The Absolute Best Places To Visit In Uruguay

Sandwiched between its much larger and more famous neighbours Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay can be easy to overlook. But after jumping a boat form Argentina and spending a month road tripping around the country in a hire car, we can tell you from first hand experience, that the places to visit in Uruguay that we're going to talk about here are more than worth the detour.

We covered everything from the cool capital Montevideo to wild sand dunes, thermal springs, wine country and one of the most remote communities we have encountered anywhere in South America. All of which were packed with far more diversity, character and natural beauty than we expected.

This guide covers every destination we visited, with honest impressions, practical advice and recommendations on where to stay.

Jump to:

• Best Places To Visit In Uruguay
• Is Uruguay Worth Visiting?
• Getting To Uruguay
• Getting Around Uruguay
• Tips For Driving In Uruguay
• Best Time to Visit Uruguay
• Uruguay Travel Essentials
• Is Uruguay Safe?
• Top Destinations in Uruguay
• Montevideo
• Colonia del Sacramento
• Punta del Este
• La Pedrera
• Cabo Polonio
• Barra de Valizas
• Punta Del Diablo
• Chuy
• San Gregorio de Polanco
• Termas del Daymán
• Salto
• Carmelo
• Uruguay Travel FAQ's:

Best Places To Visit In Uruguay

Is Uruguay Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, and here's why it tends to surprise people. Uruguay is one of the most progressive, stable and safe countries in South America. It was one of the first countries in the world to legalise same sex marriage, abortion and personal cannabis use. And it consistently ranks among the most peaceful nations on the continent.

Despite sharing a love of mate and tango with neighbouring Argentina, Uruguay has its own distinct culture and identity. From its seriously cool capital city to its wild Atlantic beaches, deeply traditional small towns and vast lagoons, it varies enormously from one region to the next.

If you're a keen and curious traveller, Uruguay simply has to be on your South America itinerary.

Getting To Uruguay

Most international visitors arrive by plane into Montevideo, or by ferry from Buenos Aires in Argentina. The ferry crossing is one of the most popular ways to enter the country and is a trip in itself.

We have a dedicated guide that covers everything you need to know about the ferry crossing from Argentina: How to Get A Ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay. Alternatively, you can just skip straight to booking a ferry crossing here.

Getting Around Uruguay

Uruguay has a reliable and affordable bus network that connects all of the major destinations in this guide. So if you are travelling on a budget or just prefer not to drive, you will be able to get around perfectly well by bus.

That said, hiring a car is by far the best way to explore the country at your own pace, particularly if you want to reach some of the more remote places to visit in Uruguay such as Cabo Polonio, San Gregorio de Polanco or the wine region around Carmelo. We hired a car for our entire month in Uruguay and it transformed the trip.

To find the best deal we use DiscoverCars, a comparison site that pulls together prices from local and international rental agencies in one place. It’s quick, straightforward, and the agency reviews are all there to help you make an informed decision. Highly recommended.

Tips For Driving In Uruguay

Uruguay has a zero tolerance policy on drink driving. So if you plan to visit wineries in Carmelo or enjoy a beer in one of the coastal towns, make sure you're not driving afterwards.

The road quality is generally very good between major cities but can deteriorate significantly on secondary routes, particularly in the more rural areas. But we managed fine with standard car for our Uruguay road trip - just be prepared for some unpaved sections. Fuel stations can be sparse in some of the more remote areas, so our advice is to fill up when you can.

When driving in some of the national park areas, you will need to transfer to a licensed vehicle, as is the case in Cabo Polonio. There are strict restrictions for natural habitat preservation so you cannot simply drive in with your own or hired vehicle.

To rent a car in Uruguay, some rental companies may require drivers to be 23 or older. But you can use a valid driving licence from their home country, provided you have held it for the minimum time required by the specific rental agency which is usually 1-2 years. You don't need an international drivers licence. Our UK licences were accepted just fine.

Hire a car for your Uruguay road trip here.

Best Time to Visit Uruguay

The best time to visit Uruguay is during the summer months from November through to February. This is when the coastal towns and beach resorts are in full swing, the weather is warm and the country is at its most vibrant.

Bear in mind however that this is also peak season. So accommodation fills up quickly in popular spots like Punta del Este, Cabo Polonio and Punta del Diablo. Our advice from personal experience is to book ahead if you are visiting between December and January in particular.

Many of the smaller coastal towns close down significantly or even all together over autumn and especially over winter. So if you are planning an off season trip, it's best to stick to Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento and the inland destinations which remain open year round.

