Soccer fans know Uruguay. For the rest of us, Uruguay often seems elusive and mysterious. A modern agricultural nation exporting both wool and beef, it welcomes visitors from the elite to backpackers. However, if you like to travel, it’s easy to visit Uruguay.
It’s a progressive country with a sordid history resulting in a skewed demographic balance that is quite different from its neighbouring nations. Yet, they flock here for holiday, drawn by the mild summers, stunning beaches, culinary delights, liberal laws, and the many things to do in Uruguay.
It’s a small country filled with windswept beaches, sea lions, fishing villages, horse ranches, five-star resorts, and so much more.
Where is Uruguay?
Nestled between Brazil and Argentina along the Atlantic coast, Uruguay is much smaller than its neighbouring countries. Boasting a population of fewer than 3.5 million residents, Uruguay has a population density of only 19 people per sq km. In comparison, the USA is at 37 per sq km, while Singapore’s population density tops 8,000 per sq km, according to World Population Review.
Uruguay travel guide: quick reference
- Emergency number: 911
- Official Language: Spanish (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)
- Currency: Uruguayan peso (UYU)
- Credit cards: Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted
- ATM Machines: Only found in the larger cities
- Electricity: 230V 50Hz Type I connectors (same as used in Australia, Argentina, and New Zealand). Also, C, F, and L connectors may be used
- Telephone country code: +598
- Water: Tap water is considered safe to drink
- Capital city of Uruguay: Montevideo
Best time to visit Uruguay
Located in the southern hemisphere, the coastal climate of Uruguay is generally milder than the interior. While spring and summer (October through March) are thought of as the best times for visiting Uruguay, be aware that January is by far the busiest and most expensive month to visit the coastal cities. In fact, many are shuttered for much of the year, coming alive sometime in December and hibernating again from mid-February.
Uruguay Seasons
December to February – Summer
- Warm coastal temperatures. Average temps: 17-28C
- Hotter in the Northwest. (33C)
- More crowded.
- Requires booking ahead.
March to May – Autumn
- Autumn is mild.
- Average temps: 10–26C
- Fewer tourists.
- Less planning is required.
June to August – Winter
- Chilly and damp winters.
- Average temps: 6–18C
- Cold winds possible.
- Shorter days.
September to November – Spring
- Springtime is damp and cool.
- Average temps: 9-24C
- Tends to be windy.
- Fewer tourists.
- Less planning is required.
Uruguay holidays that affect travel
- Carnival in Uruguay is a big deal. In fact, Montevideo is home to the world’s longest carnival, lasting six weeks each year and boasting as much fun as Rio de Janeiro.
- January, while it’s not a holiday, is the height of the season, especially in Punta del Este. You need to book early and be aware that prices will be up.
- Additional Public Holidays in Uruguay: New Year’s Day, Día de los Reyes (Jan 6), Easter (varies), Desembarco de los 33 Orientales (Apr 19), Labor Day (May 1), Batalla de las Piedras (May 18), Natalicio de José Gervasio Artigas (June 19), Jura de la Constitución (July 18), Independence Day (Aug 25), Día de la Raza (Oct 12), Día de los Difuntos (Nov 2), and Christmas (Dec 25).
Travel tips: Know before you visit Uruguay
Visas and entry
Uruguay’s visa requirements differ based on the citizenship and residency of visitors. However, citizens (passport holders) of Australia, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, New Zealand, United States, and many other countries can fill out a tourist card at immigration and will automatically be granted a 90-day visitor visa. Check the official government site for information.
Safety in Uruguay
Using the world peace index as a measure, Uruguay is considered the safest South American country. However, this is not an invitation to be careless. Even in Uruguay, we practised basic safety guidelines for travelling in South America.
Travel Insurance
We don’t travel without insurance. It’s a personal choice that has paid off well for us. Although Uruguay is well-known for having affordable healthcare, I still would carry insurance. You never know what can go wrong, as I learned first-hand when I got dengue fever while in South America. ⇒ Compare travel insurance companies based on your needs.
What to bring to Uruguay
We were always comfortable in Uruguay, as it has an overall casual atmosphere. Like at home, we were sporty for the daytime and smart casual for evenings. You will want a good pair of walking shoes, a sun hat, and swimwear.
We always travel light and include clothes and light jackets that can be layered as needed. Therefore, our basic kit needed nothing extra for Uruguay. You can get a free copy of our packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.
Top places to visit in Uruguay
Choosing the best places to visit in Uruguay starts with what you hope to get from your travel. The top three tourist destinations are listed here, along with two other interesting options.
Follow the links for details on what to see and do, where to stay, and other local recommendations for each destination below.
