Pueblo Eden the Little Tuscany of Uruguay
If you head north on the eastern side of Laguna del Sauce along route 12 from Punta Ballena, you will eventually reach highway 9. Another portion of route 12 will then guide you through the Sierras to the charming little town of Pueblo Eden.
Pueblo Eden is not only a village surrounded by lush greenery, but it also showcases architectural elements reminiscent of Spanish towns with white facades and tin roofs. As you enter the town, a sign warns that the maximum speed allowed is 30 km per hour. The road leads you gently towards the heart of the town, where you’ll find the square and the church. Pueblo Eden’s beauty continues to shine with its seven-colored hills and breathtaking sunsets behind the Sierras. On sunny days, the skies are always intensely blue, enhancing the overall beauty of the place.
The roads in Pueblo Eden are usually quiet and empty. You may spot people in their gardens or locals chatting in front of their houses while riding their bikes. Occasionally, visitors on horseback or in modern cars pass through the streets. Improved communication has made Pueblo Eden a popular choice for many Uruguayans and foreigners looking to visit, relax, and even settle down.
The town offers numerous attractions including country houses for lodging, bed and breakfast accommodations, craft sales, organic markets, country-style restaurants, and guided visits to wineries and oil mills. The prestigious UTE wind project, Los Caracoles, is also located nearby.
There are magical trails that start from and lead to Pueblo Eden, allowing you to explore the surrounding nature either on horseback or by trekking. These trails will take you to some of the most picturesque places near the town.
History
Pueblo Edén, also known as Mataojo, is situated just a few kilometers from the Lavalleja border. This town boasts a blend of cultural influences, with descendants of the original founders residing here for generations. In recent years, it has also become home to a growing expat community who have chosen Pueblo Edén as their place of residence.
On August 8, 1917, Don Román Furtado, the owner of fields along the banks of the Pintado stream, divided his land into plots, marking the founding of Villa de Mataojo de San Carlos. The first settler of the villa was Mr. Zoilo Martínez, with Mr. José Frade serving as the primary school teacher. Over time, the town began to grow and develop into what we now know as Pueblo Eden.
During a significant period of progress in the area, several industries were established, including the wheat plantations and mills of Tassano and Moreira. The famous warehouse of Jacinto Torres, known as La Casona, was also a prominent feature of the town. It was recently fully restored and sold by Team Haverkate. It was a store where one could find anything they needed.
Other notable landmarks and activities included the home of Don Vital Tort, the lively dances held at The Club Oriental, where Don Froilán Plada played the accordion and Don Flor Urrutia sang. There was also a monthly fair organized by Don Román Furtado and later Don Diego Furtado. While the fair still operates to this day, many people gradually migrated to the cities in search of work and better opportunities, a reality that affected not only Pueblo Eden but also other rural areas in the Maldonado department.
Pueblo Edén gained attention in 2007 when the renowned Argentine stylist Roberto Giordano purchased a piece of land there. Currently, around 50 permanent residents call this town home, with approximately 250 people living within a 10 km radius of the area.Pueblo Eden has undergone a transformation in recent years. The simplicity of its surroundings, with its ever-changing greenery, peaceful square, and modest chapel, evoke a sense of tranquility that attracts visitors who indulge in activities like yoga and meditation. Located just 40 kilometers from Punta Del Este, the village offers a serene and privileged setting where the natural landscape takes center stage. As a result, it is only natural that the local identity is reaffirmed through artistic and cultural activities.
Restaurants
In Pueblo Eden, there is an abundance of time to leisurely explore and appreciate the beauty of this Uruguayan village. The peaceful atmosphere encourages visitors to take a slow stroll through the small town, while the friendly locals are more than happy to assist with any inquiries.
Within the town, there is only one establishment that serves lunch, but its location is easily discovered despite the lack of signage. La Posta de Vaimaca stands out as one of Uruguay’s most exceptional and distinct restaurants. Their cuisine is crafted using natural ingredients and traditional recipes passed down by the local community.