Uruguay Travel Essentials

Travel insurance: Do not travel to Uruguay without cover in place. We recommend Hey Mondo for independent travellers heading to anywhere in South America. Their policies are flexible, well suited to longer trips and in case you forget can even be purchased after you left on your trip.

Connectivity: Uruguay has good mobile coverage in cities and towns. Picking up a local SIM on arrival is straightforward, or you can set up a Holafly eSIM before you leave home to avoid any hassle on arrival. Which is what we do.

Is Uruguay Safe?

Uruguay is one of the safest countries in South America and consistently ranks high on the global peace index. We travelled for a month as a mixed race couple and felt comfortable throughout, including in Montevideo and the more remote destinations.

Petty crime of course does happen, particularly in busier urban areas, so the usual common sense applies. Keep an eye on your belongings, be mindful when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Beyond that, Uruguay is a genuinely one of the most relaxed and welcoming countries we've travelled in.

Top Destinations in Uruguay

Here are all the places to visit in Uruguay that we covered on our road trip, from north to south and coast to coast. All of these destinations can also be reached by bus if you are not hiring a car as we did with DiscoverCars.

Montevideo

If you are flying into Uruguay, Montevideo will almost certainly be your first stop. Plan at least two to three days here. More than half of the country's entire population lives in the capital, and there is far more to explore than first impressions suggest.

We have spent a lot of time in Montevideo across multiple visits and have a full destination guide covering it in depth. But here are the highlights that make it one of the unmissable places to visit in Uruguay.

Read Next: Montevideo Travel Guide

Top Things to Do in Montevideo

Montevideo Walking Tour

Hands down our top recommended things to do in Montevideo is the Curioso Free Walking Tour. Hosted by local residents, it's the best why to learn about Uruguay's complicated history in it is genuinely entertaining as well as informative. Honestly if you only do one thing while in Montevideo - make it this.

Alternatively, if you don't fancy walking, there are electric bike tours and also private custom tour options available.

Espacio de Arte Contemporaneo

Another of our favourite attractions in Montevideo is the Espacio de Arte Contemporaneo, a cultural space with art exhibitions. It's set inside a former derelict prison and is as fascinating architecturally as it is artistically with each cell housing the work of a different artist. What's more, wntry is free and the outside walls are also covered in really awesome street art too.

Opening times are Wednesday to Saturday 1pm - 7pm and Sunday 11am - 5pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Plaza Independencia

Plaza Independencia is the political and symbolic heart of Montevideo. The statue of General Artigas at its centre marks the man who led the revolution that brought Uruguay its independence.

His mausoleum sits directly beneath and is free to visit. The Palacio Salvo building and nearby Teatro Solis are also both worth a look in our opinion.

Parque Rodó

A central and well used hangout spot, Parque Rodó is one of the greenest areas of the city. If your feet are tired from exploring, head here and chill under the shade of the huge palm trees. Or take to the water on a peddle boat.

There’s also a huge market here on a Sunday that we love too, selling everything from fruit and veg to clothes and mate cups.

The Rambla & Beaches

Another popular thing to do in Montevideo is to take a walk along the massive rambla. It’s over 22km in length, making it the longest continuous sidewalk in the world so you may not want to walk it all!

There’s also some pretty nice beaches. The most central ones are Playa Rameriz, right next to Parque Rodó, or a little further along Playa Pocitos. There's lots of spots along here that are favourites of ours at sunset especially.

Where to Stay in Montevideo

Montevideo offers a variety of neighbourhoods to suit different travel styles. Pocitos is popular area thanks to its beach, restaurants and central location, while Punta Carretas has a slightly more upmarket vibe. Ciudad Vieja is ideal for history lovers, and Cordón offers a more local feel.

For most visitors, Pocitos or Punta Carretas are the best places to stay and our top pick around there for a really lovely, but also reasonably priced stay, is the Cala di Volpe Boutique Hotel with it's waterfront views.

Check here for availability, prices and photos.

For more recommendations check our dedicated Montevideo accommodation guide for a full breakdown of the best hotels and hostels across all budgets and all neighbourhoods.

Read Next: Where To Stay In Montevideo.

Colonia del Sacramento

We are going slightly out of geographical order here because on this particular road trip it was our final stop before crossing back into Argentina, and it was a fitting way to end the journey. But Colonia deserves to be near the top of any list of places to visit in Uruguay. It is one of the most beautiful towns we have visited anywhere in South America and we've returned many times.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, Colonia del Sacramento was originally a Portuguese settlement built around a deep natural port. It changed hands between Spanish and Portuguese rulers several times before Uruguay won independence and the history is written all over its architecture.

