URUGUAY

Nestled between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is a small but mighty South American nation. Its rich history of progressive policies, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant culture shaped by European influences make it a captivating destination.

Region: Southeastern South America

Capital: Montevideo

Official Language: Spanish

Level of Travel Safety: Uruguay is generally considered safe, with a low risk of violent crime. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas and major cities. Be aware of your surroundings.

A map of North and South America, with Uruguay highlighted in green.

Why Visit Uruguay?

Pristine Beaches: From Punta del Este’s glamour to Cabo Polonio’s wild dunes.

Old-World Charm: Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja (Old City) and colonial history.

Gaucho Culture: Experience rural life at estancias (ranches).

A panoramic view of a Punta del Este at sunset, with a vibrant orange and pink sky.

Wine & Food: World-class Tannat wine and asado (Uruguayan BBQ).

Safety & Stability: Safest country in Latin America.

Eco-Tourism: Spot sea lions in Cabo Polonio or whales in Punta del Este.

A rolling landscape of green hills and fields under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Essential Trip Information

Uruguay has lenient entry requirements for most nationalities. Check official visa rules here.

Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay (no six-month rule for most tourists).

Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel and sufficient funds (no strict minimum).

No visa fees for tourists from the U.S., EU, Canada, Australia, and many others (90-day stay).

Uruguay uses the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). Bills: 50–2,000. Coins: 1–20.

Best Ways to Handle Currency:

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount; ATMs offer better rates.
  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs (Banco República, Itaú). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, but carry $20–50 in cash for rural areas.
  • What to Avoid: Airport exchange kiosks (high fees); always choose UYU over USD for transactions.

Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas.

Helpful phrases: “Hola,” “Gracias,” “¿Dónde está…?”

Very safe by Latin American standards, but watch for pickpockets in Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja.

Emergency number: 911 (same as U.S.).

No special vaccinations required.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Pharmacies (Farmacia) are widely available.

Buses: Efficient and cheap; long-distance buses (e.g., COT, Tres Cruces) connect major cities.

Walking/Biking: Montevideo and coastal towns are pedestrian-friendly.

Taxis/Ride-sharing: Uber operates in Montevideo and Punta del Este.

Uruguay is moderate to expensive (similar to parts of Europe).

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Hostels ($20–50/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels ($80–150/night)

  • Luxury: 4-5 star hotels ($200+/night)

Food:

  • Quick eats: Chivito (sandwich) 8–12, pizza $10–15

  • Casual dining: $15–30/person

  • Fine dining: $50+/person

Drinks:

  • Beer: $3–6 (bars), $1–2 (supermarkets)

  • Mate (traditional tea): Free if you bring your own gourd!

  • Wine: $10–20/bottle (Uruguay’s Tannat is a must-try).

Transportation:

  • Buses: $1–3/ride (Montevideo’s STM card recommended).

  • Taxis/Uber: $10–20 for short trips.

  • Rental cars: $30–50/day (useful for exploring coastlines).

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Visit free public beaches (e.g., Pocitos, Punta del Este).

  • Dine at mercados (markets) for affordable meals.

  • Travel off-season (April–November) for lower prices.

Explore Uruguay

Uruguay’s capital and largest city, located on the Rio de la Plata. It’s a vibrant port city with a rich history, known for its beautiful Old Town, impressive architecture, and the scenic coastal promenade, the Rambla.

A glamorous coastal resort town, often called the “St. Tropez of South America.” Situated on the southeastern coast, it boasts stunning beaches, a lively nightlife, upscale restaurants, and iconic landmarks like “La Mano” sculpture.

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its charming historic quarter and cobblestone streets. Located on the Rio de la Plata, west of Montevideo, it offers a glimpse into colonial times with its well-preserved architecture and picturesque waterfront.

A unique, off-the-grid coastal village accessible only by 4×4 vehicles or on foot through sand dunes. Found in the Rocha Department on the Atlantic coast, it’s famous for its lighthouse, sea lion colony, and a bohemian, rustic atmosphere.

