Uruguay might be a small country, but it is packed with amazing historical cities, beautiful beaches and natural parks. We've rounded up the best places to visit in this vibrant Latin American country!
Montevideo’s historic center revolves around Plaza Independencia and Ciudad Vieja, with art deco buildings and colonial homes. La Rambla is a waterfront promenade that passes fish stalls, piers and parks.
Salto
Salto is a charming city in Uruguay, surrounded by gorgeous citrus orchards. It is close to the Argentinian border and connected by the Rio Uruguay.
It has an old world charm and is a great place for families. It has a beautiful plaza with palm trees and park benches.
There are many museums and attractions to see in Salto, including the ruins of the Salto Grande dam. It also has a wild zoo with over 150 animal species.
Another attraction is the Iglesia Catedral de San Juan. This church is an important landmark in the city and was once visited by Pope John Paul II.
It is also famous for the thermal pools and the street Calle Uruguay where locals go dancing at night and drink mate. It is a popular summer getaway for both Argentines and Uruguayans.
Punta del Este
Uruguay's glamorous beach resort of Punta del Este is known for its endless beaches, beautiful seaside mansions, tree-lined streets, chic boutiques, and stylish people. But it's also a dazzling destination for culture lovers, with museums and galleries that showcase contemporary Latin American art and a lively nightlife.
A visit to the Ralli Museum is a must, as it's home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Latin American art, and the Atchugarry Foundation is also worth a look. The enigmatic snow-white Casapueblo, a former art workshop transformed into a gallery and hotel, is also well worth a trip.
The area is also known for its delicious seafood. Local and imported varieties of wine are plentiful. And for those who aren't fans of steak, there are plenty of vegetarian options. A popular drink is mate, a herbal yerba mate that is brewed in a gourd and is a great alternative to alcoholic beverages.
Tacuarembo
Situated in the north of Uruguay and the birthplace of tango legend Carlos Gardel, Tacuarembo is one of the best places to visit when you want to get in touch with the quaint rural traditions of this small South American country. Here you will experience authentic Uruguayan culture while getting to know some of its most important attractions and historical landmarks.
The capital of this department is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of local bars and clubs that vibrate to the rhythm of local music. Its main square Plaza Independencia houses the monument of Jose Gervasio Artigas, the national hero of Uruguay.
If you are a fan of cuisine, don’t miss the Mercado del Puerto which boasts a wide range of fresh produce. Try the traditional asado, a barbecued meat dish.
For those interested in learning about the history of gaucho culture, pay a visit to the Museo del Gaucho, whose collection includes horse and cow bones, elegantly worked silver spurs and stools made from animal bones. It also features a display of the traditional costumes and accessories of rural life.
Piriapolis
If you’re looking for a laid back beach holiday, Piriapolis is the place for you. It has a great beach, plenty of restaurants and bars and is a short drive from the much busier Punta del Este.
This quirky hamlet is the vision of Francisco Piria, a Montevideo-born real estate developer who decided that Uruguay needed a seaside resort. He designed the town according to his own plans, informed by his unconventional mystical beliefs.
One of the main attractions here is Cerro del Toro, which is named after a fountain shaped like a bull that stands on top of a beautiful grotto. The hill also offers a great view of the town and surrounding hills.
This is a fun day trip from Montevideo and can be included on most Uruguay tours. You’ll get to experience some enchanting landscapes, a visit to an old hotel and the opportunity to take in the Argentino Hotel’s spectacular views from San Antonio Hill.
