Uruguay – Travel Guide
Uruguay, a gem nestled between Argentina and Brazil, charms with its pristine beaches, notably Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio. Montevideo, the capital, boasts a mix of colonial architecture and modern urban vibrancy along the Rio de la Plata. Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial history. Uruguay`s picturesque wine regions, such as Carmelo and Canelones, offer delightful vineyard tours and tastings. The tranquil and welcoming atmosphere makes Uruguay an ideal destination for relaxation and cultural exploration.
All about Uruguay
Uruguay FAQ
What is Uruguay known for?
Uruguay is the birthplace of full-bodied Tannat wine. Brimming with beautiful beaches with roaring waves of the Atlantic side or the smoother shores of Rio de la Plata. La Pedrera is a surfers paradise, Cabo Polonio Mingle is a secluded stretch of sand home to resident sea lions and Punta del Diablo near the Brazilian border. The captivating outdoor scenery of Uruguay offers endless opportunities and activities from the breathtaking beaches to the vast countryside of the country`s interior. There are soothing hot springs found at Termas San Nicanor with scenic surroundings nestled in the verdant countryside. Horseback riding in the rolling hills of the Rocha department at Caballos de Luz makes for an enjoyable experience.
The exciting cities in Uruguay offer a great mixture of historical sites, museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions. The Museo del Futbol displays the country`s famous football history, Teatro Solis is the perfect location to catch a live opera or tango performance in Montevideo`s iconic downtown theater. There are many dining opportunities found throughout the country with beachside dining options at Parador La Huella. Many restaurants serve up delicious racks of grilled meat and mouth-watering steak sandwiches in this predominant carnivore culture. Sip on world-class wine in Ururguay`s famous wine country with vines planted over 250 years ago now covering 20,000 acres of land in the sprawling countryside.
What are the best places to visit in Uruguay?
Montevideo is the country`s charming quiet capital with a laidback atmosphere spread throughout its historic quarters perfect for exploring on foot with welcoming, friendly locals and beautiful sights and attractions. Colonia was originally founded in the 1600s, a melting pot with stunning colonial architecture and vibrant streetscapes and fascinating streets of Barrio Historic, a protected UNESCO site with old world charm. The city passed between Portuguese and Spanish rule for decades. Punta del Este is also known as `Monaco of South America` or `The French Riviera of the South`, where the rich and famous of Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil and countries all over the world go on vacation. The small charming peninsula marks the convergence of Rio La Plata and the Atlantic Ocean boasting a spectacular yacht club, luxury shopping, stunning seaside mansion, stylish people and endless beaches.
How many days should I spend in Uruguay?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Uruguay?
By Bus: There are extensive city buses and long-distance buses available in Uruguay with services that connect Montevideo with all other departmental capitals. Most of the cities and towns have bus terminals, buses are comfortable and relatively cheap, some with free Wi-Fi. Some minibuses travel from the backbone of the country into the smaller coastal cities like La Paloma. The Tres Cruces International Bus Terminal in Montevideo is where all long-distance buses depart, situated at the edge of the Centre where tickets are available along with more information on schedules and routes.
By Car: There are options to rent cars at the airport with all international companies available or at downtown locations in the larger cities. Drivers only need their driver`s license, passport, and a credit card. Driving in Uruguay is pretty simple and similar to European driving.
By Train: The train from Montevideo`s Central Station to Santa Lucia takes around 90 minutes. The train line runs from the provincial town of Florida with a branch line to San Jose. One train travels to Santa Lucia every morning and it is primarily a commuter train. The train returns to Montevideo in the afternoon.
What is the currency of Uruguay?
The units of currency in Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso (NP$ or $). US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for pounds upon arrival. Currency exchanged desks can be found at the airport and in many locations throughout the city.
Do people speak English in Uruguay?
The official language spoken in Uruguay is Spanish English is spoken and understood by most individuals in the service industry. We suggest you get a good English-Spanish Guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Uruguay
Uruguay boasts four seasons with summer months from December through to February and winter months including June, July, and August. One of the best times of year to visit the country is October through March with sunny days and mild temperatures, the coast is a quiet and relaxed place from October through December.
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The beaches and coast are packed with locals and tourists during the height of the summer in late December through to February especially the popular ritzy Punta del Este. The cooling Atlantic breeze keeps the country mild all year round with average lows around 68 in the summer and 53 in the winter. The highs in the summer can reach up in the high 80s and even 90s around New Year, which makes for a busy time of year at the beaches and sold or pricey accommodations. Uruguay`s popular Carnaval takes place on the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, a busy time of year but very fun and vibrant in the city of Montevideo. The period between Christmas and New Year is also a very busy time of year.
Tipping in Uruguay
The units of currency in Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso (NP$ or $). US dollars are not accepted.
Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for pounds upon arrival. Currency exchanged desks can be found at the airport and in many locations throughout the city.
Top cities in Uruguay
What to expect while traveling