It's a popular day trip from Buenos Aires, with the ferry taking just over an hour. But it is also a wonderful place to spend a couple of days, wandering the cobbled streets and relaxing on the beach.

If you are just visiting Colonia from Buenos Aires for the day and prefer everything organised for you, this tour with Get Your Guide has the best reviews.

Top Things to Do in Colonia del Sacramento

The Barrio Historico (Historic Centre) is where you will want to spend most of your time. Cobbled streets, crumbling colonial architecture and vintage cars parked outside pastel coloured houses. Do not miss the Street of Sighs (Calle de los Suspiros), the City Gate (Porton de Campo) and the lighthouse (Faro), which you can climb for a small fee for some lovely views.

If you fancy learning about the history in more depth, this is an excellent walking tour you can book through Get Your Guide.

Renting bikes and heading along the colourfully decorated Rambla is a great way to explore further afield. You will find San Benito Chapel and the old bullfighting ring up that way, plus DIY barbecue spots along the beach if you fancy a cook up.

The sunsets over Colonia harbour are genuinely spectacular. Top tip from us - find a spot on the wall and watch the show. Then afterwards, head to Barbot for a craft beer. If you happen to be there on a Thursday, there's half price beers from 8pm until 10pm.

Where to Stay in Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia is a compact town and most of the accommodation is within easy walking distance of the Barrio Historico, so location is rarely an issue. The old town area is the most atmospheric place to base yourself, though staying slightly outside gives you a quieter, more residential feel.

Because Colonia is relatively small and very popular for weekend trips from Buenos Aires just across the water, the best hotels tend to get booked up quickly in peak season so it is always best to plan as far ahead as you can when it comes to accommodation.

Our top pick is Don Antonio Posada, a charming and characterful property that fits the spirit of Colonia perfectly.

Check here for availability, prices and photos.

Punta del Este

Being completely upfront here, Uruguay's most famous beach resort is not really our scene, but it is not hard to see why it draws the crowds. The playground of Argentine and Brazilian high society, Punta del Este has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country alongside a glamorous nightlife scene that is unrivalled anywhere in Uruguay.

Even if you are not here for the VIP experience, there is plenty to enjoy. The beaches are gorgeous, the port area is atmospheric and there are some genuinely interesting things to do beyond the party circuit.

Top Things to Do in Punta del Este

The Hand Sculpture on Brava beach is one of the most photographed sights in all of Uruguay. A giant hand reaching out of the sand, it appears in virtually every Uruguay travel guide for good reason. You need to get there early in summer if you want a clear shot without a crowd in it.

The port promenade is worth a stroll at any time of day. Boat trips run from here to sea lion island and for whale watching, making it one of the more unusual places to visit in Uruguay for wildlife. You will have book those locally.

The La Barra Bridge is designed to resemble waves and is a striking piece of engineering. The area around it, particularly La Posta del Cangrejo and Montoya, is where the serious surfers head.

Bikini Beach is the place to go for sunset views over a meal at the best restaurants in town. This part of Punta del Este is the playground of Brazilian millionaires and Argentina's high society so if you're going - get your glad rags on.

Where to Stay in Punta del Este

Our top pick in Punta del Este is Hotel Milano. Right next to Emir Beach and close to the Craft Fair so has a great location and consistently gets great reviews without breaking the bank - which is no mean feat in one of South America's priciest resorts. WiFi, air conditioning and breakfast are all included, large windows make the rooms bright and airy, and there's even a garden with a pool and a shaded terrace to relax on when you are not at the beach.

Check here for availability, prices and photos.

La Pedrera

La Pedrera sits on the eastern stretch of Uruguay's coastline in the Rocha department, and this part of the country is simply the most beautiful. We only stayed one night and wished we had booked longer.

Things To Do In Pedrera

It has enough bars and restaurants to keep you well fed and entertained, but the beaches are so vast that finding a secluded spot is never a problem. The ancient rock formations scattered among the sand create natural jacuzzi pools that are brilliant for relaxing in while the waves crash around you.

Laguna Rocha is a short distance away and worth the detour. A biodiverse lagoon separated from the sea by just a sandbar, it was recently designated a protected nature reserve and is home to numerous migratory bird species including the endangered Chilean Flamingo.

