Durazno

Durazno is a city in the Central Interior region of Uruguay. Founded in 1821, it is the capital of Durazno Department and has a population of about 35,000. The center of Durazno feels like the small city that it is, with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings—but you don't have to walk far to feel like you're out in the country, with chickens squabbling and horses walking over to say hello.

Understand
Durazno started as a river crossing, located where Uruguay Route 5 crosses the Yí River (pronounced like "she"). The city's name, which means "peach" in Spanish, is said to come from a peach tree that was once located at the crossing.

The first president of Uruguay Fructuoso Rivera intended to move the capital of the country from Montevideo to this city. His house at the center of town is now a museum.

By bus
There are buses between Durazno and Montevideo with departures all day long. Expect to pay U$300–400 each way. The trip takes about two and a half hours each way.

There are also buses from other cities, such as Colonia and Rivera.

The bus terminal,, is at the corner of Oribe and Gallinal. It has a convenience store and a restaurant.

Intercity bus service is provided by Nossar, Núñez, Turismar, and Agencia Central. Nossar in particular offers service from a variety of destinations, including international service three times a week from Buenos Aires.

By car
Durazno is on Route 5, which connects it with Montevideo to the south and Rivera to the north.

Get around
You can just walk around, it's a small city. There are taxis waiting at the bus terminal though. You can also call a taxi at or.

The central Plaza Independencia, between Oribe, Rivera, Batlle, and Piriz, is an important landmark.

See




Do
For most of the year, there's not all that much to do in Durazno. The exception is when there's a large event in town.


 * Pop music festival, (annually in January).

Eat
Durazno's tortas fritas are known for being the largest in Uruguay.

There are various restaurants on Gral. Manuel Oribe and around the various plazas.



Drink
Two bars in Gral. Manuel Oribe, near the bus terminal. Gets crowded around 01:00-02:00 Fridays and Saturdays.

Connect
Free public wifi is available at the Plaza Independencia. Look for the network "Ceibal".

Go next

 * Chamanga
 * Gruta del Palacio