A laid-back, bohemian beach town on the Atlantic coast in the Rocha Department. It’s popular with surfers and backpackers, offering a relaxed vibe, colorful houses, and beautiful, untamed beaches.

An exclusive and chic fishing village turned high-end resort, located just east of Punta del Este. It’s renowned for its gourmet dining, pristine beaches, and a sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere that attracts a discerning crowd.

A popular surf town in the Rocha Department, known for its two crescent-shaped beaches and a vibrant, youthful energy during the summer. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with good waves and a charming town center.

A city in northwestern Uruguay, along the Uruguay River, famous for its natural thermal hot springs. It’s a popular destination for relaxation and wellness, with various resorts offering mineral-rich waters.

Uruguay’s first seaside resort town, nestled between hills and the Atlantic Ocean in the Maldonado Department. It features a charming promenade, a historic casino, and beautiful views from its surrounding hills.

A vast coastal park in the Rocha Department, offering pristine beaches, lush forests, and a historic fortress. It’s a popular camping destination, providing a unique blend of nature and history on the Atlantic coast.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Cozy Atmosphere
  • Wine Tourism Opportunities

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cooler Temperatures (Avg. 50-60ºF / 10-16ºC)
  • Higher Humidity
  • Limited Beach Activities
  • Some coastal businesses may have reduced hours

Key Regions:

  • Montevideo: Ideal for cultural exploration, museums, and gastronomy without the summer bustle.
  • Thermal Hot Springs (Salto & Paysandú): Perfect for warm, relaxing indoor activities in the northwest.
  • Colonia del Sacramento: Enjoy the historic quarter’s charm in a quiet, intimate setting on the Rio de la Plata.
  • Wine Regions (Canelones, Maldonado): Experience vineyards and tastings during their quieter period.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (Avg. 60-75ºF / 16-24ºC)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events (especially during Carnival in Feb/March)
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Mild temperatures (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (can have some rainy days)
  • Beach towns might not be fully operational until late Spring
  • Autumn can see some increased tourist activity after summer

Key Regions:

  • Montevideo: Excellent for walking the Rambla and exploring the city’s neighborhoods in pleasant weather.
  • Colonia del Sacramento: Enjoy outdoor activities and the historic charm with comfortable temperatures.
  • Punta del Este & Coastal Resorts: Start to awaken (Spring) or wind down (Autumn), offering a more relaxed beach experience.
  • Rocha Department (Cabo Polonio, Punta del Diablo): Experience the wilder coast before or after the peak crowds.
  • Rural Countryside: Perfect for exploring estancias (ranches) and experiencing traditional Uruguayan life.
  • Mid-Summer (Late December – February)
  • Carnival Period (Late February/Early March)
  • Semana Santa (Easter Week)

Planning Your Trip

Mate Culture: Never refuse if offered mate (herbal tea)—it’s a social ritual.

Dining Times: Dinner starts late (9–11 PM); lunch is the main meal.

Tipping: 10% in restaurants (check if service is included); round up taxi fares.

Beach Etiquette: Topless sunbathing is common in Punta del Este.

Greetings: A kiss on the cheek (one) is standard, even in business.

Accommodation: Hostels (US$15–40), hotels 80–200), luxury (US$250+).

Food: Street chivito (sandwich, US$5–10), restaurant meal (US$15–30), fine dining (US$50+).

Transport: Buses (US$10–30/day), car rental (US$40–80/day).

Activities: Beach clubs (US$20–50), wine tours 30–60), free hikes.

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$50–80 (hostels, buses, self-catering).

  • Mid-range: US$100–200 (hotels, dining out, tours).

  • Luxury: US$300+ (resorts, gourmet meals, private guides).

Free Wi-Fi: Available in most cafés, hotels, and bus stations.

SIM Cards: Antel (national provider) offers prepaid plans (US$10–20 for 5GB).

eSIMs: Supported (Airalo, Holafly).

Recommended for: Medical coverage (private healthcare is expensive).

Adventure Coverage: Check if it includes horseback riding or surfing.

From beachfront resorts to rustic estancias, Uruguay caters to all budgets.

