Country file · South America

Cryptids of Uruguay

What cryptids are in Uruguay? The best-known is Luz Mala.

Uruguay’s rural legends come from gaucho life on the open grasslands. The luz mala, a glowing ball of light above the ground, is said to be a soul seeking its grave or a marker of buried treasure, and is shared with Argentina.

  • 1 cryptid

Cryptids reported in Uruguay

Spectral · Oral tradition

Luz Mala

Countryside of Uruguay and Argentina A glowing ball of ‘evil light’ floating above the ground in rural Uruguay and Argentina, said to be a soul seeking a grave or marking buried treasure. Folklore

The legends of Uruguay

Scientists link it to gases or phosphorescence from decaying matter; the stories are told in the countryside and in school books.

Hotspots

  • The countryside

    Open fields at night are the classic setting of the luz mala.

Nearby

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