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is an open-minded modern metropolis with old-world European charm. The city boasts an eclectic mix of historical buildings and contemporary designs, as well as being the seat of government.
A liveable city, we found the people friendly, the food both affordable and delicious, the wine flowing, and the marijuana inaccessible to visitors. It's often considered to be the most gay-friendly city in South America. Montevideo is a must-see for anyone visiting Uruguay.
Colonia del Sacramento is one of Uruguay’s oldest cities and a visit here is a real treat. From the moment we passed through the historic quarter's city gate, we were captivated by cobblestone streets, picturesque beaches, and colourful architecture.
It's an easy day trip via ferry from Buenos Aires Argentina, although we regretted not staying overnight.
If you are looking for a South American summer beach holiday in a mild climate, Punta del Este is it. Add to that white-sand beaches, sparkling waters, endless sea views, shopping, restaurants and plenty of nightlife, and you can understand why it is so popular.
However, if you want to visit in January, you had best book early, as the population swells almost 10-fold this time of year. And for good reason.
Your eyes are not playing tricks on you. This is a house built to look like an eagle's head, with window eyes facing out to sea. El Águila de Atlantida is its Spanish name, while it is called the Eagle's Nest in English. You can find it on a deserted beach in Villa Argentina, between Montevideo and Punta del Este. As we travelled between the two cities via cruise ship, we didn't get to see it, but it's certainly on my list for another visit.
If you are looking for a bit of adventure, perhaps this day trip out to Cerro Arequita for a bit of adrenaline-pumping climbing and rappeling is exactly what you need. The tour from Montevideo also explores the nature reserve at Salus' Park, and visits majestic caves, and enjoys the sunset. The stops are in Minas, which is inland, between Montevideo and Punta del Este.
Travelling within Uruguay
Self-driving – know before you visit Uruguay
In Uruguay, people drive on the right side of the road when they stay in their lane. Driving, we were told, is a bit haphazard and nerve-wracking. And bone-jarring potholes are not uncommon. However, if you are going to drive, there are several things you should know:
- The main highways are fine, but other road conditions vary greatly.
- The Uruguay speed limits on the open road are up to 110 kph (68 mph).
- Importantly, wearing safety belts is compulsory for everyone in the car.
- Children aged 0-12 must be in a rear seat.
- Uruguay has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
- Dipped headlights are required during the day.
- All cars must carry a first aid kit.
We opted not to drive in Uruguay. If you feel differently, renting a car in Uruguay is easy. RentalCars.com offers options from international and local companies, allowing you to compare prices and company ratings. We have been using Rental Cars worldwide since we discovered them.⇒ Reserve your rental car at RentalCars.com
Uruguay transportation options
If you don’t want a tour and are not brave enough to drive yourself, other transportation options include buses, trains, planes, and ferries. See other options for how to get around Uruguay here.
Local foods and drinks to try when you visit Uruguay
Pro tip: Many restaurants offer tax-free dining for tourists; you simply need to ask for it.
If you’re going to spend any time in Uruguay, even just a day, there are a few things you will want to try.
What to eat in Uruguay
- Chivito: is the national dish of Uruguay, according to Wikipedia. It’s a sandwich of thinly sliced cooked beef steak (churrasco), mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise, and olives. Often, bacon, fried or hard-boiled eggs, and ham are added. It’s usually served with French fries.
- Asado: A slow-cooked barbeque over hot coals with a selection of different cuts of meat, from steaks to intestines.
- Empanada: Savoury pastry, typically filled with meat, ham and cheese, or vegetarian.
What to drink in Uruguay
- Share a mate (mah-tā) with friends. It’s a bitter-tasting tea-like beverage drunk from an open-top cup through a metal straw called a “bombilla.” You will see Uruguayans walking down the street, mate cup in one hand and the hot water thermos wedged firmly under their other arm.
- Sample Grappamiel, often referred to as the national drink. It is a sweet wine with honey.
- Sip some medio y medio, a combination of equal portions of wine and champagne.
Interesting Uruguayan Laws
Three laws on the book clearly distinguish Uruguay from other countries in South America. all credited to former sandal-wearing President Jose Mujica.
- A first-trimester abortion is legal, but only for Uruguayan citizens and under a set of government guidelines.
- The cultivation, sale, and consumption of recreational marijuana is legal with limitations and government control; however, only for Uruguayan citizens.
- Marriage equality is on the books.
Uruguay’s Shameful Past
One thing you can’t help noticing, unlike other South American countries we visited, is the high percentage of white European Uruguayans (88%). This is a direct result of the country wiping out its indigenous Charrúa population in 1831. It’s a shameful past that current citizens seem embarrassed by. You can read about it here: Charrúa – Genocide.
