Puerto Ceibo Beach

Puerto Ceibo is about 5 km east of Monte Caseros, along a dirt road. It’s a quiet place, perfect for spending the day, camping, fishing from the shore, or enjoying water sports. Swimming is not allowed, but it’s a great spot to relax in nature.

Puerto Ceibo: the old port of Monte Caseros

History and trade

Puerto Ceibo was very important for Monte Caseros in its early years. Boats arrived with people and goods, and local products were shipped to other cities.

By the mid-1800s, a customs post was already operating. This meant the government controlled what entered and left. This helped Monte Caseros grow economically.

In 1858, regular river navigation began on the Uruguay River. The first boat was the steamer “Uruguay.” Later came others like “Estela,” “Federación,” “Expreso Itaquí,” “Neptuno,” “Iberá,” “Mensajero,” and “Cuñataí.”

Shipyards were also built to make and repair boats. Some vessels, like the “Iberá” and “El Mensajero,” were built in Monte Caseros and helped connect the region to northern cities.

The port and the train

In 1875, the train arrived in Monte Caseros. Three years later, in 1878, a secondary railway line was built between the station and Puerto Ceibo. This improved transport for goods and passengers.

The port had a dock for boats up to 30 meters long. It was one of the few places ready to receive such vessels at the time.

A busy place

Puerto Ceibo was full of activity. Boats, trains, and trade created many jobs for the people. In 1895, the port had 855 residents, while Monte Caseros had 2,500.

However, many locals feared that the port would make the town less important. In 1879, an official meeting showed that most people opposed the new railway to the port.

A tragedy on the river

On January 12, 1890, a storm sank the steamer “Iberá” near the port. The captain, James Carroll and Mac Kenna, saved the whole crew but drowned. He was buried in Monte Caseros. Today, a street in the Centenario neighborhood bears his name.

The end of the port

River transport stopped in 1895. One reason was the growth of the railway, which already linked Monte Caseros to Buenos Aires. A rail extension to the port was planned, but canceled due to the high cost of bridges.

As Puerto Ceibo grew, Monte Caseros started to lose importance. Only farming kept the local economy alive.

What remains today

Today, only memories remain. Some old structures can still be seen: warehouses, docks, and the old cattle ramp used to move livestock to Uruguay. It’s a place full of history.