The site is a system of wetlands in the lower reaches of the River Uruguay and includes the Esteros de Farrapos  (Farrapos Lagoons) and 24 islets with wetlands such as rivers, lagoons and forested freshwater wetlands that are permanently and/or temporarily flooded.

International importance: This site was included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance because it is a representative example of wetlands located in the transition zone between the Paraná and Chaco ecosystems.  

Moreover, it is of great importance due to the large number of species whose conservation status is classified as Vulnerable.

Biodiversity: The site supports 25% of all bird species found in Uruguay and is one of the few parts of the country where the saffron-cowled blackbird (Xanthopsar f lavus) occurs, a species whose conservation status is also classified as Vulnerable. The site is of vital importance for a group of birds in the genus Sporophila, some of these seedeaters being known as “capuchinos”.

One of these species is the marsh seedeater (Sporophila palustris), which is classified as Endangered. In total, the Ramsar site is home to 130 species of fish, 14 species of amphibian, 104 species of bird and 15 species of mammal. It should be noted that this site is also the habitat of the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), a species considered of great importance in Uruguay.

Estancia La Paz has become an extraordinary urban development covering 500 hectares where a hotel, a country neighborhood, a golf course, two polo fields, a sports area and much more coexist.

The historic main house, now home to the Roca Suite and the 1830 Restaurant, dates back to the 19th century and was remodeled at the behest of Julio Argentino Roca, twice president of Argentina, to become his summer residence. The exotic park, designed by Charles Thays in 1900, with its artificial lake and the surrounding mountains, forms a beautiful, harmonious, and unique setting.

Eighteen mammal species have been identified, some of which are not found in any other protected area of ​​the Snap, including some unique to the country, such as the Green-headed Chiripepé and the Yacutoro (Pyroderus scutatus), and more recently recorded mammals like the Paca, Water Cuica (or Yapok), Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), and Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus).

Regarding vegetation, at least 15 species have been recorded to date, including a few specimens of Araucaria angustifolia. These findings are increasing as studies in the area expand.

Birdwatching in Rincón de Franquía is excellent due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Uruguay and Cuareim rivers, which is home to more than 250 bird species. It is a protected area of ​​wetlands and riparian forests that attracts a large number of species, from the most common to less frequent or endangered ones.

Location: Bella Unión, a border town close to Rincón de Franquía National Park.

This is a basic and small hotel with a few rooms, located downtown in Bella Unión, the northernmost city in Uruguay. The owner is a painter, and she has decorated every room
of the place with her paintings with a nice aesthetic. She is also a cook and she is the one who prepares breakfast with delicious homemade marmalades, bread, biscuits, cakes and lots of fruits and natural juices. 

The en-suite rooms have air conditioner and fan, there is maid service, Wi-Fi and a dining-room for breakfast. Lunch and dinner are served in a local restaurant located in the countryside, just at 2 kilometers from the hotel. They offer salads, barbecue, pasta, vegetarian dishes and good desserts.

This place is run by a family who grow organic vegetables in their land. They are one of the most important organic vegetable dispensers for the Uruguayan market. Everything they serve is fresh, brought from the orchard to the table.