Download the IWC10 Technical Site Visits Flyer

ITINERARY 1 - Montevideo: Technical solutions, nature and culture

Sponsored by IDB
Departure time: 07:15

• Montevideo Old City

The Old City, or "Ciudad Vieja," in the heart of the capital, is a captivating blend of colonial architecture, bustling markets, and an artistic flair.

Highlights:

1. Walk though cobblestone streets lined with stunning buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. 
2. Discover some iconic landmarks, like the Teatro Solis, the oldest theatre in South America, and the impressive Palacio Salvo,
3.  “Ciudadela Gate” part of a wall used for defensive and commercial purposes. 
4. Old Port Market building,  designed in 1885 with the goal of creating the largest market in South America.

• Montevideo Wastewater Treatment Facility

Explore Montevideo's cutting-edge wastewater treatment facilities, financed by the IDB, where innovation meets sustainability to protect the city's waterways.

Highlights:

1. Advanced pre-treatment infrastructure that efficiently manages 44% of the city's wastewater.
2. Biological gas treatment mitigates odors and safeguards equipment.
3. Direct benefit on water and ecosystem health in the Montevideo bay

• Humedales del Santa Lucia / Santa Lucia´s Wetlands 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant ecosystems of Santa Lucía’s Wetlands, where lush forests and serene waters converge to create a sanctuary for biodiversity and recreation. 

Highlights:

1. Stand in the meeting point of Río de la Plata and Santa Lucía River, a unique coastal saline wetland system.
2.  Discover a variety of habitats with essential ecosystem functions, guided by an expert park ranger.
3.  Be inspired by the protection and conservation measures to protect these Important ecosystem and habits to native species.

Each visit ends with a sunset cocktail for all at 18:00 at Casapueblo.

ITINERARY 2

Garzón Lagoon and Rocha Lagoon 
Departure time: 08:15

• Laguna Garzón / Garzon Lagoon

Immerse yourself natural beauty of Garzón Lagoon, a protected sanctuary where vibrant biodiversity meets breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights:

1. Enjoy biodiversity hotspots with migratory birds, fish, and crustaceans.
2. Walk through the scenic round bridge that crosses the lagoon offering stunning views.
3. Experience a unique ecosystem, connected to the Atlantic Ocean, which boosts its ecological and economic importance.

• Laguna de Rocha / Rocha Lagoon

Discover the serene beauty of Rocha Lagoon, a protected area where diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes come together in harmony.

Highlights:

1. Enjoy a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar Wetland, recognized globally for its ecological importance and rich biodiversity.
2. Watch over 220 bird species in this bird sanctuary, including flamingos and one of the largest populations of black-necked swans.
3. Walk through the dunes connecting the lagoon with the Atlantic Ocean, observe the autochthonous species and enjoy magnificent views.

Each visit ends with a sunset cocktail for all at 18:00 at Casapueblo.

ITINERARY 3 

Black Lagoon / Santa Teresa Fort / Punta del Diablo Village
Departure time: 07:15

• Laguna Negra/Black Lagoon

Explore Uruguay's largest lagoon, a haven for wildlife, a model of sustainable water management and GEF IW project site.

Highlights:

1. Learn about the activities to manage water sustainably, preserve the ecosystems and adapt to climate change as part of the Merin Lagoon Basin and Coastal lagoons GEF IW project.  
2. Discover the efforts to enhance public and private sector capacities in Brazil and Uruguay for integrated water resource management 
3. Indulge in stunning views of  17,500 hectares of black-colored, yet clean waters. Discover why!

• Santa Teresa Fort

Journey back to a National Historic Monument, a resilient 18th-century fortress that has weathered centuries of history and conflict.

Highlights:

1. Admire a robust construction, built in 1762 with double walls of ashlar stone.
2. Explore the fort's interior and immerse yourself in Uruguay's rich history.
3. Step back In time and discover the secrets of conflict and resilience.

• Punta del Diablo Village

Discover a charming fishing village on Uruguay's eastern coast, where rugged rocks meet crystal-clear ocean waters.

Highlights:

1. Enjoy stunning views of rocky shores and pristine, transparent waters.
2. Experience the charm and simplicity of local coastal life.
3. Unwind in a serene and picturesque setting.

Each visit ends with a sunset cocktail for all at 18:00 at Casapueblo.

ITINERARY 4 

Punta del Este Porto/Lobos Island / The Hand/ Wastewater Maldonado/ Garzón Lagoon 

Sponsored by CAF
Departure time : 07:00

• Isla de Lobos / Lobos Island 

Embark on a journey to Isla de Lobos, home to South America's largest sea lion colony and a historic lighthouse with the continent’s most powerful beam.

Highlights:

1. Enjoy a ferry ride to watch over 180,000 sea lions and 20,000 sea wolves make this island their home.
2. Admire a 1906-built lighthouse with the most powerful beam in South America.
3. Discover two cactus species and the Calaguala fern in this rocky, vegetation-sparse environment.

• La Mano / The Hand 

Marvel at La Mano, the iconic sculpture by Mario Irarrázabal, where five colossal fingers emerge from the sands of Punta del Este’s Brava Beach.

Highlights:

1. Created in 1982, it symbolizes the emergence of life.
2. A must-see symbol of Punta del Este and a defining feature of Uruguay's coastal landscape.
3. Positioned prominently at Brava Beach, makes it a central attraction for visitors.

• Wastewater Treatment Plant and final disposal of effluents from the Maldonado – Punta Del Este System

Discover the transformative wastewater treatment project in the Maldonado-Punta del Este area, enhancing sanitation and environmental quality for a growing permanent and seasonal population.

Highlights:

1. Expands sewerage service from 53% to 96%, serving 417,000 residents by 2035.
2. Features state-of-the-art technology, including UV disinfection and anaerobic sludge digestion.
3. It safeguards the quality of waters discharged into the Atlantic Ocean at the point of convergence with Rio de la Plata.

• Laguna Garzón / Garzon Lagoon

Immerse yourself natural beauty of Garzón Lagoon, a protected sanctuary where vibrant biodiversity meets breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights:

1. Enjoy biodiversity hotspots with migratory birds, fish, and crustaceans.
2. Walk through the scenic round bridge that crosses the lagoon offering stunning views.
3. Experience a unique ecosystem, connected to the Atlantic Ocean, which boosts its ecological and economic importance.

Each visit ends with a sunset cocktail for all at 18:00 at Casapueblo.

Casapueblo

Sponsored by IDB
From 18:00 to 19:30

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All the visits end with a sunset cocktail at Casapueblo. It is an architectural masterpiece built over 36 years ago by Carlos Páez Vilaró. The design recalls a hornero's nest, a typical Uruguayan bird.

The building has thirteen floors with terraces offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean at sunset.

It was the architect and artist's summer home and workshop. Today it is a museum, art gallery, café, and hotel.  It also houses a tribute to the artist's son, Carlos Miguel, one of the 16 survivors of the 1972 Andes plane crash.

Highlights:

1.  Every evening, "The Ceremony of the Sun" features a recorded poem by the artist celebrating the sunset. 
2.  Network with your peers in a stunning sunset scenario.