The landscape receives in the department of Lavalleja a protagonist role. The mountainous areas flood the surroundings giving to the department a peculiar appearance. Cerro Arequita -Arequita Hill-, located 11 km to the north of Minas, is shown to the valley of the Santa Lucia river with its stone walls. About 500 meters before arriving at the hill the island of Ombúes is located, and is from there that sets out to make a stroll on foot. During the long walk the second important grouping of ombúes but of our territory is visited, the peculiar Gruta de Colón -grotto of Columbus- and the own hill. To borders of the Santa Lucia river a previous pause considers to undertake the return. Cerro Arequita and the Gruta de Colón can be visited Saturdays, Sundays and holidays of 10,00 to 18,00 hours. Starting off of Minas city, the avenue Gral. Flores is taken towards the north course to the Cerro Arequita. As one advances, the suburban zone of the city is crossed. From the Avenue Minas can be seen behind and the hills of the surroundings and, to the front, for the first time, the magical Cerro Arequita. A kilometer after crossing a narrow bridge, a poster indicates, towards the right, the entrance to the Island of Ombúes. Around 500 meters but ahead the long walk begins. The call Island of Ombués is in fact a natural forest conformed by these amazing trees. The ombú rarely is in groupings, reason why this one joint one happens to be the second in importance of our territory. Native species of South America also is founded in Argentina and Brazil. Its wood is little consistent and it does not serve for firewood. November and December are the months of flowering, being those the ideal moments for the visit.

After crossing a fencing short steep incline begins and these precious trees with trunks of more can immediately be seen than 1 meter of diametro. As well, the leafy glasses provide a friendly one and is enough shade.
After observing, to feel and to admire its corpulency, are continued by the ballast way. To 300 meters of the island of ombúes is the entrance to the Arequita Hill and its called Gruta de Colón. This stone hill is an archaeological curiosity of 230 meters of height and it rises to few meters of the east of the Santa Lucia river.

Its name is of guaraní origin, and means river of the high stone cave. With the guide of someone who knows the place it is possible to scale it successfully. In order to visit the grotto that is on the foot of the hill it is necessary to cross a dense vegetation. On this geologic phenomenon they turn innumerable histories. It is recomended to visit it.

Continuing by the winding pebble way Cerro del Cuervo -the Hill of the Crow- is seen. This she is one talks back of the Arequita, but of so large minor , and one is to the other side of the Santa Lucia River. The mountain landscape is truely enjoyable, breathing a pure air. The way is high and mighty and around 15 minutes later it is arrived at borders of the river. There one sets out to rest and, who animates itself will be able to refresh itself in his clean waters. The Santa Lucia is born few kilometers river arrives, in northeast direction in Cuchilla Grande -the Great blade-. The native trees of the surroundings offer shade to the traveller, who must respect the natural atmosphere. If it is observed with attention it will be able to contemplate to a great diversity of native flora and an ample variety of birds in his natural habitat.
After making this one pause the return begins to culminate the stroll. The way leads to the private camping Laguna de los Cuervos -Lagoon of the Crows-. If it is desired to spend the night in the zone, the pleasant Municipal Camping can be decided on this one camping or Arequita Park, its entrance is located ahead to a kilometer but, by the same avenue by which it is acceded to the hill.