Uruguay, a small country bordered by Argentina and Brazil, was colonized by the Spanish and Portuguese much later than neighboring countries in the late 17th century. Although the Charrua people originally inhabited the land, little of the native indigenous culture survives today.
As a result of the presence of enslaved Africans in the country in the nineteenth century, the government adopted several traditions and celebrations associated with African heritage, which are especially visible during the Carnival celebration at the beginning of the year.
Uruguay has a lot to offer visitors regarding excellent cuisine, unexpected traditions, and plenty of natural attractions to explore and discover. Check out our list of things to do in Uruguay for more information on the best places to visit.
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1. Explore Montevideo
The capital city of Uruguay is an eclectic blend of Neoclassical and colonial architecture, African influences, and modern European flair. The Palacio Salvo (home of the Tango Museum of Montevideo) and the Legislative Palace (made of nearly 30 different types and colors of marble) are good examples of the look and feel you’ll get when walking the streets of Montevideo.
Ciudad Vieja, the city’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhood, is home to several landmarks, including the Citadel Gate (the only remaining portion of the city’s walls) and the green square Plaza Independencia.
Montevideo is a buzzing city with world-class cuisine, which you can sample at its finest at the Mercado del Puerto (“Port Market”).
The cultural heritage of Montevideo is well represented in the city’s many histories and art museums, including the extensive National Museum of Visual Arts and the Museo Torres Garcia, dedicated to the renowned Uruguayan avant-garde sculptor, painter, and writer.
The beaches and Rambla (a coastline sidewalk) in Montevideo draw visitors from neighboring countries.
2. Mix with the Jet Set in Punta del Este
Punta del Este is Uruguay’s most famous beach, and it’s worth mentioning because it’s often referred to as “the Monaco of the South”. In this resort area, models, actors, and the wealthy come to relax, play, and enjoy haute cuisine.
Punta’s main tourist attraction is its fine golden sand coastline and water sports. Still, the area also has a significant population of southern right whales, an imposing hotel complex, and the Museum of the Sea, which displays everything from whale skeletons to a collection of early 20th-century bathing suits.
The islands of Isla de Lobos and Isla Gorriti are located off the coast of Punta del Este. They have a lighthouse, Portuguese fort ruins, and large colonies of southern elephant seals and orcas. Isla de Lobos is a nature reserve and a whale wintering area.
3. Sunbathe and Swim at the Many Beaches
Uruguay’s coastline lacks palm-fringed golden sands and turquoise waters. However, this small South American country still has plenty of beautiful, pristine coastal destinations for sun-worshipers, including waterfront promenades, resorts, and boating areas.
While Punta del Este beach attracts the rich and famous, higher prices, larger crowds, and a lively atmosphere make it difficult to enjoy a quiet moment in the sun during the high season. Many other beach destinations in Uruguay are a better option if you want a little more peace and quiet. Montevideo, the country’s capital, has several beaches, including the upscale Playa de Los Pocitos, which offers a variety of water sports, and the beaches along the 22-kilometer-long Rambla.
Piriápolis, one of Uruguay’s oldest beach resort areas, attracts mostly surfers and history buffs with its strong waves and Belle Epoque-style buildings.
Costa de Oro (Golden Coast) is the country’s longest stretch of beach, stretching over 45 kilometers of vast sandbanks that are undeveloped and ideal for a quiet getaway.
4. Discover the Past in Colonia del Sacramento
This small city, known simply as Colonia, is also one of Uruguay’s oldest. The Barrio Historico, or senior town center, of Colonia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the town’s main draw.
The barrio, built around a tree-lined square and surrounded by cobblestone streets, is home to several historical buildings and ruins, including a 17th-century convent.
A municipal museum displays artifacts from Colonia’s history; a wooden drawbridge; and the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament, built by Portuguese settlers in the early 19th century.
Famous landmarks include the ruins of the bullring Real de San Carlos (abandoned since the bullfighting ban in Uruguay in 1912) and the lighthouse against the river.
Colonia is also an excellent location for taking the ferry to Buenos Aires. The ferry leaves Colonia more than 40 times per week, and the trip takes only one hour and 15 minutes, making it ideal for a sightseeing day trip to Argentina’s capital.
5. Spot Sea Lions in Cabo Polonio
It doesn’t get any more remote when it comes to off-the-beaten-path locations than this tiny town, where there is no electricity, running water, and Wi-Fi-and that’s exactly how the locals want it.
There are less than 100 individuals living in modest, charmingly rustic cottages and houses in Cabo Polonio. There is just one store in the community, a few posadas (rustic inns that host summer guests and serve meals by candlelight or oil lamps), a few shacks offering unexpectedly delicious food, and a lighthouse that is the only structure with access to electricity. And all of this in a stunning, wild location where enormous boulders and lush dunes tumble into the chilly ocean.
6. Try a South American BBQ
The parrillas (steakhouses) of Uruguay are a meat lover’s paradise. The “Asado,” a type of open-fire barbecue that is more of a social event than a meal, is the quintessential Uruguayan dish. Any non-marinated meat can be used in an Asado (though beef and chicken are the main choices).
Asados are frequently made up of several cuts of meat that cook at different times and are served one after the other. Asados are typically filled with grilled baguette bread and grilled vegetables and salads.
Trying an authentic Asado is a must when in Uruguay unless you’re a vegetarian. There are many parrillas throughout the country, with places like La Pulperia (in Montevideo) and Punta Salina (in Punta del Este) frequently ranking among the top ten restaurants in the country.