Tucked away in the middle of the country, this small town is the spiritual centre of gaucho culture. It is surrounded by open land of fertile valleys, wandering streams and picturesque villages, which welcome visitors to the heart of Uruguay .
Founded in 1832, the town is around five hours drive from the Uruguayan capital. More than anything it is known for the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha , a wild gaucho festival that has been running since 1986. Always set in the first week of March, it features amateur and professional riders from Uruguay , Argentina and Brazil along with a gaucho parade and crafts from around the region. Participants dress in traditional costumes, show off their gaucho riding skills and music, and roast meat skewered onto knives over an open fire.
At any time of year this is a good place to get a feel for the ranching lifestyle that still exists in parts of the Uruguayan interior.
