Uruguay is one of the up and coming destinations in South America. The competition for travelers’ attention isn’t easy with bucket list destinations such as Brazil and Argentina so close by.
I spent 4 weeks in Uruguay recently and could definitely have stayed longer.
Why You Should Go
The combination of wine, some of the world’s best meat, beautiful beaches, thermas, welcoming locals, the gaucho culture, and virgin nature, makes Uruguay well worth a spot on your list. It has been described as a treasure by CNN travel and tourism grew with more than 30% in 2017 alone.
Uruguay is quite different from other places in South America. It was the first country in the region to allow gay marriages. It’s legal to smoke marijuana – as a local you can get your dose at the pharmacy. Many locals describe themselves as ‘uruguayos’, rather than latinos, and it’s pretty organized.
Uruguay is a relatively safe place, and it’s easy to travel within the country since everything is so close.
Here are 7 different places to visit in Uruguay if you have a few weeks to spare.
Montevideo
You’ll most likely arrive in Montevideo. Spend a few days here to go neighbourhood-hopping (Palermo, Pocitos, Centro Viejo, Punta Carretas, Carrasco, Malvin are all worth your time). Pass by the city market and eat empanadas at Empanadas Carolina.
Palermo ended up becoming my favorite area to stay, but there are lots of accommodation options throughout the city.
Take a day or two to visit the bodegas in Canelones. Stagnari and Pizzorno are two great options that will make you feel like staying. Go for a walk along Malecon, drink mate and chat with the locals. End with dinner at a delicious parilla, a glass of Tannat, and some bar-hopping.
Piriapolis
Photo: Fabio Ferrera
About 2 hours away from the capital, you’ll find the beautiful semester paradise Piriapolis. I was here during the low season, so it was very quiet. In high-season, it’s quite the opposite with lots of parties going on. If you’re planning to visit during this time you better make your reservation in advance since everything usually sells out.
Go beach-hopping, hike up the small mountains. Sugarloaf is the most famous one (and the only one which can be considered a mountain, Uruguay isn’t famous for mountain views). At the top of cerro San Antonio you will get a panoramic view of the city. There are restaurants on the way up with gorgeous views, where you can stop for a little something.
Punta Del Este
The famous main attraction of Punta Del Este
Known as the fancy part of Uruguay, Punta del Este offers a mix of beaches and nightlife. The main attraction is Casa Pueblo, which looks a bit like a mini-Santorini. Make sure to visit when it’s sunny.
Stay at F&F Hotel (I’m not referring to the hostel, there are two), very charming and comfortable. I liked this place so much that I ended up staying a few nights extra. Loved waking up having breakfast by the pool, it’s so relaxing. I can imagine going back to Punta del Este just to stay here again. 🙂
Watch the sunset at La Rambla, close by the harbor. During the high season, there are clubs where you can go dancing until sunrise.
Punta Del Diablo
Wild and beautiful summarizes Punta Del Diablo quite well. Virgin beaches, hiking trails, live music. Find a place on the beach and wake up to the sound of the waves. I loved this place. If you’re into yoga or meditation (I’ll be in the future…), this has to be the perfect destination.
I went here during the low season and know that it’s crowded and much more happening during the high season. The perfect time to go depends, as so often, on what you’re looking for.
There are also surfing spots around and some forts. The following are some of the top rated accommodation options:
- Posada Lune de Miel: Apartments, outdoor swimming pool and a garden. Not extremly central, but you’ll still only be a walk away from the beach and the center.
- Villa Juana Bungalows & Suites: Bungalows and suites offering a relaxing ambiance. Swimming pool, BBQ facilities, and balconies with hammocks and sea views are some of the highlights.
- El Diablo y el Mar: This charming Inn offers comfortable rooms with sea views about 400 m from the beach. Come here to feel at home far away from home, and to have breakfast on the pretty terrace.
Cabo Polonio
“75 inhabitants and no electricity” is the rumor that has tourists coming to Cabo Polonio. There is not much to do here and that’s the point. You come here to disconnect.
Rent a house with an ocean view. Sleep well. Go running on the beach. Read a book. Make a fire and sit up and talk. Wake up to watch the sunrise. Watch sea lions and even wales, if you visit during the right season. With that said, the population increases with a few 100% during the high season. Still nice, but with a different vibe than the uncrowded place it so often is described as.
Salto
Thermas is the highlight of Salto. Thermas of Dayman is located 10 min from the city. Many families and couples stay right at the complex. There are others further away, where you can rent a lodge for the night. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and spoil yourself with a spa retreat.
I’ve been to many thermas around the world and liked Salto, even though there are many complexes in other cities, such as Pucon and Tuscany, that I find much more impressing. It’s still worth a visit since it will be a nice and different addition to your Uruguay itinerary.
Colonia
The old town and the sunset are the main reasons to visit Colonia. Get lost on the historic, cobblestoned streets. Stop at one of the many cute coffee places and make sure to secure yourself a spot in time for the famous sunset at one of the many bars along the coast.
The sunset here has been named one of the best more than once, and on a beautiful day, it’s magical. Colonia is small and you just need a couple of hours to get to know the town. It’s charming and it still makes sense to spend at least two nights to avoid stress.
From here, it’s easy to cruise over to Buenos Aires and continue your adventure, or take a flight back home.
Have you been to Uruguay? Let me know if your favorite place is missing from the list
0 Comments