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Laguna Garzón

4.6
·3k reviews·, Uruguay

Experience the unique circular Laguna Garzón Bridge, an architectural marvel offering panoramic views of a protected coastal lagoon in Uruguay.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views and safe driving

CrowdMedium
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Peatonal externa del puente

Laguna Garzón

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views and safe driving

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the unique circular Laguna Garzón Bridge, an architectural marvel offering panoramic views of a protected coastal lagoon in Uruguay.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"It is just a bridge. But why not make more bridges this much fun?"

Vertical photo
TIP

Slow Down and Enjoy

The circular design is meant to be savored. Take your time to appreciate the views and the unique architecture. :camerawithflash:

Cross with Care

Drivers are encouraged to slow down. Pedestrian crosswalks are available on both inner and outer sidewalks. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Circular Bridge

The Iconic Circular Bridge

Laguna Garzón

A marvel of engineering and design, this unique circular bridge offers stunning panoramic views of the lagoon.

Lagoon Views

Lagoon Views

From the bridge

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the ecologically protected coastal lagoon, a serene natural landscape.

Architectural Significance

Architectural Significance

Laguna Garzón

Designed by Rafael Viñoly, this bridge is a testament to innovative and practical architectural thinking.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Circular Journey

The Laguna Garzón Bridge isn't just a crossing; it's an experience. Its unique circular design encourages slower speeds, offering panoramic views of the lagoon and surrounding protected areas. Plan for a moment to soak it all in.

Connecting Two Counties

This architectural marvel is crucial for connecting Maldonado and Rocha counties, replacing a small ferry. Daily traffic is significant, so be mindful of local flow, especially during peak seasons.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best views and safe driving
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Any idea why this unique circular road bridge on the Laguna Garzón, Uruguay was built by Rafael Vinoly Architects? Designers do not often think about making their bridge round, but there must be a need and purpose to do so.

Slow Down and Enjoy

The circular design is meant to be savored. Take your time to appreciate the views and the unique architecture. :camerawithflash:

Cross with Care

Drivers are encouraged to slow down. Pedestrian crosswalks are available on both inner and outer sidewalks. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Laguna Garzon Bridge

reddit.com

The Laguna Garzón Bridge in Uruguay is famous for its unusual circular shape. It was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly to force drivers to slow down when crossing it, reducing pollution and noise.

Environmental Impact

While beautiful, consider the increased fuel consumption and emissions associated with the longer route. :leaf:

Practical Connection

This bridge is a vital link, replacing an older ferry system. Expect daily traffic. :car:

reddit.com

The Laguna Garzón Bridge in Uruguay has an unusual circular shape that allows drivers to slow down and enjoy the view. It prevents head-on collisions and also offers pedestrian access.

Tips

from all over the internet

Slow Down and Enjoy

The circular design is meant to be savored. Take your time to appreciate the views and the unique architecture. :camerawithflash:

Cross with Care

Drivers are encouraged to slow down. Pedestrian crosswalks are available on both inner and outer sidewalks. :athletic_shoe:

Environmental Impact

While beautiful, consider the increased fuel consumption and emissions associated with the longer route. :leaf:

Practical Connection

This bridge is a vital link, replacing an older ferry system. Expect daily traffic. :car:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the Laguna Garzón Bridge's unique circular design and the stunning panoramic views it offers of the ecologically protected lagoon. While some note the environmental implications of the extended route, most find the architectural marvel and its scenic setting to be a worthwhile experience and a vital connection between counties.

"A vehicle traveling across the bridge covers about 115 meters more than it would on a straight-line bridge. Scaled to 100,000 vehicles, this results in approximately 11,500 km of extra driving, consuming over 8,000 liters of fuel and releasing more than 18 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere.

While the design intends to harmonize with nature (believe me it does not), the additional fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions somewhat contradict its environmentally conscious image."

gürkan bozkurt

"Located in the Maldonado Department of southeastern Uruguay, the bridge spans Uruguay's Laguna Garzón and it’s an essential connection between Rocha and Maldonado counties. Previously cars were using a small 2-vehicle ferry that required daylight and good weather to operate. And now, about 1000 vehicles are crossing it daily.

Inaugurated in 22 December 2015, the bridge was designed by a famous local architect Rafael Viñoly. The construction is tall enough for ships to pass below. It was created with 16 circular concrete pillars placed 20 meters (65 feet) apart and this unusual circular bridge has a 202-meter (663-foot) ring. Looking down from the bridge, visitors have a great view on a coastal lagoon in an ecologically protected area of Maldonado region.

The shape of Laguna Garzón Bridge is not simply the result of a unique artistic vision, it's very practical too. Its two semi-circular one-way sections force drivers to slow down and take in the view to provide an opportunity to enjoy panoramic views to an amazing landscape, including crosswalks that allow pedestrian access to either the inner or outer sidewalks of the circle.

* Some photos courtesy of Internet. Thanks!"

Dinh Tuan

"Nice place to visit."

