# Atlántida

Atlántida is a town in the Canelones department, in the Rio de la Plata part of Uruguay.

## Understand

From the Carrasco International Airport, where many airlines arrive, it has a very good Interbalnearia route and to get to Atlántida you will only have to travel about 45 km. For about U$10 you can take a bus from the airport; or else rent a car. There are tolls on the route (they also accept Argentine pesos, reals or dollars). From Argentina you can get to Uruguay by land, by sea and by air; by sea crossing from Buenos Aires to Montevideo and by ferrybus to Colonia; by land it is about 14 hours by car, there are several alternative routes such as the international bridges General Artigas, General San Martín or Salto Grande; and by air through different airlines that arrive at the Carrasco International Airport, or at the Laguna del Sauce Airport.

## Get in

The town is on the coastal highway between Montevideo and Piriápolis, driving in would be an option.

## Get around

It is a small city, and walking it is a good option. Visitors who do not have their own vehicle for the motorized transfer, in Atlántida different companies provide their services: taxis, transfers in minibuses, remises and car rental without a driver. For collective transport COPSA (Agency) and CUTCSA (Largador).

## See

* -34.7439-55.76641 Iglesia de Cristo Obrero y Nuestra Señora de Lourdes (Estación Atlántida, a few kms north of Atlántida proper). A modernist brick church finished in 1960 after a design by Eladio Dieste. The church is a cultural world heritage site since 2021. (updated Aug 2021)
* Church of Atlantis. The Church of Atlántida : A beautiful Chapel that remains as in the past.
* Cristo Obrero Parish. Built by Eladio Dieste, it shows striking architecture.
* Neruda Museum. It is a beautiful three-story mansion, Liberty style located on the seashore from where you can see spectacular sunsets. Museum that houses poems, photos, unique films and personal objects of the famous Chilean poet, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. In Atlántida is where Neruda lived, in the early 1950s, the beginnings of a passionate clandestine romance with Matilde Urrutia, his great love. Today, the museum offers a rich schedule of concerts, exhibitions and cultural events.
* Residence Sheppard. Work of the architects JC Montes Rega and P. Turcatti. In addition to the undeniable merits of these professionals in their careful execution and treatment of the surrounding green spaces, this farm stands out for being a finished sample of the" school "from Arq. Wright in the USA whose influence is recognized to this day.
* Zoo: it has a wide collection of native and exotic animals that delight children and adults.
* The Eagle: the emblematic stone eagle facing the sea. This enigmatic construction surrounded by popular legends was the idea of ​​Natalio Michellizzi, who originally called it "La Chimera". Over time, the name fell into disuse and became known by its current nickname: the Eagle's Nest. The solitary bird has given rise to many myths and legends, for example it was said at one time that its construction had been destined to a unique chapel. There were also rumors that it was a smugglers' den for a time and there are those who even believed that it was a Nazi enclave, a confusion due to the fact that Hitler had a house in the Germanic Alps also called the Eagle's Nest.
* Other sights: The Plaza de los Fundadores, the Expo-plate amphitheater, the Sundial, the Monument to the mother, the fishing club, etc.

## Do

* Beaches: There are two beaches in Atlántida, La Brava and La Mansa, they are extensive and far from the bustle of other large tourist centers in Uruguay. In front of the rocky point that separates them, the Islote de Las Sirenas emerges. Mansa beach is ideal for families, since the water, as its name indicates, is extremely calm, while La Brava usually has a lot of waves and is very popular with young people who like water sports. These beaches are completely deserted in the winter months. In addition to enjoying the sun, the beach and water sports at the Piedra Lisa pier you can practice sport fishing for black croaker, this place being one of the few in the world that can do this practice.
* Atlántida Casino: The Atlántida casino is a large room for entertainment and games of chance, with careful attention to visitors. It is on Calle 1 between 22 and 20, and its main attractions are: traditional and American roulettes, Black Jack tables, poker tables, craps tables and slot machines.
* Balloon rides. Magic Fly is a different proposal in which you can travel the surroundings of Atlantis in a hot air balloon, in a unique and unforgettable adventure, which culminates on land with a glass of champagne.

## Buy

The different areas of the city stand out for their offer of stores and shopping centers. For those who like to buy and take away good memories, you can find them at the expo center. There are about 50 stands with first-rate artisans and the best manufacturers grouped together that offer an attractive shopping trip. Central Avenue and City of Montevideo. From 19:00.

## Eat

Varied regional and international gastronomy of an excellent level is a reflection of its culture and environment. Wide range of restaurants of different categories, among which stand out: Dean, Don Vito, La Casona, La Pasiva, Terrazas de La Barca, among others.

## Sleep

There is no shortage of quality hotels, cabins, apart and accommodation and careful service to tourists, among which are Cabañas and Apart Hotel Paradise, Tupungato Apart Hotel, and Hotel Gardini. The most popular is to rent a house, apartment or cabin or settle in an organized campsite. Other recommended hotels are: Niagara Inn Hotel, El Delirio Complex, Hostería del Lago, Hotel Atlántida, Hotel Argentina, etc.