We also stumbled across Valle de Luna completely by chance, heading past Punta Rubia and down one of the dirt tracks toward Playa Santa Isabel. It looks like a dried up river bed and the landscape is unlike anything else we saw in Uruguay. Totally worth seeking out if you travelling Uruguay with a car.

Where To Stay In La Pedrera

We stayed at Posada Irsis which was the perfect location because it's really close to the beach but also walking distance into La Pedrera town. Our room had a little balconies overlooking the beautiful garden, the WiFi was decent and there was private parking and a delicious fresh breakfast included as standard in the price.

Click here to check availability and prices.

Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio is one of the most extraordinary places to visit in Uruguay and at the complete opposite end of the spectrum compared to glitzy Punta del Este. Cut off from mainstream access by a protected national park, you’ll need to jump onboard one of the licensed jeeps that will take you over the wild sand dunes to get in.

There are no roads, no running water, no main electricity (other than to the lighthouse) and after sundown you’ll need a torch to find your way around. It’s mad and weird and we loved it.

Top Things to Do in Cabo Polonio

Stargazing here is genuinely world class. With no light pollution beyond the odd campfire, the night sky is extraordinary. If you have never seen the Milky Way properly, you will here.

The sea lion colonies at the tip of Cabo Polonio are fascinating. You'll likely hear the barking before hundreds of them hauled out on the rocks come into view. We also spotted what we were completely convinced was a killer whale bobbing around in the bay while we were watching.

The lighthouse has an interesting history, having once served as a school to teach the children of isolated local fishermen to read and write. You can climb to the top for views over the bay. Over summer it's open 10am - 1pm then 3pm - sunset.

Wandering around and taking in the unusual structures is an experience in itself. Around 90 people live here permanently outside of tourist season, so be respectful of the fact that many of these buildings are people's actual homes.

Where to Stay in Cabo Polonio

We stayed in a private room at Lobo Hostel Bar, which like most places to stay in Cabo Polonio has a completely unique vibe you will not find anywhere else in Uruguay. Think communal shared meals and evening campfire gatherings on the beach. It was wild and wonderful in equal measure.

Just bear in mind that all accommodation in Cabo Polonio is rustic by definition. Do not come expecting comfort in the conventional sense, that is simply not what Cabo Polonio is about.

Check here for availability, prices and photos.

Barra de Valizas

If Cabo Polonio feels a little too off grid, Barra de Valizas is a gentler alternative nearby. It has electricity and wifi, but it retains a wonderfully rustic, bohemian feel. Expect dirt roads, wooden beach shacks and a laid back atmosphere that makes it one of the more underrated places to visit in Uruguay.

Things To Do In Barra de Valizas

The main draw for many people is the hike across the sand dunes to Cabo Polonio, a 20km round trip that takes around two to three hours each way. We did this last time we were there and it is hard going at times but also so much fun and so worth it.

You need to cross a small river by boat at the start of the trek, they run 8am-8pm. And there's sandboards available to rent from the guys at the crossing - which let me tell you saves a lot of energy on the way down the dunes. Make sure you also take plenty of water with you because it can get seriously hot and there's just nothing around.

Other than that, the beach in Barra de Valises is great for swimming and vendors pass by throughout the day selling food. Try the churros filled with dulce de leche - they are so good.

There's also a small cute artisanal market in the evenings along the main street selling jewellery, mate gourds and souvenirs. Definitely worth a peak if you want to pick up some reminders to take home of your trip to Uruguay.

Where to Stay in Barra de Valizas

The place we stay at was called Luna and Zoe and we loved it. It was right on the beach right on the beach, it had a little garden, a terrace and BBQ facilities.

There was a decent buffet breakfast in the morning and free parking available which is always a bonus. What's also great about this place is that you can choose from more basic dorm rooms or private rooms with a small kitchen and sea view balcony.

Click here to check availability, prices and photos.

Punta Del Diablo

Despite growing in popularity and attracting more development in recent years, Punta del Diablo is still managing to hold onto its rough and ready charm. We have been twice in recent years and it consistently features among our favourite places to visit in Uruguay.

Things To Do In Punta del Diablo

The beaches are long, wide and wild and picking the right spot is genuinely the hardest decision you will have to make here.

If you’re a keen surfer, this beach town in Uruguay is going to be right up your street. And I say keen, because the waves here are humongous. There’s some quieter bays for learner lessons but mainly expect some serious swells. Punta del Diablo translates as Devil's Point, which tells you everything you need to know about the surf conditions.