Hotels:

  • Luxury: Sofitel Montevideo or Conrad Punta del Este (US$200–500/night).
  • Mid-range: Don Hotel (Punta del Este) or Alma Histórica (Colonia) (US$80–150).
  • Budget: Posadas (family-run inns, US$40–80).

Hostels:

  • Selina (Montevideo) or El Viajero (Colonia) (US$15–30/bed).

Airbnb/Estancias:

  • Great for groups—beach houses (US$100–250/night) or ranch stays∗120+ with meals).

Unique Stays:

  • Cabo Polonio’s eco-lodges (no electricity, ~US$50/night).

Tip: Book early for summer beach towns; opt for estancias in autumn/winter.

Uruguay is small but well-connected. Public transport is reliable, though renting a car offers flexibility.

Buses:

  • Comfortable and affordable (US$10–30 for intercity trips). Companies like COT and Copsa serve major routes.
  • Montevideo’s local buses (US$1–2) use STM card (reloadable).
  • Car Rentals:
  • Recommended for exploring coastlines/rural areas (US$40–80/day).
  • Roads are well-maintained; tolls are cheap (US$2–5).

Taxis/Rideshares:

  • Uber operates in Montevideo and Punta del Este (cheaper than taxis).
  • Taxis start at ~US$2+US$1/km.

Ferries:

  • Buquebus connects Montevideo to Buenos Aires (US$50–120, 2–3 hours).

Biking:

  • Bike-friendly in cities like Colonia and Punta del Este (rentals ~US$10/day).

Tip: For day trips, buses are efficient; for coastal exploration, rent a car.

Handy Tips

Uruguay uses the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). Bills come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 UYU denominations; coins include 1, 2, 5, 10, and 50 UYU.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport exchange kiosks (high fees). Use ATMs (labeled “RedBROU” for best rates) or banks.

  • Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, but carry cash for small towns, markets, or beach vendors.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

    • Restaurants/Bars: 10% if service charge isn’t included.

    • Taxis: Round up or add 5–10%.

    • Hotel Staff: 1–2 US$ per bag for porters; 1–2US$ per day for housekeeping.

    • Tour Guides: 5–10 US$ per person for group tours. 

Spanish is the official language. English is understood in tourist areas, but basic Spanish helps:

  • “¿Dónde está…?” (Where is…?)

  • “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?)

  • “La cuenta, por favor” (The bill, please).

  • Pro Tip: Uruguayans are friendly but reserved—avoid loud conversations in public.

Uruguay is one of Latin America’s safest countries, but petty theft occurs in crowded areas (e.g., Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja).

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • 911: All emergencies (police, medical, fire).

    • *109: Tourist police (English-speaking).

    • Your Embassy: Most are in Montevideo (keep details handy).

Uruguay uses 220V/50Hz with Type F plugs (two round pins). International visitors need an adapter; converters may be necessary for high-wattage devices.

Tap water is safe to drink nationwide. Restaurants serve free tap water—ask for “agua de la canilla” to avoid bottled upsells.

Major closures on:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 6 Jan: Epiphany (limited closures)

  • Mar/Apr: Holy Week (Semana Santa; major travel period)

  • 19 Apr: Landing of the 33 Patriots

  • 1 May: Labor Day

  • 18 Jul: Constitution Day

  • 25 Aug: Independence Day

  • 25 Dec: Christmas Day

  • Note: Beach towns (e.g., Punta del Este) are packed in January.

Stores: 9:00–19:00 (Mon–Sat); closed Sundays except malls/tourist areas.

Pharmacies: Rotating 24/7 locations (“farmacias de turno”).

Markets: Ferias (street markets) on weekends (e.g., Tristán Narvaja in Montevideo).

Chivito: A hearty sandwich with steak, ham, cheese, lettuce, and olives (a must-try classic).

Asado: Uruguay’s version of BBQ, with large cuts of beef grilled over wood and served with chimichurri sauce.

Empanadas: Savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables—perfect as a snack.

Milanesa: Breaded and fried meat cutlets, similar to schnitzel, typically served with potatoes or rice.

