Making the most of your time in Uruguay

From the laid-back capital city of Montevideo to historic estancias (ranches), Uruguay is a destination that has much to offer. Whether you’re only visiting for a week or you’ve got a bit more time to spare, check out our sample itineraries to guarantee that you make the most of your time there. These are feasible by bus or with a rental car.

One week

Almost every trip to Uruguay starts in Montevideo, the country’s friendly capital, where Art-Deco shopfronts and cosy tango tavernas sit alongside modern high-rises and lively beachfront discoteca. Spend a few days exploring the city at its own pace – take a laidback stroll along its waterfront boulevard (known as the rambla), head to the sprawling Mercado del Puerto for some asado-grilled steak or pay a visit to one of the dozens of museums on offer.

Plaza Independencia is the main square in Montevideo © byvalet, Shutterstock

From there, head east along the coast to one of the many beaches – there’s plenty to suit all tastes and budgets. La Paloma is the most developed resort in Rocha and one of the most popular with the surfing community, whilst the more bohemian La Pedrera is home to hip cafés, trendy hotels and architect-designed houses, making it popular with the arty crowd. If you’re seeking isolation, the tranquil Cabo Polonio is one of the most alluring destinations in Uruguay. And for those wanting luxury, the small fishing village of José Ignacio has recently been transformed into one of the world’s most chic and exclusive holiday destinations, with boutique hotels, superb restaurants and an array of stunning modern houses.

Cabo Polonio is home to one of the country’s finest lighthouses © Ksenia Ragozin, Shutterstock

Next, head inland to Minas and back to Montevideo via the Canelones’ wineries, where you can sample some of the country’s finest wines from one of 270 or so wineries, all of which are small, family-run private businesses. The wineries near Montevideo are mostly close to Ruta 5 and it’s easy to visit three or more in a day by car; the welcome is warm and an English-speaking guide can usually be provided. A tasting of three or four wines, with snacks and a tour of the winery, costs US$20; with a barbecue lunch it costs US$50–70. A few of the larger wineries have restaurants, but most tastings will be accompanied by cold meats and cheese or homemade empanadas.

Sample a Uruguayan tipple at one of the 270 wineries in the Canelones region © Ana Raquel S. Hernandes

If you have time, add on an extension westward to Colonia del Sacremento and visit the Calle de los Suspiros, the most photographed street in Uruguay. This charming, short, traffic-free lane leads down towards the Plate that is essentially unchanged from the 18th century, with its cobbles and central drain, and single-storey cottages on either side.

Calle de los Suspiros © LMspencer, Shutterstock

Two weeks 

From Montevideo go west to Colonia and Carmelo, where you can visit the town’s famous and picturesque swing bridge which is still occasionally hand-cranked. Continue on to Fray Bentos and discover Uruguay’s rich industrial history by paying a visit to the fascinating Museo de la Revolución Industrial, housed in the former meat-packing plant.

The meat-packing plant at Fray Bentos is now an industrial heritage museum © Fernando Pangaré, Flickr

Follow the litoral north to Paysandú or Salto, then head east to Tacuarembó, the eponymous capital of Uruguay’s largest department. Here, pay a visit to the Catedral San Fructuoso and the nicely restored Intendencia, which has an unusual Neoromanesque façade and a blue-and-yellow tiled steeple. Another notable feature of the city is its centros de barrios on the outskirts of town, architecturally striking focal points for each quarter, which include health or sport centres. 

Tacuarembó is a haven of colour and culture © Kobby Dagan, Shutterstock

From here either go south to Montevideo via the Canelones wineries, or via Minas, an attractive city surrounded by hills, to the beaches of eastern Uruguay and then back to Montevideo, maybe with a day trip to some wineries from there. 

Three or more weeks

From Montevideo go west to Colonia, Carmelo and Fray Bentos. Then follow the litoral north to Paysandú or Salto, where you can stop off at the Termas del Daymán hot baths. These are the largest and liveliest of all the hot baths in Uruguay, with families and busloads of youngsters pouring in on summer weekends. Here you’ll find the hottest water of the Uruguayan springs (up to 44°C, from the Aquifer Guaraní, 2km down). If you’re looking to relax, there’s also sauna and hydromassage available. 

Termas de Daymán is a great spot for families © Leonardo Correa, Wikimedia Commons

Head on to Artigas and the larger and livelier Rivera, then south to Tacuarembó and then east to Melo where you can explore the city’s central square or relax in riverside parks. You can also head to Treinta y Tres. Situated within the emptiest and most isolated area of the country, the centre of town is characterised by wide, leafy two-way streets and single-storey houses. From here, venture down to Rocha and the beaches of eastern Uruguay such as the laidback resort of Aguas Dulces.

Finally, head back to Montevideo, maybe with a day trip to some wineries from there. There’s no better way to finish a Uruguayan adventure than with a tipple or two.

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