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Uruguay🇺🇾 | national parksQuebrada de los CuervosYerbal Chico gorge, vultures, rim lookouts, canyon camping | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Quebrada de los Cuervos
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

The choice that shapes a visit to Quebrada de los Cuervos is whether to treat it as a quick detour or to give it a full day with a night under canvas, and the lack of services nearby tips it toward the longer stay. The park lies in the east of Uruguay, in the department of Treinta y Tres, about 45 km from the departmental capital. It is a rocky gorge cut by the Yerbal Chico stream, with dark forest on the floor and open sierra grassland on top. Walks are short to moderate, and the views are modest in scale but quiet. Vultures, the “cuervos” of the name, ride the thermals along the cliffs. Crowds are thin outside summer weekends. Buses stop on the main road, not at the gate, so hitching the last stretch or arranging a ride is the smarter move than expecting a shuttle. Bring your own food and water, because nothing is sold inside.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 national park in UruguayThe unique appeal for travelers

Quebrada de los Cuervos suits backpackers who like to set their own pace, because the park is small enough that no guide is needed to make sense of it. The Yerbal Chico canyon, a gorge cut into the sierras of Treinta y Tres department, holds native forest, rock walls and a stream, and the marked paths are short and easy to follow with a basic map. You walk when you like, stop where the turkey vultures circle, and skip the ranger-led group if the timing doesn’t fit.

The second reason is the camping. The campground at the park entrance keeps you on site for the early and late hours, when the birds are most active and the canyon is quietest. That matters more here than in bigger parks, since a day visit from a distance tends to squeeze the walking into the middle of the day.

The third is contrast. … read more 👉
Quebrada de los Cuervos suits backpackers who like to set their own pace, because the park is small enough that no guide is needed to make sense of it. The Yerbal Chico canyon, a gorge cut into the sierras of Treinta y Tres department, holds native forest, rock walls and a stream, and the marked paths are short and easy to follow with a basic map. You walk when you like, stop where the turkey vultures circle, and skip the ranger-led group if the timing doesn’t fit.

The second reason is the camping. The campground at the park entrance keeps you on site for the early and late hours, when the birds are most active and the canyon is quietest. That matters more here than in bigger parks, since a day visit from a distance tends to squeeze the walking into the middle of the day.

The third is contrast. Most of eastern Uruguay is rolling pasture, so a deep, wooded ravine with cliffs and tree ferns stands out. Expect modest distances, steady footing and a landscape you can absorb in a day or two, without a heavy pack or complicated planning.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. The Yerbal Chico gorge: The canyon itself is the reason to come, with steep rock walls dropping to a narrow stream. Looking down from the rim shows how sharply the plateau is cut.
  2. Lookout points on the rim: Short paths lead to edges where you see the full run of the gorge and the hills beyond. Go early or late, when the rock takes on warmer color and the air is cooler.
  3. Vultures on the cliffs: Black vultures and turkey vultures nest and glide along the walls. Watch from a rim viewpoint, where the birds pass at eye level rather than overhead.
  4. Forest on the canyon floor: Native trees and ferns grow thick in the damp shelter of the gorge, noticeably cooler than the grassland above. Birdsong is easiest to hear here in the morning.
  5. The Yerbal Chico stream: Clear water runs over stone and small pools
… read more 👉
  1. The Yerbal Chico gorge: The canyon itself is the reason to come, with steep rock walls dropping to a narrow stream. Looking down from the rim shows how sharply the plateau is cut.
  2. Lookout points on the rim: Short paths lead to edges where you see the full run of the gorge and the hills beyond. Go early or late, when the rock takes on warmer color and the air is cooler.
  3. Vultures on the cliffs: Black vultures and turkey vultures nest and glide along the walls. Watch from a rim viewpoint, where the birds pass at eye level rather than overhead.
  4. Forest on the canyon floor: Native trees and ferns grow thick in the damp shelter of the gorge, noticeably cooler than the grassland above. Birdsong is easiest to hear here in the morning.
  5. The Yerbal Chico stream: Clear water runs over stone and small pools along the bottom. It is a good place to rest, though swimming depends on water level and is rarely deep.
  6. Visitor center and ranger post: Staff can explain which paths are open, give current trail conditions and tell you what wildlife has been seen recently. Stop here before heading out.
  7. Camping area under open sky: Spending the night means very dark skies, frogs and night birds, and a view of the stars without city glow.
Allow a full day to see all of it unhurried, or a half day if you only walk the rim and one descent.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to explore Quebrada de los Cuervos