Pescado de Río: River fish dishes, particularly from the Uruguay River, often grilled or fried.

Torta de Almojábana: Soft cornbread made from cheese, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Churros: Fried dough sticks filled with caramel or chocolate, sprinkled with sugar.

Dulce de Leche: A sweet caramel spread, often enjoyed with bread, on cakes, or in desserts.

Pastafrola: A traditional fruit tart filled with quince or apricot jam.

Helado: Creamy ice cream, often served with dulce de leche flavor, one of Uruguay’s favorites.

Alcoholic:

  • Tannat: Uruguay’s flagship red wine, robust and full-bodied, perfect for pairing with meats.

  • Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp white wine, often produced in Uruguay’s wine regions.

  • Fernet con Coca: A popular cocktail made with Fernet (a bitter, aromatic spirit) mixed with Coca-Cola.

  • Cerveza Pilsen: A light, refreshing beer that’s widely consumed in Uruguay.

  • Canilla: A popular local beer, known for its smooth, easy-drinking flavor.

  • Clericot: A fruity cocktail made with white wine, soda, and fresh fruits, perfect for warm days.

  • Grappa: A distilled Italian beverage, often enjoyed as a digestif.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Mate: The national drink, a bitter herbal tea consumed throughout the day by most Uruguayans.

  • Café con Leche: Strong coffee served with warm milk, a common breakfast drink.

  • Jugos Naturales: Freshly squeezed fruit juices, especially orange, lemon, and watermelon.

  • Limonada: Fresh lemonade, typically enjoyed in the summer months.

  • Agua Mineral: Uruguay’s mineral water, often served alongside meals in restaurants.

Montevideo’s Old Town: Art deco buildings + Palacio Salvo.

Feria de Tristán Narvaja: Vintage flea market (Sundays).

Teatro Solís: Grand 1856 theater (guided tours).

Museo del Carnaval: Celebrates Uruguay’s epic Carnival (Feb/Mar).

Punta del Este’s Hand: Los Dedos sculpture (Playa Brava).

Santa Teresa National Park: Fortress + beaches (Rocha).

José Ignacio: Lighthouse + chic seafood shacks.

Cerro Pan de Azúcar: Hilltop cross + zoo (Maldonado).

Pueblo Garzón: Boutique village (owned by chef Francis Mallmann).

La Mano de Punta del Este: Iconic hand-in-sand sculpture.

Beaches: Punta del Este (glamorous), Cabo Polonio (off-grid dunes).

Colonia del Sacramento: UNESCO colonial town (cobblestones, sunset bars).

Montevideo’s Rambla: 13-mile waterfront promenade (bike/skate rentals).

Candombe: Afro-Uruguayan drum performances (Barrio Sur, Sundays).

Hot Springs: Termas del Daymán (thermal baths near Salto).

Gaucho Culture: Estancia stays (rodeos, horseback riding).

Mercado del Puerto: Montevideo’s grill-filled market (lunch spot).

Punta Ballena: Casapueblo (artist’s cliffside villa, sunset views).

Wine Tours: Canelones wine region (30 mins from Montevideo).

Laguna Garzón: Circular bridge + pristine beaches (Instagram gold).

Café Brasilero: A historic café in Montevideo, perfect for sipping espresso while people-watching.

La Ronda: A trendy bar in Montevideo known for its wide selection of cocktails.

Fun Fun: A famous Montevideo bar known for its nightlife and classic cocktails.

Bar El Sótano: An underground bar in Montevideo with a relaxed vibe and great drinks.

Tango Show: Enjoy a night of tango at El Milongón, a traditional Uruguayan venue.

Café del Oeste: A cozy spot for after-dinner drinks in the heart of Montevideo.

La Casa Violeta: A lively bar and music venue in Montevideo for a fun night out.

Bar Tabaré: Known for its cozy ambiance and a great selection of local spirits.

La Cigale: A chic cocktail bar offering a fine selection of international drinks.

Punta del Este Nightlife: Head to Moby Dick or Ovo Nightclub for a night of dancing by the sea.