Laguna Garzón, Coastal lagoon between Maldonado and Rocha, Uruguay.
Laguna Garzón is a coastal lagoon in eastern Uruguay, sitting on the border between the departments of Maldonado and Rocha, with an outlet that connects it to the Atlantic Ocean. The water is shallow and calm, edged by sandy shores and low scrubland that give the area an open, windswept look.
Before 2015, the only way to cross the lagoon was by ferry, which made travel between the two departments slow and dependent on weather conditions. The opening of the bridge that year ended the ferry service and gave the region a permanent road connection for the first time.
Small fishing boats dot the water throughout the year, and you can watch local fishermen working close to the shore using traditional gear. The banks feel lived-in rather than touristy, with nets and equipment left out in the open as part of everyday life.
The best place to stop and look out over the lagoon is the viewing area on the bridge, where there is space to park and walk along the edge. The land around the lagoon is largely undeveloped, so sturdy footwear is a good idea if you plan to walk along the banks.
The bridge over the lagoon has a circular shape that forces drivers to slow down naturally without any speed signs or barriers. This design came from Rafael Viñoly, an architect born in Uruguay who later became known for major projects in cities like New York and London.
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