The majority of patrons at this restaurant are often foreigners or Uruguayans looking to immerse themselves in nature and dine beneath the comforting shade of a vine. The concept is to savor the experience, relishing the charming garden and the delicious authentic dishes. In the evening, the patio is open, providing enchanting dining tables beneath the radiant summer stars.
Additionally, visitors have the option to enjoy lunch at either Vina Eden or Sacromonte, two wineries located near the town, as an alternative dining experience.
For a lighter meal of cake or sandwiches accompanied by a warm cup of coffee, there is a quaint spot called La Casita de Chocolate.
Located near Route 9, nestled between Pueblo Eden and San Carlos, lies the historic Abra de Perdomo railway station. Here, two charming spots beckon you to step away from the rapid pace of the 21st century and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of a time when trains were Uruguay’s primary mode of transportation. These places offer a serene retreat where you can indulge in delightful flavors, surrounded by the peaceful symphony of silence and the scenic beauty of lush vegetation.
If you venture onto Route 9 and turn north at the 129.5-kilometer mark, you will find yourself traveling along the Sierra de Carapé road. After just two blocks, you’ll come across Cantino Mataojo, a delightful destination. Conversely, if you opt to head south from Route 9, a short distance away you’ll stumble upon the Camino de los Ceibos. After a pleasant three-kilometer drive, you will reach the charming Bucaré Café, ready to welcome you with its unique offerings.
Wine
Viña Edén, located just before Pueblo Eden on Ruta 12 from Punta Del Este, has become a popular ecotourism attraction in Maldonado. Since opening its doors to tourists in 2017, the winery has seen a steady increase in visitors who come to enjoy their excellent restaurant and sample their fantastic wines. To enhance the visitor experience and accommodate events, the winery is continuously adding new services.
Less than an hour away from Punta del Este, you’ll find Sacromonte, a luxurious and sustainable wine lodge nestled in the heart of the Sierra de Carapé. The project began in 2014 when Edmond Borit, with the guidance of an agronomist, established the vineyard. In 2015, the hotel project came to fruition.
Renowned Argentinean landscape architect Roberto Mulieri spent two years immersing himself in the beauty of the native forest before collaborating with the Montevideo studio MAPA to design modern accommodation. The lodge’s kitchen is helmed by Tupambaé Cámara, a young chef from Montevideo who honed his skills in Spain’s three Michelin-starred restaurants and now chooses to create culinary delights in the mountains. Sacromonte’s gastronomic offering combines Mediterranean and Italian cuisine with local flavors, emphasizing the use of organic and locally sourced products.
Guests at Sacromonte are treated to unforgettable dining experiences on the Plateau, a stone terrace situated on the slopes of Cerro Grande. The communal dining table, crafted from imported Portuguese wood and set on marble blocks from the nearby quarry, overlooks the valley, providing a panoramic view for diners. Wine holds a special place at Sacromonte, with their five hectares of vineyards boasting six varieties of grapes. Many of their wines have received international recognition and prestigious awards.
In February 2020, Sacromonte was honored as one of the 27 coolest destinations on the planet by The Times (UK), and Time magazine included it among the top 100 places to visit.
New Real Estate Projects
The region of Pueblo Eden has experienced an unprecedented increase in land value due to the demand for a safe haven and a better quality of life. However, the land values in Pueblo Eden are still lower than those in Argentina and Brazil, which has attracted investors from the surrounding area. Las Taperas is a new residential complex offering 36 spacious lots of 5 hectares each, providing residents with ample space to build their ideal homes. Vina Eden offers the opportunity to own a vineyard, with various sizes available starting at 5 acres, allowing residents to indulge in their passion for winemaking while enjoying their dream homes. Prices for these vineyards start from USD 490,000, presenting an enticing investment opportunity. Experience the beauty of living amidst stunning natural surroundings and immerse yourself in the world of viticulture.
To stay updated on the newest developments on the Uruguayan coast, visit our blog. We hope that the use of natural resources and significant investment in rural facilities will continue in the coming years, making Pueblo Eden a witness to this transformation. For information on Pueblo Eden Properties or Real Estate in Uruguay, please contact us. We currently have several interesting properties for sale in the Pueblo Eden Area.