Olimar Grande River

Olimar Grande River
Basin
Countries Uruguay

The Río Olimar River is a river in the Treinta y Tres Department of Uruguay. It rises in the Cuchilla Grande, at the west of the department, southwest of Santa Clara de Olimar. It collects the input of various steams, the most important of which is called Brazo de la Yeguada. It flows in a west to east direction through the department for a length of 140 kilometres (87 mi) and discharges into the river Cebollatí River, becoming its main tributary. The main tributaries of Olimar Grande are the Olimar Chico River (Small Olimar) and the stream Arroyo Yerbal Grande. Other tributaries are the streams Lagarto, Avestruz and Corrales. The river drains a catchment area of 5,320 square kilometres (2,050 sq mi).

The city of Treinta y Tres, capital of the department, appears almost surrounded by the Olimar River and its affluent, the Great Yerbal stream. The two margins of the river are covered with thick native mount. At the southwest limits of the city, three bridges cross the river. The oldest one is a wood and metal bridge now suited only for pedestrians, horses and bicycles. 120 metres (390 ft) upstream, is the bridge of the railroad and another 270 metres (890 ft) upstream is the last one, a modern reinforced concrete bridge carrying the Ruta 8 to the city. These small distances separating the three bridges create a beautiful view often depicted in photos of the Treinta y Tres.

Besides these geographic characteristics, the Olimar river has an important historical and artistic meaning for the region and the country. An Uruguayan quote about it is "the river that sings more", because its surroundings have been inspiration of various local artists, mainly musicians and poets. Annually a folk music and dance festival takes place on its banks by the city of Treinta y Tres, which gathers participation and audience from all over Uruguay as well as from abroad.


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Coordinates: 33°16′49″S 53°52′04″W / 33.28028°S 53.86778°W / -33.28028; -53.86778


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