Joan Manuel Lezcano

What People Like

Unique circular design
Stunning lagoon views
Architectural marvel

What People Dislike

Environmental impact concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Laguna Garzón Bridge is located in the Maldonado Department of southeastern Uruguay, connecting the counties of Rocha and Maldonado. It's accessible by car via Route 10. If you're coming from Punta del Este, it's a scenic drive along the coast. :car:

Public transportation directly to the bridge is limited. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle or rental car, as it's part of a scenic coastal drive. :bus:

Driving across the bridge is the primary way to experience it. The circular design encourages a slower pace, allowing you to enjoy the panoramic views of the lagoon. :camerawithflash:

Yes, the bridge is part of a beautiful coastal region. Nearby attractions include beaches in Rocha and Maldonado, and the town of La Barra. :beachwithumbrella:

The bridge has pedestrian crosswalks on both the inner and outer sidewalks, allowing for walking and cycling. :running: :bike:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to cross the Laguna Garzón Bridge. It is a public road and free to use. :free:

The bridge is open 24/7, as it is a public roadway. However, driving across it is best done during daylight hours for optimal views and safety. :sunriseovermountains:

There is no specific entrance fee for the Laguna Garzón area itself. The bridge is free to cross, and access to the surrounding natural areas is generally open. :moneywithwings:

While there are pedestrian walkways, stopping your vehicle on the bridge itself is not recommended for safety and traffic flow reasons. Pull over to designated areas if you wish to stop and take photos. :noentrysign:

The bridge has sidewalks that can accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Accessibility for vehicles is standard for a road bridge. :wheelchair:

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo opportunities are from the bridge itself, looking out at the lagoon, or from viewpoints along the coast approaching the bridge. Aerial shots are particularly stunning. :camerawithflash:

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography, casting a warm glow over the lagoon and bridge. Midday can be harsh but still offers clear views. :city_sunrise:

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone, as the area is ecologically sensitive. :drone:

Focus on the unique circular shape, the contrast between the modern bridge and the natural lagoon, and the panoramic coastal views. :landscape:

Yes, the pedestrian walkways offer safe and excellent vantage points for capturing photos of the bridge and the surrounding scenery. :camera:

🎫 💡 Interesting Facts

The circular design by Rafael Viñoly Architects was intended to slow down traffic, allowing drivers to appreciate the panoramic views of the ecologically protected lagoon and to reduce the impact on the environment. :earth_americas:

The Laguna Garzón Bridge was inaugurated on December 22, 2015. :calendar:

The bridge was designed by the renowned Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly. :architect:

It replaced a small, two-vehicle ferry that operated only during daylight and good weather conditions, significantly improving connectivity. :ferry:

Approximately 1,000 vehicles cross the Laguna Garzón Bridge daily, highlighting its importance as a transportation link. :car_rental:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Laguna Garzón Bridge offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The circular design is a novelty that can capture children's imaginations, turning a simple drive into a mini-adventure. Encourage kids to spot wildlife in the lagoon or count the pillars as you cross. The pedestrian walkways also provide a safe space for them to stretch their legs and enjoy the views. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as amenities directly on the bridge are limited. Reddit

Consider making a stop at one of the nearby beaches after crossing the bridge for a full day of family fun. The drive itself along Route 10 is scenic, offering plenty of opportunities to point out interesting sights to younger travelers. The novelty of the bridge's shape is often a highlight for children, making it a memorable part of any Uruguayan road trip. :family_mm:

🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers

For those on a road trip through Uruguay, the Laguna Garzón Bridge is a must-see detour. Its unique circular architecture and the stunning coastal lagoon views make it a perfect photo opportunity and a memorable part of the journey. The bridge is situated along Route 10, a popular scenic route connecting coastal towns. Reddit

Embrace the design by driving slowly and enjoying the panoramic vistas. The bridge effectively connects the popular tourist hubs of Maldonado and Rocha, making it a logical and rewarding stop. Be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons, but the experience of crossing this architectural marvel is well worth it. :roadtonowhere:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Marvel: A Circular Design

The Laguna Garzón Bridge is not just a functional crossing; it's a striking piece of modern architecture. Designed by the acclaimed Rafael Viñoly Architects, its most distinctive feature is its circular shape. This unusual design choice wasn't merely aesthetic; it was a deliberate decision to enhance the visitor experience and minimize environmental impact. By forcing drivers to slow down, the bridge offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Laguna Garzón, a vital ecological reserve. The two semi-circular, one-way sections ensure that traffic flows smoothly while encouraging drivers to appreciate the natural beauty. Reddit

The construction itself is an engineering feat, featuring 16 circular concrete pillars spaced 20 meters apart, supporting a 202-meter diameter ring. This design allows for ships to pass underneath, maintaining navigation capabilities. The bridge also incorporates pedestrian and cyclist access via inner and outer sidewalks, making it a multi-modal structure. Its inauguration in December 2015 marked a significant improvement in connectivity between the Maldonado and Rocha counties, replacing a less reliable ferry system. Reddit

While celebrated for its design, some discussions point out the environmental trade-offs. The longer route across the circular bridge, compared to a straight one, leads to increased fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. However, the intention behind the design was to foster a deeper connection with the landscape and promote a more mindful journey. Reddit

Experiencing Laguna Garzón: Beyond the Bridge

Laguna Garzón itself is a significant natural area, recognized for its ecological importance. The Laguna Garzón Bridge serves as a gateway to exploring this region. Visitors often remark on the serene beauty of the coastal lagoon, especially when viewed from the bridge. The protected status of the area means that development is carefully managed, preserving its natural charm. Reddit

While the bridge is the main attraction, the surrounding areas offer opportunities for relaxation and enjoying the coastal environment. Beaches are a popular draw, and the drive along Route 10 provides scenic vistas. For those interested in the architectural aspect, understanding Viñoly's intent behind the circular design adds another layer to the experience. It's a place where engineering meets nature, prompting reflection on how human structures can coexist with delicate ecosystems. Reddit

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