Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Carmelo
POP 18,040
Carmelo, dating from 1816, is a laid-back town of cobblestone streets and low-set old
houses, a center for yachting, fishing and exploring the Paraná Delta. It straddles the Ar-
royo de las Vacas, a stream that widens into a sheltered harbor just below the Río
Uruguay's confluence with the Río de la Plata. The town center, north of the arroyo
(creek), is Plaza Independencia. South of the arroyo lies a large park with open space,
camping, swimming and a huge casino.
Launches connect Carmelo to the Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre.
Sights & Activities
The arroyo
,
with large, rusty boats moored along it, makes for a great ramble, as does the
30-minute stroll to the beaches across the bridge.
Local wines have an excellent reputation. Just outside town (look for the gigantic wine
award-winning tannats and pinot noirs. Visitors can take a basic 40-minute tour (UR$100)
of the cellars including tastings of two wines; a two-hour tour (UR$700) followed by
wine, cheese and grappa tasting; or a five-hour tour (UR$1300) including tastings and a
three-course lunch amid the vineyards at well-regarded Campotinto restaurant.
Sleeping & Eating
Camping Náutico Carmelo
CAMPGROUND $
( 4542-2058; dnhcarmelo@adinet.com.uy; Arroyo de las Vacas s/n; per tent site UR$258)
South
of the arroyo
,
this pleasant tree-shaded campground with hot showers caters to yachties
but accepts walk-ins too. Sites accommodate up to four people.
Hotel Rambla
HOTEL $$$
( 4542-2390;
www.ciudadcarmelo.com/ramblahotel
; Uruguay 51; s/d US$45/75; )
The
blocky Rambla won't win any design awards, but it's conveniently close to the launch
docks. The upstairs doubles with balconies facing the arroyo are cheerier than the interior
rooms.
