Almost within swimming distance of the Uruguayan town of Carmelo, the pre-Cambrian bedrock island of Martín García boasts a fascinating history, lush woodlands, and an almost unmatchable tranquility as a retreat from the frenzy of the federal capital and even provincial suburbs.

Only 3.5 kilometers off the Uruguayan coast but 33.5 kilometers from Tigre, 168-hectare Martín García rises 27 meters above sea level. Its native vegetation is dense gallery forest; part of it is a zona intangible provincial forest reserve.

Though the island offers outstanding walking and bird-watching, the river is not suitable for swimming. The restaurant Comedor El Solís, though, has a swimming pool open to the public.

Getting There

On the Río Tigre’s west bank, Cacciola (Lavalle 520, tel. 011/4749-0329, www.cacciolaviajes.com) offers day trips Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9 a.m., but passengers should get there half an hour earlier. Arriving around noon, the tour includes an aperitif on arrival, a guided visit, and lunch at Cacciola’s Fragata Hércules. It returns to Tigre around 5 p.m., but again get to the dock early. There is ample time for just roaming around.

Cacciola also has a Microcentro office (Florida 520, 1st floor, Oficina 113, tel. 011/4393-6100). Fares for a full-day excursion are US$29 for adults, US$21 for children ages 3–9, including port charges. Transportation alone costs US$19 per adult, US$17 per child.