Discover Uruguay

Highlights of Uruguay

Colonia del Sacramento

Walk along the 17th century cobbled streets of the historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, which being an UNESCO world heritage site is even more historic than Ciudad Vieja (Old City) in the capital city of Montevideo. A fast ferry can cross the River Plate (Rio de la Plata) from Colonia del Sacramento to Buenos Aires in little over an hour.

Montevideo

Sitting on the Rio de la Plata, Montevideo has a place for every traveler. From museums, rich architecture and the oldest theater in South America to trendy bars and clubs, Montevideo does not disappoint. Embrace the past as you visit the Parisian-inspired architecture found in Ciudad Vieja (Old City). Master the basics of mate as you sip this traditional local drink on the beachfront promenade. Save your appetite as you indulge in an oversized sandwich, a chivito, at a local chiviteria.

Wine Country

Taste wine and enjoy gourmet local gastronomy in Uruguay’s wine country, home to award winning companies such as Garzon. Or, explore the Jesuit planted vineyards surrounding the quaint city of Carmelo, a small yet important port of Uruguay and quarry which provided much of the stone to build Buenos Aires.  Explore Vina Eden, the ultramodern winery which belongs to the sleepy town Pueblo Eden, only 40 Kilometers from its polar opposite, Punta Del Este.  Visitors are attracted to Pueblo Eden for its wine but also for its quiet beauty. The town’s verdant countryside and hills have earned it the nickname the “Tuscany of Uruguay.” 

Beaches

Uruguay presents itself with both sleepy beach villages and glamorous resorts. Only a two-hour drive from Montevideo, visit for a day Punta Del Este, a seaside resort lying on the Atlantic Ocean which could be compared to Ibiza as a center of night life, yet also a posh cultural center.  Or, sunbathe in Jose Ignacio beach, just as beautiful but without the fanfare of Punta del Este. Go east and discover Punta del Diablo, a sleepy beach town 25 miles from the border with Brazil.  For those looking to do more than relax on the beach, head to the most unconventional village in Uruguay, Cabo Polonia, for unspoilt beaches of endless sand dunes.

Travel Guide

Thanks to its relatively small size, travelers to Uruguay can nearly experience all of the highlights under a two-week trip. Nevertheless, because of its proximity to Argentina, a longer itinerary combining Uruguay with Argentina may work very well as there is a direct flight operating from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este or a daily ferry to Montevideo and Colonia. Alternatively, an itinerary combining Uruguay with Brazil works very well too, as there is a direct flight from Sao Paulo to Montevideo.