Santa Teresa National Park is a short distance away for those who want to get out into nature. There is a fort to visit and some lovely beaches and viewpoints, though it is more of a camping destination than a serious hiking spot as most of it is along roads.

Where To Stay In Punta Del Diablo

Our favourite place: El Diablo y el Mar. And there's a few reasons for this. The place is properly gorgeous, it's just a short walk to the beach and has a swimming pool. But moreover it has a range of rooms/small apartments that caters for all travel styles. The breakfast is great, there's free parking and pretty reliable WiFi to boot.

Click here to check photos, availability and prices.

Chuy

Chuy is one of the more unusual places to visit in Uruguay, and arguably the most curious entry on this list. The town sits exactly on the border with Brazil, meaning you can literally walk across the street from one country into the other.

There is not a great deal going on here in terms of sightseeing, and we would not recommend staying overnight. We felt the town has a slightly sketchy feel after dark. But as a stop on a longer road trip it makes for an interesting experience, and the tax free shopping makes it popular with people stocking up on cheap electronics, food and drink.

And if you are crossing into Brazil, it's a straightforward border crossing.

One practical note though: buses on Sundays run just once and very early. The first time we came here, we were travelling by bus, missed it and ended up having to book into a minute rather dodgy hotel and spend an unplanned night - which was not the highlight of the trip.

We'd have stayed another night in Punta del Diablo if we'd known. So do check the schedule carefully if you are planning to cross on a Sunday - to better still choose another day.

San Gregorio de Polanco

If you want to experience Uruguay away from the tourist trail, San Gregorio de Polanco is a genuine hidden gem and one of our absolute favourite places to visit in Uruguay. It has a proper old town feel, in parts completely frozen in time, and the residents could not have been more welcoming.

One practical note: you need a car to get to San Gregorio de Polanco. And if you are driving here from the coast, the route involves boarding a small ferry crossing, which adds a fun extra dimension to the journey.

Things To Do In San Gregorio de Polanco

Self Guided Street Art Tour

Since 1993 the town has been known as the Open Museum of Visual Arts in Latin America, with over a hundred murals and sculptures covering its streets, buildings and even pavements. Pick up a map from your accommodation and walk one of the self guided routes. It is genuinely brilliant. And if you get hungry while exploring, grab yourself a torta frita from the main square.

Then after a day exploring the street art and sculptures settle in for sunset at Cerveceria el Peregrino. It serves local artisanal beers and excellent pizzas. And makes for one of those simple, perfect travel moments.

Explore the Lagoon

The small town sits on the edge of the enormous Rincon del Bonete Lagoon. Standing on its shores, the water stretches so far into the distance it almost looks like the sea. The beaches are beautiful, the water is clear and great for swimming, and if you have extra time here, heading out on the lagoon by kayak or fishing boat is a truly wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Where to stay in San Gregorio de Polanco

One important thing to note about accommodation in San Gregorio de Polanco is there isn't a lot of it, which means that depending on when you book it can be on the more expensive side compared to other places in Uruguay that more more options.

The place we stayed at when we visited unfortunately no longer exists, but I've heard really good things about Bali Hotel Boutique. Two really great things about it is that they have free bikes for you to use and there's a lovely outdoor pool.

Click here to check availability and prices.

Termas del Daymán

A tourist town that has grown up entirely around Uruguay's most popular thermal springs, there is really only one reason to come to Termas del Dayman. But it is a very good one.

The municipal thermal springs are open daily and once you are in the water, relaxation is pretty much guaranteed. We found a quiet corner of one of the pools, opened a book and barely moved for hours. The facilities are well managed and spotless. It does get busy, particularly with families, so arrive early if you prefer a more peaceful experience.

The food available is average but reasonably priced. Be sure to bring a padlock for the lockers.

There are both public pools and private options that form part of upmarket spa hotels in the area. If you are treating yourself, this spa hotel option is worth considering.

Where To Stay in Termas del Daymán

Our top pick: Complejo Containers DF. An unusual but very comfortable setup, and where we stayed on our Uruguay road trip stop off. The containers accommodate up to four people and there is plenty of space. The kitchen is small but well equipped and there is a BBQ outside. It is air conditioned though there is no wifi.

Click here to see more photos, check availability and prices.

Salto

Just a few miles from Termas del Dayman, Salto is a busy city dating back to 1756 that borders the Uruguay River and Argentina. It is not a major tourist destination in its own right but it is a pleasant place to spend a few hours and has some beautiful architecture and pretty squares that reward a wander.

