Things To Do
in Castillos
Castillos is a tranquil Uruguayan town in Rocha Department known for its expansive beaches and the Laguna de Castillos sanctuary. It blends rural charm with coastal scenery, offering easy access to birdlife, dunes, and laid-back dining. Visitors enjoy friendly locals, simple parrillas, and a pace of life that highlights outdoor pleasures.
In all seasons, Castillos feels like a gateway to nature and relaxed coastal living.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Castillos and check into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the town to soak in the charming atmosphere and gather your bearings. Enjoy breakfast at a local café, indulging in fresh pastries and traditional Uruguayan coffee.
Visit the local artisan market, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs to bring home. Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with friendly vendors and tasting traditional snacks. Spend some time exploring the nearby natural landscapes around the town.
Dine at a rustic restaurant offering traditional Uruguayan barbecue, known as asado. Savor the flavors of grilled meats accompanied by local wines. After dinner, take a walk under the starlit sky, enjoying the tranquility of the small town.
Head to the nearby beaches, such as Playa de Castillos, to bask in the sunlight and enjoy the Atlantic's refreshing waves. Grab a light breakfast at a beachside kiosk and enjoy the view of the ocean. You can also try out some water activities like swimming or kayaking.
Continue your beach day with a picnic lunch on the sandy shores, surrounded by local families and friendly travelers. Take some time to relax and enjoy a good book, or engage in beach games like volleyball or frisbee. As the sun begins to set, capture the breathtaking scenery with some photos.
As night falls, explore the local dining scene, trying out fresh seafood caught from the waters nearby. Many beach restaurants offer live music, providing a lively atmosphere to enjoy your meal. Wrap up your evening with a stroll along the beach, listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🏨One night in a budget hotel | $50-90 |
| 🛒Weekly groceries | $40-80 |
| 🚕Local transportation (taxis/short rides) | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace and strong connection to nature
- Abundant outdoor activities and scenic photos
- Limited English-speaking services in some spots
- Smaller town facilities and fewer big-city amenities
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Castillos
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic wetland with tidal flats and marsh grasses; ideal for sunrise silhouettes, bird photography, and reflective water shots.
Long sandy beach with wide horizons, ideal for golden hour seafront photography and captures of dune silhouettes.
Dune fields along the coast offer textures and dramatic skies, especially during sunset and windy days.
Old stone and plaster façades, quiet streets, and the central square provide charming street photography and candid portraits.
Food in Castillos
Castillos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Uruguay’s iconic sandwich featuring thinly sliced beef, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a fried egg on a soft bun. Widely available in parrillas and cafés.
Must-Try!
Grilled beef cuts, sausages, and chorizo cooked over charcoal; a social meal often shared with friends.
Flaky pastry pockets filled with seasoned beef, cheese, or vegetables; a popular snack in markets and bakeries.
Breaded-cutlet-style fried meat, commonly served with fries or mashed potatoes and a simple salad.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small municipal market offering fresh produce, dairy, bread, and local snacks; a good place to taste everyday Uruguayan shopping.
Grab churros, medialunas (croissants), and empanadas from local stalls—perfect for a quick bite while strolling the town.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly greeting (hola/buenos días) is standard. Sharing mate is a common social gesture among locals. Avoid loud behavior in quiet, family-centered spaces.
Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces; modest dress is appreciated in religious sites and homes.
Safety
Tipping in Castillos
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is common if service is not included; rounding up the bill is also acceptable in casual settings. In smaller eateries, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash (Uruguayan peso) and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Castillos; some venues accept USD/EUR, especially in tourist-oriented spots. Keep small cash on hand for markets and street food.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with sea breezes; expect crowds on weekends and holiday periods. Pack sun protection, stay hydrated, and enjoy long beach hours.
Milder temperatures and fewer crowds; great for photography around the lagoon and coastal walks with comfortable conditions for hiking.
Cool to mild with stronger winds; some outdoor hospitality may reduce hours, but coastal scenery remains dramatic in gray skies and tranquil seas.
Pleasant temperatures and active wildlife around Laguna de Castillos; ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.
Castillos at Night
Hiking in Castillos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle loops around the lagoon area offering birdwatching and marshland photography opportunities.
Short hikes along the shoreline dunes with ocean views and photo opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
A longer excursion to a remote national park area; typically reached by 4x4 vehicle and offers rugged coastal trails and wildlife viewing.
Airports
How to reach Castillos by plane.
Maldonado-based airport offering international and domestic flights; typically accessible by road from Castillos with a longer transfer time.
Montevideo's major international airport; the main hub for long-haul and regional flights; drive or bus transfer to Castillos is longer but reliable.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families and longtime Castillenses who maintain the town’s agricultural and fishing traditions.
People passing through or staying briefly for fishing, farming cycles, or holidays.
A mix of regional travelers drawn to beaches, birdlife, and relaxed coastal vibes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Uruguay; casual games and local leagues are common in towns like Castillos.
Coastal areas offer surfing, beach volleyball, and paddle sports during suitable seasons.
Coastal and lagoon fishing is a common activity for locals and visitors seeking a peaceful day by the water.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Castillos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Castillos centers on meat, but vegetarian options exist at cafés and some parrillas via salads, baked potatoes, legumes, and pasta. When dining out, ask for vegetable sides, cheese dishes, or milanesa vegetariana where available; many kitchens can accommodate with advance notice.