Top Destinations in Uruguay

Montevideo

Uruguay’s capital city is a blend of beachside living and cultural charm. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point. Life moves at a slower pace here, and locals (known as Montevideanos) truly enjoy it.

• Explore the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) for colonial architecture and street art

• Shop local at Mercado del Puerto, famous for grilled meats and artisan goods

• Walk or bike along the Rambla, a 13-mile coastal promenade

• Catch a live candombe drum performance on a Sunday night

Colonia del Sacramento

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Uruguay’s most photogenic towns. Just a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires, Colonia feels like stepping into a European postcard.

• Cobblestone streets, ivy-covered walls, and 18th-century Portuguese architecture

• Climb the Colonia Lighthouse for a stunning view of the Rio de la Plata

• Great for a romantic getaway or a relaxed day trip

Punta del Este

Uruguay’s most famous beach resort town—often called the “Monaco of South America.” Punta has a glitzy side, but there’s also plenty of natural beauty and family-friendly fun.

• Visit Playa Brava to see the iconic La Mano (giant hand sculpture)

• Chill at Playa Mansa for calmer waters

• Shop boutiques and explore art galleries in La Barra

• Don’t miss a sunset at Casapueblo, the dreamy cliffside home of artist Carlos Páez Vilaró

José Ignacio

If Punta del Este is flashy, José Ignacio is its boho-chic cousin. This sleepy fishing village has become a favorite for the international jet set looking for privacy, luxury, and rustic beauty.

• Boutique hotels, gourmet food, and stylish beach clubs

• Think Tulum meets Patagonia, with fewer crowds

Carmelo

A wine region on the rise, located in western Uruguay near the Argentine border. Carmelo is all about countryside charm and boutique vineyards.

• Tour family-run wineries and taste Uruguay’s signature Tannat wine

• Stay at a vineyard estate for a peaceful escape

• Take a boat ride on the Rio Uruguay or explore by bike

What to Eat and Drink

Uruguayan cuisine is hearty, simple, and centered around meat, but there’s a growing farm-to-table and coastal influence.

Must-try foods:

• Asado: traditional grilled meats, often cooked slowly over wood fire

• Chivito: a massive sandwich stacked with steak, egg, ham, cheese, and more

• Empanadas: baked or fried pastries with meat, cheese, or veggie fillings

• Dulce de leche: the national sweet tooth obsession—on everything from toast to cakes

Drinks:

• Tannat wine: bold, dry red wine unique to Uruguay (and fantastic with asado)

• Yerba Mate: a caffeinated herbal tea sipped from a gourd—it’s a cultural ritual

• Clericó: Uruguay’s refreshing take on sangria, popular in summer

Culture & Local Vibes

Uruguayans (los orientales) are famously mellow and proud of their country’s progressive values—this is the first nation in the world to legalize marijuana, and one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly places in Latin America.

Music and dance are integral here, especially candombe, an Afro-Uruguayan drum tradition you’ll hear echoing through Montevideo’s streets. Carnaval is a big deal, too—longer and more theatrical than Brazil’s version, it spans over 40 days with parades, costumes, and political satire.

Uruguay is also deeply literate and artistic, with bookstores, local theaters, and a strong indie film scene. You’ll notice a strong European influence, especially Italian and Spanish, in everything from architecture to attitudes.

Where to Stay?

Montevideo

• Boutique hotels near the Old City or Punta Carretas

• Airbnb apartments for a local experience

• Budget hostels and charming B&Bs

Punta del Este & José Ignacio

• Luxe beach resorts with pools and sea views

• Chic boutique stays tucked into sand dunes

• Glamping and design-forward guesthouses

Colonia del Sacramento

• Romantic colonial-era inns in the heart of the old town

• Riverfront boutique hotels with sunset views

• Ideal for couples or a quiet retreat

Carmelo

• Vineyard estates and rustic-chic wine lodges

• Smaller family-run guesthouses in the countryside

Is it Safe to Travel to Uruguay?

Yes—Uruguay is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America, and it's consistently ranked highly for stability, press freedom, and lack of corruption. Violent crime is rare. Most travelers feel very comfortable walking around, even at night.

Tips:

• Montevideo has some petty theft (like any urban area), so be mindful in crowded places

• Tap water is safe to drink

• Driving is safe and easy, especially along the coast and in wine country

Tips for Traveling Uruguay

• Visas: U.S., Canadian, EU, UK, and Australian travelers do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days

• Language: Spanish is the official language, and while English is not widely spoken outside of tourist areas, locals are friendly and helpful

• Currency: The Uruguayan Peso (UYU) is preferred, but USD is accepted in some tourist spots. Credit cards are widely used

• Seasons: Their summer is December–March; winters are mild but damp

• Festivals: Try to visit during Carnaval (Jan–Mar) or the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha in Tacuarembó (a celebration of cowboy culture)

Why Visit Uruguay?

Uruguay isn’t about flashy landmarks or packed itineraries—it’s about the quiet joy of discovery, about slow travel done right. It’s riding a bike through vineyards, toasting with locals over grilled meats, napping under a beach umbrella, and letting yourself be pulled into a pace of life that’s as warm as the people who live it.

If you’re the kind of traveler who’s curious about culture, who enjoys a good glass of wine and a beautiful beach without the scene, Uruguay is calling your name. And I’d love to help you build a trip that shows you the soulful, scenic, and totally unexpected side of South America.