  • Spring (Sept to Nov): Temperatures run 10 to 24°C (50 to 75°F), the canyon walls turn green and the birds are active. Rain comes in short bursts, and the trail near the creek can get muddy.
  • Summer (Dec to Feb): Highs reach 28 to 33°C (82 to 91°F), with long daylight into the evening. Uruguayan families fill the campsite in January, so book ahead. Storms can arrive in the afternoon.
  • Autumn (Mar to May): Days of 16 to 25°C (61 to 77°F) suit the 2 to 3 hour loop walks. Crowds thin out and the light is clear.
  • Winter (Jun to Aug): Daytime is 8 to 16°C (46 to 61°F), nights can drop near freezing, and daylight is short, so start hiking by mid-morning. The park is nearly empty and cabins are cheaper.
Aim for March or October, when the weather is mild, the campsite is quiet and lodging stays at low-season rates.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: good for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
uruguay-national-park-quebrada-de-los-cuervos
© Google | Paisaje Protegido Quebrada De Los Cuervos Y Sierras Del Yerbal

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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

The best base for most backpackers is the campground inside Quebrada de los Cuervos itself, run by the park administration, where you can pitch a tent for roughly US$5 to 10 per person a night. The park also has simple cabins sleeping four to six people, about US$40 to 70 a night, which work out cheaply when split between a group. Facilities are basic: toilets, showers and a barbecue area, so bring your own food and cooking gear.
If you want more choice, Treinta y Tres is the nearest town, around 50 km (30 miles) away, with small hotels at roughly US$35 to 60 a double, plus supermarkets, restaurants … read more 👉
The best base for most backpackers is the campground inside Quebrada de los Cuervos itself, run by the park administration, where you can pitch a tent for roughly US$5 to 10 per person a night. The park also has simple cabins sleeping four to six people, about US$40 to 70 a night, which work out cheaply when split between a group. Facilities are basic: toilets, showers and a barbecue area, so bring your own food and cooking gear.
If you want more choice, Treinta y Tres is the nearest town, around 50 km (30 miles) away, with small hotels at roughly US$35 to 60 a double, plus supermarkets, restaurants and the bus terminal. Buses from Montevideo run to Treinta y Tres, and from there you need a taxi, a hitched ride or a transfer arranged with your host to reach the park entrance on Route 8 side roads. Some rural estancias and guesthouses near the park offer rooms and home-cooked meals, and their owners can often help with transport. Staying in the park wins for early-morning bird watching, since the trails start at the gate and you avoid driving on gravel roads.
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👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

A backpacker can expect to spend about US$25 to 56 a day at Quebrada de los Cuervos, assuming camping and self-catering.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$0 to 3Entry is free or very low, and guided options cost a little extra. Check at the gate.
Accommodation (high season)US$5 to 10 camping, US$40 to 70 per cabinCamping is the cheapest option, while cabins make sense when shared among four or more people. Low season is noticeably cheaper.
Local transportUS$10 to 20Buses reach Treinta y Tres, then you need a taxi or arranged ride for the remaining distance, which is the largest cost.
Food and suppliesUS$10 to 18Shop for groceries in Treinta y Tres before arriving, since the park has very limited supplies. Meat and bread are cheap, imported goods are not.
Guides and extrasUS$0 to 5Trails
… read more 👉
A backpacker can expect to spend about US$25 to 56 a day at Quebrada de los Cuervos, assuming camping and self-catering.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$0 to 3Entry is free or very low, and guided options cost a little extra. Check at the gate.
Accommodation (high season)US$5 to 10 camping, US$40 to 70 per cabinCamping is the cheapest option, while cabins make sense when shared among four or more people. Low season is noticeably cheaper.
Local transportUS$10 to 20Buses reach Treinta y Tres, then you need a taxi or arranged ride for the remaining distance, which is the largest cost.
Food and suppliesUS$10 to 18Shop for groceries in Treinta y Tres before arriving, since the park has very limited supplies. Meat and bread are cheap, imported goods are not.
Guides and extrasUS$0 to 5Trails are marked, so a guide is optional. Firewood and ice are sold in small amounts.
Total Daily BudgetUS$25 to 56Roughly US$40 for most campers who pay in pesos, travel by taxi and cook their own meals.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Quebrada de los Cuervos national park

