Richard Bannister

Parque Rodó is a large public park located near the centre of Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay. Within its grounds are two small concessions operating amusement rides. These locations are about five minutes walk from each other and not on a line of sight, to the point that enthusiasts could easily miss one set were they not careful. Opening times appear to be variable depending on the time of year and the number of potential guests, but for today at least the area aimed at children opened in mid-afternoon, and the area aimed at teenagers opened in the evening.

We'd originally intended to visit this park yesterday, but a three hour flight delay (thanks Pluna!) resulted in us arriving in the city well after midnight, by which stage the only thing we wanted to do was sleep. I've alluded to this already in a previous trip report, but it's worth repeating; of the thirteen flights we took within South America on this trip, eleven of them were late; two by more than three hours, and a further seven by more than one hour. Anyone attempting to travel this part of the world should assume that published timetables are works of fiction.

Montaña Rusa (#1730) is a standard Galaxi which also happens to be the biggest coaster in Uruguay. There are also a handful of other rides of interest, including a Pirate Ship, a Haunted House, and two Tagadas.

The largest ride in the children's area is Gusanito Manzana (#1729), a surprisingly lively family coaster that completes three laps of the short course per ride. It is nested in a corner and surrounded by trees, which serve to emphasise the feeling of speed.