More information and tips on visiting Uruguay
- A 10% tip in restaurants is customary.
- The legal age to purchase alcohol in Uruguay is 18; however, there is no minimum legal age for drinking alcohol.
- While it is legal for Uruguayan citizens to smoke marijuana, it is NOT legal for tourists.
- If you buy gifts that you are taking out of the country, you may still be able to get the VAT tax (22%) refund near the port terminal. Look for the small blue building, or check it out here. It was originally scheduled to end in April, but has rolled over annually and was still valid as of April 2022, with no additional information currently available.
- The weather is unpredictable, especially in the summer, so bring a rain jacket.
- Uruguay is well-known for soccer and has one of the most successful teams in the world. To date, they won 19 official FIFA titles: 2 World Championships, 2 Olympic Games, and 15 Copa América championships. Plus, they were the world’s first Soccer World Cup winners (1930) and won again in 1950.
- The population of Uruguay is about 3.5 million people and 12 million cows.
More from South America
Starting with our South American itinerary and our general safety tips for travelling in the region.
Will you visit Uruguay?
Photo Credits
Photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such, in the public domain, or some stock photos were supplied by DepositPhotos.
Mayi
The Andes and Valparaíso are great destinations to explore, particularly Valparaíso for anyone with a passion for street art.
Kelly Anne Rothaermel
Uruguay has never really been on my travel radar, but I might have to reconsider! Have a great week.
Rosemary
Loved exploring the local food in Uruguay a few years ago. One thing that struck me was how people would walk around with the flasks of hot water and drink at any time of the day and any where. Fascinating!! Truly a football capital. We run into an ex-world champion player at a restaurant in Montevideo. Great country and thanks for highlighting it. Hope more people will visit this small, but amazing country.
Kamree
These are wonderful things to expect for a first time visitor, I am sure the weather is fantastic during the prime season. Thanks for sharing the tips! xo – kam
Nancy
You seem to have visited so many fascinating places! You must live in a constant state of jet lag!
Danijela
Don’t know much about Uruguay, to be honest, so this is quite interesting to read. Fewer than 3,5 million people? I thought the population was much greater for some reason.
And how lovely that their carnival in Montevideo lasts for six weeks. That must be one great event to attend. 🙂
Thanks for the info regarding the best time to go, March seems like a good idea for me. Would love to see Montevideo and Punta del Este, and to try some of that mah-tā.
judee
Thank you for this informative and educational post ! I went to Montevideo last year and we loved it! Great photos
Indrani
You got me interested about Uruguay! The chart of best time to visit is too good. Can I use the same idea for some of my posts? Little tips like tax free food for tourists, zero alcohol tolerance is all so helpful. Great post. Saving it up for my dreams. 🙂
Carol
What a beautiful place to visit!
Linda (LD Holland)
We are excited to be heading to South America in the new year. So this was a quick intro to Uruguay for us. Glad to know it is considered safe if we wander (carefully) around on our own. I love the variety in what is offered in Uruguay. But we will be sure to book our tours early since it is high season when we visit. I appreciate that tip. I had to laugh when I read that there are almost 3 cows per person!
Patricia
You’ve captured my imagination with your pics and stories of Uruguay. I’ve never really thought about traveling there, but now I’m tempted. Excellent tip about some places on the coast being shuttered outside of December to mid-February! I’m not great with crowds so Carnival might feel too overwhelming to me, so I’d try to avoid that. Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este and Montevideo seem too tempting to miss!
Karthika
What a great article and I am so interested to explore more about Uruguay! The street markets and fruit vendors are so similar to what we have back home in India.
Jenn and Ed Coleman
This was a great article. I have always “heard” of Uruguay, but never enough to prompt a visit. Now I am intrigued. It looks like they have a good selection of adventure travel and ocean sports. Also, the culture of being the safest country with the most liberal laws seems interesting. It’s as if Draconian law enforcement doesn’t actually make a country safer in the end.
Danik
Great tips here for the first time visitors (and hopefully I be there soon as a first timer) so kept a lot of these tips in mind. Still don’t know much about Uruguay but cant wait to get lost in their culture, their land, their food and to educate myself there.
Ruth Murdoch
This is a fantastic blog for first time visitors, thanks and very well written.
Laureen Lund
Thank you for inspiring me to visit. Several years ago we made a cruise stop in Montevideo and I’ve always wondered if I should go back to explore. Now I think I will. Great and very informative post.
Amy Franks
So it’s seasons are the same as ours, I didn’t know that.
Sharon
I will admit I knew very little about Uruguay, so your post is interesting! I love the colorful beach and streets. The sad genocide history is also new to me. Thanks for putting together this detailed post!