather than an international marquee stop.
Salto Ventana drops 25 metres (82 ft) on the Arroyo del Ventana, inside Quebrada de los Cuervos. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Minas, with MVD the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Spring and autumn give reliable flow and mild hiking temperatures.
What you can do here
Swimming
Plunge pools, natural infinity pools and the occasional lip pool you can legally sit in.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Spring and autumn give reliable flow and mild hiking temperatures.
Entry: Small park entry fee
Getting there
- Base townMinas
- AirportMVD
- CountryUruguay
- RegionLavalleja, South America
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
-33.4167, -54.9333
Quick answers
How tall is Salto Ventana?
Salto Ventana drops 25 metres (82 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Arroyo del Ventana.
When is the best time to visit Salto Ventana?
Peak flow is March to April and September to November. Spring and autumn give reliable flow and mild hiking temperatures.
What can you do at Salto Ventana?
Beyond the viewpoints: swimming, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Salto Ventana?
The usual base is Minas, and the closest airport is MVD. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Small park entry fee.
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