Quebrada de los Cuervos offers short, varied walks rather than one long trek, so most visitors string two or three paths together. Trails here are marked at the visitor center, and rangers can tell you which are open after rain.
  • Rim walks: Easy, mostly flat paths over grassland and rock along the edge of the gorge, about an hour round trip, with the best views and the most vulture activity.
  • Descent to the stream: A moderate path drops through forest to the Yerbal Chico, around one to two hours with the climb back. Steps and loose stone get slippery when wet.
  • Forest floor walk: Easy to moderate walking
… read more 👉
Quebrada de los Cuervos offers short, varied walks rather than one long trek, so most visitors string two or three paths together. Trails here are marked at the visitor center, and rangers can tell you which are open after rain.
  • Rim walks: Easy, mostly flat paths over grassland and rock along the edge of the gorge, about an hour round trip, with the best views and the most vulture activity.
  • Descent to the stream: A moderate path drops through forest to the Yerbal Chico, around one to two hours with the climb back. Steps and loose stone get slippery when wet.
  • Forest floor walk: Easy to moderate walking beside the water under tree cover, with ferns, birds and cooler air even in summer.
  • Longer loop: Strong walkers can link rim, descent and stream into a half day circuit with some scrambling over rocks.
  • Wildlife: Vultures are certain, small mammals and many forest birds are likely, and the best chances come at dawn and dusk.
Wear boots with grip, not sandals, since the rock polishes smooth and the slopes shed gravel. Carry more water than you expect, because there is little shade on the upper plateau.
Reaching Quebrada de los Cuervos by public transport takes some effort. Long-distance buses run along the main road in the department, but you will need a taxi, a lift or a long walk for the last stretch, and a car is far easier. Entry is free, and the park stays quiet outside holidays and summer weekends, so you can often walk for an hour without meeting anyone.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Quebrada de los Cuervos is a straightforward, well-managed park, and the main hazards are weather and footing. Trails are short, marked and mostly gentle, but rocky sections near the creek get slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip rather than sandals. Summer heat in the canyon can be strong, so carry at least 2 liters of water per person, a hat and sunscreen, since there is little shade on the upper plateau. Sudden storms can raise the stream quickly, so avoid crossings if the water looks brown or fast.
Wildlife is low-risk. You may see vultures, caracaras, foxes and the odd snake, and the sensible approach is to watch where you step and leave animals alone. Ticks and mosquitoes are common in warm months, so bring repellent and check your legs after walks. Mobile signal is patchy, so … read more 👉
Quebrada de los Cuervos is a straightforward, well-managed park, and the main hazards are weather and footing. Trails are short, marked and mostly gentle, but rocky sections near the creek get slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip rather than sandals. Summer heat in the canyon can be strong, so carry at least 2 liters of water per person, a hat and sunscreen, since there is little shade on the upper plateau. Sudden storms can raise the stream quickly, so avoid crossings if the water looks brown or fast.
Wildlife is low-risk. You may see vultures, caracaras, foxes and the odd snake, and the sensible approach is to watch where you step and leave animals alone. Ticks and mosquitoes are common in warm months, so bring repellent and check your legs after walks. Mobile signal is patchy, so tell the rangers your route, and plan to finish well before dusk.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

One full day is enough for Quebrada de los Cuervos if you only want the main trails, which take about 2 to 4 hours in total. Staying overnight in the campground lets you catch the early-morning birds and the canyon at quieter moments. Two days work well if you add a longer walk along the creek or a visit to nearby Treinta y Tres.
Visiting Quebrada de los Cuervos without a car is possible but takes planning. Buses run from Montevideo to Treinta y Tres in about 4 to 5 hours, and from there the park is roughly 50 km (30 miles) away, so you need a taxi, a pre-arranged transfer or a lift. Hitchhiking works on quiet roads but is slow, and there is no regular public bus to the gate.
Entry to Quebrada de los Cuervos is free or costs only a few dollars (up to about US$3), with no special permit needed for day walks. Camping costs about US$5 to 10 per person a night and cabins roughly US$40 to 70, which you pay at the park office in Uruguayan pesos. Reserve in advance for January and long weekends, when the campground fills up.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Uruguayan national parks near Quebrada de los Cuervos

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Quebrada de los Cuervos is often rushed as a photo stop on the way somewhere else, and the gorge gives little in an hour on the rim. Plan to arrive early, walk down to the stream as well as along the edge, and stay for late afternoon when the vultures come back to the cliffs. Bring all your own food.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Uruguay. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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