Things To Do
in Uruguay
Uruguay is a small, progressive country located in the southeastern part of South America, known for its stable democracy, advanced social policies, and high quality of life. It boasts a scenic coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, featuring beautiful beaches and charming towns, with Montevideo, its capital, renowned for its vibrant culture, architecture, and nightlife.
The country is also celebrated for its rich agricultural lands, producing some of the world's finest beef and wine, making it a hidden gem for culinary enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
- "¿Qué tal?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está?" - Where is?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along La Rambla, enjoying the fresh sea breeze. Visit the Mercado del Puerto for a taste of traditional Uruguayan breakfast options.
Explore Ciudad Vieja, the historical heart of Montevideo, where you can see the stunning Solis Theatre. Take a break at Plaza Independencia and enjoy some local street food.
Wrap up your day with dinner at a parrilla, indulging in asado while enjoying live tango performances. Take a leisurely walk along the coastline as the sun sets.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of Punta del Este, starting your day with a swim or sunbathing. Grab a light breakfast at one of the beachfront cafes.
Explore the famous Casapueblo, a unique house and art gallery built by Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. Spend some time at Playa Brava, known for its strong waves and the iconic 'Finger of Punta del Este'.
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife with fine dining options overlooking the ocean. Don't miss visiting some local bars for a taste of the nightlife culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High quality of life and social stability
- Strong education and healthcare systems
- Democratic government and political freedom
- Natural beauty and diverse landscapes
- Progressive policies, including same-sex marriage rights
- Robust tourism sector and friendly locals
- High taxes and cost of living
- Limited job opportunities in some sectors
- Bureaucratic hurdles for starting businesses
- Geographical isolation from other major markets
- Weather can be unpredictable with extreme seasons
- Concerns about crime in urban areas
Best Activities in Uruguay
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Uruguay for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports.
Explore the diverse natural landscapes of Uruguay through its many hiking trails and nature reserves.
Engage in various water sports such as surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing along the Uruguay coast.
Discover the country's rich biodiversity and eco-friendly attractions through eco-tours and wildlife viewing.
Tours
Uncover the best of Uruguay with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Uruguay
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the coastline and ocean.
Known for its picturesque old town and stunning sunsets.
Famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere, great for photography.
Provides panoramic views of Piriápolis and the coastline.
The capital city offers various photo opportunities, including the Rambla and historic architecture.
Food in Uruguay
Uruguay Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional barbecue featuring various cuts of meat such as beef, lamb, and chorizo, often cooked over an open flame. Try at Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo or at local parillas throughout the country.
Must-Try!
A hearty sandwich made with tender slices of beef, mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise, bacon, ham, and sometimes a fried egg. Sample at Barrio de los Pocitos in Montevideo or in traditional restaurants across Uruguay.
Breaded and fried meat cutlets, usually made with beef or chicken. Best enjoyed at La Pasiva, a popular fast food chain with locations across Uruguay.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Uruguay better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this bustling market in Montevideo to discover local street food such as choripán (grilled chorizo sausage in a crusty bread roll) and empanadas filled with a variety of savory ingredients.
This market offers an array of fresh produce, meat, and seafood, as well as stalls serving traditional Uruguayan street food like pancho (hot dog) and tortas fritas (fried bread).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Uruguay, it's customary to greet people with a kiss on one cheek, even in formal settings.
Wait to be seated and only start eating once the host says "¡Buen provecho!" The 'Isla de Platos' custom is also important, meaning everyone can serve themselves from the shared dishes on the table.
Punctuality is valued, but social gatherings often start later than the scheduled time. It's polite to arrive a bit later than the specified time to avoid being the first guest.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Uruguay with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Uruguay
Ensure a smooth experience
In Uruguay, tipping is not expected or mandatory. It is appreciated for exceptional service, but it is not customary to leave a large tip. In most cases, a 10% service charge is already included in the bill at restaurants, so it is not necessary to leave an additional tip.
In Uruguay, cash is widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. It is important to carry some cash for small purchases or in case some establishments do not accept cards. ATMs are widely available in urban areas for cash withdrawal.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Uruguay.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Uruguay with warm temperatures and vibrant beach culture. Expect crowded beaches and lively festivals.
Ideal for a quieter visit with mild temperatures, especially in April. Fall foliage is beautiful, and it's a good time for wine touring.
Cooler temperatures, especially in July and August, but ideal for whale-watching off the coast and enjoying cozy indoor activities.
Uruguay at Night
Hiking in Uruguay
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located near Montevideo, Cerro Tres Cruces offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a nature escape.
A stunning natural area in the northeastern part of Uruguay, this site features deep gorges and lush vegetation. The trails provide a challenging hike with breathtaking views of the cliffs and ravines.
This national park in Rocha offers several hiking trails that wind through forests and along the beautiful coastline. It's an excellent location for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the natural scenery.
Located near the town of Lavalleja, Cerro del Verde offers a moderate hike with rewarding views from the top. The area is rich in flora and fauna, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
A hidden gem near the Brazilian border, Valle del Lunarejo offers stunning hiking opportunities in a serene setting. The trails allow you to explore the diverse ecosystems and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Uruguay through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Uruguay by plane.
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, approximately 200 km from Montevideo, Uruguay. It serves as a major hub for international flights.
Situated in São Paulo, Brazil, about 1,600 km from Montevideo, it's one of the largest airports in South America, offering extensive international connections.
Also located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, mainly serving domestic flights but also offers regional international services, approximately 200 km from Montevideo.
Located in Montevideo, Uruguay, this is the primary international airport in Uruguay, serving various international and regional destinations.
Located in Manaus, Brazil, around 2,800 km from Montevideo, this airport connects the northern part of Brazil with international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population, primarily of European descent, particularly Spanish and Italian.
People of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry.
A significant community with roots in African ancestry, contributing to the cultural diversity.
Comprising several groups, including the Charrúa and Guarani, though their population is small.
A minority group primarily composed of descendants from Japanese and Chinese immigrants.
The Soul of Uruguay
Discover the essence of Uruguay through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Uruguay, with a rich history and strong national team success including two FIFA World Cup victories in 1930 and 1950.
A popular team sport in Uruguay, with a growing number of players and increasing support at both the club and national levels.
A widely played sport in Uruguay, with a competitive league and a national team that competes in international tournaments.
A popular activity for both recreation and competition, with events like the Vuelta Ciclista del Uruguay.
A popular individual sport with several successful players representing Uruguay in international competitions.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Uruguayan cuisine primarily revolves around meat, many restaurants and cafes in major cities like Montevideo and Punta del Este offer vegetarian and vegan options, including plant-based takes on traditional dishes like empanadas and milanesa.
In Uruguay, you can find gluten-free options in various restaurants, especially those with a focus on international cuisine. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Uruguay with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Uruguay.