wheretogo
Uruguay

Uruguay

Uruguay, a small country nestled between Brazil and Argentina, is known for its verdant interior and beach-lined coast. Its capital, Montevideo, hosts a vibrant cultural scene with the Solis Theatre, bustling Mercado del Puerto, and a charming old town. Outside the city, visitors can explore the glamorous beach resort of Punta del Este, the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento, or the traditional estancias (ranches). Uruguayan cuisine is heavily meat-based, featuring dishes like asado (barbecue) and chivito (steak sandwich).

Travel Time

January
Okay
February
Okay
March
Great
April
Great
May
Great
June
Great
July
Great
August
Great
September
Great
October
Great
November
Okay
December
Okay

Highlights, Sights & Attractions

Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio is a remote seaside village on Uruguay`s eastern coast, known for its beautiful beaches, towering sand dunes, and abundant wildlife. The village, which has no roads or electricity, offers a unique off-the-grid experience. The iconic Cabo... more

Cabo Polonio is a remote seaside village on Uruguay`s eastern coast, known for its beautiful beaches, towering sand dunes, and abundant wildlife. The village, which has no roads or electricity, offers a unique off-the-grid experience. The iconic Cabo Polonio Lighthouse offers stunning views of the coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the nearby islands, home to the country`s largest colony of sea lions. The village is also surrounded by the Cabo Polonio National Park, which protects a diverse ecosystem of sand dunes, wetlands, and native forest. Whether you want to surf, hike, wildlife watch, or simply relax and disconnect from the outside world, Cabo Polonio offers an unspoiled natural paradise.

Casapueblo

Casapueblo, located near the fashionable resort of Punta del Este, is a remarkable sight. This sprawling, whitewashed complex, perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, was the home and workshop of the late Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilar... more

Casapueblo, located near the fashionable resort of Punta del Este, is a remarkable sight. This sprawling, whitewashed complex, perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, was the home and workshop of the late Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. Casapueblo is designed in a unique style, with no straight lines but only curves that mimic the forms of nature. Today, it houses a museum showcasing the artist`s work, a hotel, and an art gallery. Visitors can explore the artist`s studio, adorned with his paintings and sculptures, and learn about his life and inspirations. The building`s terraces offer stunning views of the sea, particularly at sunset, a daily event celebrated with poetry and music. Casapueblo is a beautiful testament to Páez Vilaró`s creative genius and his love for Uruguay.

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is a charming town on Uruguay`s southwestern coast, known for its well-preserved historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the town has a distinct old-world charm with its co... more

Colonia del Sacramento is a charming town on Uruguay`s southwestern coast, known for its well-preserved historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the town has a distinct old-world charm with its cobblestone streets, colonial houses, and quaint plazas. Highlights include the lighthouse, from which you can enjoy panoramic views, the Portón de Campo, the remnants of the city gate, and the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento. The town also boasts a number of museums, such as the Portuguese Museum and the Tile Museum, which provide insight into its rich history. Colonia del Sacramento is not only a feast for the history buff but also offers excellent dining options, beautiful riverside beaches, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Estadio Centenario

The Estadio Centenario in Montevideo is a football stadium of great historical significance. Opened in 1930 to host the first FIFA World Cup, the stadium is considered the home of Uruguayan football and a symbol of Uruguay`s proud football heritage.... more

The Estadio Centenario in Montevideo is a football stadium of great historical significance. Opened in 1930 to host the first FIFA World Cup, the stadium is considered the home of Uruguayan football and a symbol of Uruguay`s proud football heritage. The stadium`s architecture is notable for its iconic tower, the Torre del Homenaje, which offers a panoramic view of the city. Inside the stadium is the Football Museum, which tells the story of Uruguay`s football history and its two World Cup victories. Whether you`re a football fan or not, a visit to Estadio Centenario offers a fascinating insight into Uruguay`s sporting culture and history.

