Trip Planner:   South America  /  Uruguay  /  Rocha Department  /  Rocha  /  Fortress of Santa Teresa

Fortress of Santa Teresa, Rocha

4.8
#1 of 17 in Things to do in Rocha
Must see · Historic Site · Tourist Spot
Fortress of Santa Teresa remains one of the few remaining colonial-era fortifications in South America. Erected by the Portuguese in 1762, the fort sits on a rocky outcrop in a region known for its expansive dunes and wetlands. The structure's granite walls neatly complement the surrounding scenery, and the restored interiors and grand doors create an imposing atmosphere within the pentagon-shaped compound. Offering insights into the battles once waged here and the lives of those who fought them, the onsite museum exhibits artifacts from the colonial period. To visit Fortress of Santa Teresa on your trip to Rocha, use our Rocha trip planner.
Create an itinerary including Fortress of Santa Teresa
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Fortress of Santa Teresa reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
539 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By goncalvesjosepcf
    It’s worth this travel to see this magnificent Fortaleza built by the Portugueses in 1762 and rebuilt by tha Uruguay government. Beautiful and very historic  more »
  • By manuelaE3038WG
    Neat pentagon-shaped fortress built by the Portuguese in the XVIII century right in the middle of the national park. The museum is not well equipped though and they could have done a better job in...  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Marcelo Pereira
    A magical place, that besides nature has this Fortress.
  • By Levien Eelman
    45 minutes attraction
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Rocha

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Rocha

Santa Teresa National Park ©
National Park
Santa Teresa National Park
4.7
Duration: 8 hours
Playa de Punta del Diablo ©
Beach
Playa de Punta del Diablo
4.1
Duration: 2 hours
Balneario La Paloma ©
Spa
Balneario La Paloma
4.3
Duration: 2 hours
Laguna de Rocha ©
Water Body
Laguna de Rocha
4.6
Duration: 4 hours

Side trips from Rocha

Playa de Jose Ignacio ©
Beach
Playa de Jose Ignacio
Jose Ignacio
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Beaches at Cabo Polonio ©
Beach
Beaches at Cabo Polonio
Cabo Polonio
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
La Pedrera ©
Beach
La Pedrera
La Pedrera
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
Parque Salto del Penitente ©
Park
Parque Salto del Penitente
Minas
4.2
Duration: 2 hours

Hidden gems in Rocha

Parque Nacional y Reserva de Fauna y Flora El Potrerillo de Santa Teresa
National Park
Parque Nacional y Reserva de Fauna y Flora El Potrerillo de Santa Teresa
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
Playa La Moza ©
Beach
Playa La Moza
4.6
Duration: 4 hours
Playa del Barco ©
Water Body
Playa del Barco
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Playa Grande ©
Beach
Playa Grande
4.7
Duration: 4 hours

Kid-friendly things to do in Rocha

Las Achiras Beach ©
Beach
Las Achiras Beach
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
Aguas Dulces ©
Beach
Aguas Dulces
3.8
Duration: 4 hours
Playa Anaconda ©
Beach
Playa Anaconda
4.3
Duration: 2 hours

Wildlife in Rocha

Monte de Ombúes ©
Wildlife Area
Monte de Ombúes
4.3
Duration: 2 hours

Nature in Rocha

Laguna Negra ©
Water Body
Laguna Negra
4.6
Duration: 2 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Fortress of Santa Teresa by other users

56 days in South America BY A USER FROM FRANCE Buenos Aires · Montevideo · Cabo Polonio 21 days in Uruguay BY A USER FROM LATVIA Montevideo · Colonia del Sacramento · Punta del Este 30 days in La Paloma BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA Fortress of Santa Teresa · Faro Cabo Santa Maria · Playa Los Botes 22 days in Uruguay, Porto Alegre & Buenos Aires BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA Porto Alegre · Punta del Diablo · Cabo Polonio 35 days in Uruguay BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA Colonia del Sacramento · Fray Bentos · Salto 53 days in Uruguay BY A USER FROM URUGUAY Colonia del Sacramento · Paysandu · Salto