If you are staying in Salto rather than Termas del Dayman and haven't hired a car, regular local buses run between the two, making it a convenient base for the thermal springs without having to stay right in the tourist town itself.

Where to Stay in Salto

Whilst there are a couple of hotels in Salto, one of the nice this about staying for a night or few is that there are quite a few lovely little apartments. This one called Salto Chico Apart. is one of our favourites. It's compact but modern, super central and always gets great reviews.

Click here to see photos, availability and prices.

Carmelo

Uruguay's answer to Tuscany or Provence, Carmelo is a quaint and unhurried corner of the country surrounded by vineyards and gaucho country. The preferred modes of transport here are horseback and bicycle, which tells you everything about the pace of life.

Carmelo is the heartland of Tannat, the grape variety that has become increasingly celebrated worldwide and is now considered Uruguay's signature wine. The wineries here are small, characterful and oh so worth visiting.

It is also worth noting that Carmelo is easily reachable as a day trip from Colonia del Sacramento if you do not want to add it as an overnight stop. Wine tasting day tours run regularly between the two. This one through Get Your Guide has good reviews.

Top Things to Do in Carmelo

Winery tours are the main event. Email ahead to book a tasting session, hire a bike and make your way around. Bear Uruguay's zero tolerance drink driving policy firmly in mind if you have a hire car. If you would rather leave the logistics to someone else, guided tours can arrange everything for you. If you are staying in Carmelo these are best arranged locally through your hotel

Horse riding through the surrounding countryside is a wonderful alternative way to explore. The greenery and open space around Carmelo is some of the most beautiful pastoral landscape in Uruguay. You will feel like you have stepped back in time playing gaucho for the day.

Where to Stay in Carmelo

For a full on treat, staying at one of Carmelo's wine lodges is highly recommended. It was out of our budget when we were there but we've heard that waking up surrounded by vineyards is a particular kind of magic. And the luxury Narbona Wine Lodge is one of the best - click here for availability and prices.

Our top pick: Mykonos Carmelo. This small homely complex is ideal for those who value peace and quiet. The large garden has a pool and plenty of spaces to relax with hammocks and sun loungers. It is just a few minutes walk to the beach and 15 minutes into town. There is a shared kitchen, breakfast provided and parking on site.

Click here to check availability and prices.

From Carmelo you're then just a short drive to Colonia del Sacramento or not far from Montevideo either.

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Uruguay consistently surprises the travellers who make the effort to go. It does not have the drama of Patagonia, the mystique of the Amazon or the party reputation of Rio, but it offers something rarer: a sense of authenticity, safety and genuine warmth that makes it one of the most enjoyable places we have travelled in South America.

Whether you are road tripping the entire country like we did or spending just a few days on your way between Argentina and Brazil, the places to visit in Uruguay will stay with you long after you leave.

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Uruguay Travel FAQ's:

What are the best places to visit in Uruguay?

The most celebrated places to visit in Uruguay are the capital Montevideo, the historic port of Colonia del Sacramento and the beach resort of Punta del Este. But some of the most memorable destinations are the lesser known ones: Cabo Polonio, San Gregorio de Polanco and the wine country around Carmelo all offer something genuinely special.

Is Uruguay good for tourists?

Yes. Uruguay ranks among the most peaceful countries in South America and we travelled for a month as a mixed race couplewithout any issues. Petty crime happens in busier areas so keep your belongings close, but overall it is a very safe and welcoming place to travel.

Is Uruguay a good place for a holiday?

With such a rich history, captivating culture and gorgeous beaches, there's so much to see in Uruguay. But it's also a super chill and laid back country to explore at whatever pace you choose.

Do I need a car to visit Uruguay?

Not necessarily. Most of the destinations in this guide can be reached by bus. However, having a hire car significantly opens up your options, particularly for Cabo Polonio, San Gregorio de Polanco and the wine region around Carmelo. If your budget allows, we would strongly recommend it.

What is the best month to visit Uruguay?

The best time to visit Uruguay is over the summer months between November to February. Many of the coastal towns and resorts are closed down over autumn and especially over winter.

Is Uruguay Very Expensive?

Uruguay has the highest living costs of any Latin American country. However it is still generally over 20% cheaper than the United States. Processed food costs are high because they are heavily taxed.

How do I get to Uruguay from Argentina?

The most popular way to travel between Argentina and Uruguay is by ferry. Crossings run from Buenos Aires to both Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento. See our dedicated ferry guide for everything you need to know.

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