Fortaleza del Cerro

The Fortaleza del Cerro, also known as the Fortaleza General Artigas, is a historic military fort located on the highest hill in Montevideo. Built in the 19th century to defend the city, the fortress offers a glimpse into Uruguay`s past. The fort, wi... more

The Fortaleza del Cerro, also known as the Fortaleza General Artigas, is a historic military fort located on the highest hill in Montevideo. Built in the 19th century to defend the city, the fortress offers a glimpse into Uruguay`s past. The fort, with its thick stone walls and old cannons, houses a military museum displaying a collection of weapons, uniforms, and other military artifacts. The highlight of a visit to the Fortaleza del Cerro is the stunning view from the top of the hill, overlooking the city, the bay, and the surrounding countryside. The fortress is not only a place of historical interest but also a great spot for panoramic photography.

Jacinto

Jacinto is a stylish restaurant located in the historic Ciudad Vieja district of Montevideo. Helmed by renowned chef Lucia Soria, who trained with Argentina`s famed chef Francis Mallmann, Jacinto offers a contemporary take on Uruguayan cuisine, with... more

Jacinto is a stylish restaurant located in the historic Ciudad Vieja district of Montevideo. Helmed by renowned chef Lucia Soria, who trained with Argentina`s famed chef Francis Mallmann, Jacinto offers a contemporary take on Uruguayan cuisine, with a focus on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant, set in a beautifully restored old building, has a relaxed and cozy ambiance. The menu changes daily based on what`s in season, but you can expect dishes like grilled octopus, homemade pasta, and slow-cooked lamb. For dessert, don`t miss the flan with dulce de leche, a local favorite. Jacinto also serves a variety of Uruguayan wines to pair with your meal. Dining at Jacinto offers not just a meal but a delightful gastronomic experience that showcases the richness of Uruguayan cuisine.

Mercado del Puerto

The Mercado del Puerto, located in Montevideo`s old town, is a lively market known for its parrillas (grill restaurants), where you can enjoy the country`s famous beef cooked in traditional style right in front of you. Besides the mouth-watering food... more

The Mercado del Puerto, located in Montevideo`s old town, is a lively market known for its parrillas (grill restaurants), where you can enjoy the country`s famous beef cooked in traditional style right in front of you. Besides the mouth-watering food, the market offers a variety of shops selling local arts and crafts, making it a great place to buy souvenirs. The Mercado del Puerto is housed in a stunning 19th-century wrought-iron structure, which adds to the market`s charming atmosphere. On weekends, the market often hosts live performances of candombe, tango, and murga, making it a hub of Uruguayan culture. Whether you`re a food lover or a culture enthusiast, the Mercado del Puerto is a must-visit destination in Uruguay.

Museo Andes 1972

The Museo Andes 1972 in Montevideo is dedicated to the memory of the survivors of the 1972 Andes flight disaster, when a plane carrying a Uruguayan rugby team crashed in the Andes Mountains. The museum tells the incredible story of survival and resil... more

The Museo Andes 1972 in Montevideo is dedicated to the memory of the survivors of the 1972 Andes flight disaster, when a plane carrying a Uruguayan rugby team crashed in the Andes Mountains. The museum tells the incredible story of survival and resilience through a collection of artifacts from the crash site, personal belongings of the passengers, and audiovisual materials. Visitors can learn about the hardships the survivors faced, their collective decision-making, and the physical and emotional strength that allowed them to endure until their rescue after 72 days. The museum also hosts talks by some of the survivors, offering a firsthand account of the ordeal. A visit to the Museo Andes 1972 is a moving and inspiring experience that pays tribute to the human spirit`s ability to overcome adversity.

Climate

Month Temperature Sunshine hours Raindays
January 29 °C 11 5
February 28 °C 11 8
March 26 °C 10 6
April 23 °C 8 11
May 19 °C 7 5
June 16 °C 6 4
July 16 °C 7 8
August 18 °C 8 7
September 20 °C 9 7
October 22 °C 10 8
November 25 °C 11 4
December 28 °C 12 5

Facts

Language
  • Spanish
Currency Uruguayan peso
Population 3474182
Tourists per year 3800000
Tourists per resident 1.0937826515709
Foundation 1825

Ratings

Popularity
75.00%
Safety
85.50%
Cost of living
52.03%
Parental Leave
90.00%
Beach vacation
90.00%
Backpacking
70.00%
Hiking
75.00%
Diving
70.00%
Cycling
70.00%
Skiing
0.00%
Roadtrip
70.00%

Hotel

More