Uruguay is a small but beautiful country in South America known for its beautiful beaches, charming colonial towns, rich culture, and excellent cuisine. Despite its size, Uruguay offers a variety of landscapes and experiences, from the vibrant capital city, Montevideo, to the historic towns of Colonia del Sacramento and the serene beaches of Punta del Este. This 10-day itinerary you will take you to explore the best that Uruguay has to offer.

Day 1: Arrival in Montevideo

Arrival: Fly into Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, located along the Rio de la Plata coast.

Morning: Get settled in your hotel and head out to explore the Ciudad Vieja (Old City). Stroll through the historic Plaza Independencia, where you can visit the Solís Theatre and Palacio Salvo.

Afternoon: Walk along La Rambla, the long promenade by the water that stretches along the Montevideo coastline. Enjoy the view of the ocean and the Playa Ramirez beach.

Evening: Have dinner in the lively Mercado del Puerto, known for its traditional Uruguayan barbecue (asado), and try local dishes such as chivito (a sandwich with beef, ham, cheese, and eggs).

Day 2: Explore Montevideo

Morning: Visit the Parque Rodó, a beautiful park with a lake, gardens, and museums. Stop by the Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales to view Uruguay’s art collection.

Afternoon: Take a trip to the Barrio Sur and Cerro neighborhoods for a taste of Montevideo’s Afro-Uruguayan culture. If you enjoy history, visit the Museo Histórico Nacional.

Evening: Enjoy the evening at Punta Carretas or Pocitos Beach, where you can find cafes, bars, and restaurants. If you’re in Montevideo on a weekend, check out the city’s salsa or tango scene.

Day 3: Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento

Morning: Depart for Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage city located about 2 hours west of Montevideo by bus or car.

Afternoon: Explore the cobbled streets of Colonia’s historic district, where Portuguese and Spanish colonial influences come together. Don’t miss the Lighthouse, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta de la Ciudadela.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the many charming restaurants in the Old Town with a view of the Rio de la Plata. The town is especially beautiful at sunset, with the sun reflecting off the river.

Day 4: Colonia del Sacramento

Morning: Visit the Museo Portugués, the Museo del Oro, and the Bastión del Carmen for insights into the city’s history. Wander around the picturesque streets and check out the charming handicraft shops and cafes.

Afternoon: Take a boat trip or a ferry to see the town from the river, enjoying views of the old town and the surrounding landscapes. You can also rent a bicycle and explore the area around Barrio Histórico.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in a quaint restaurant in the heart of the town, or perhaps try a wine tasting at a local vineyard.

Day 5: Colonia del Sacramento to Punta del Este

Morning: Drive or take a bus to Punta del Este, Uruguay’s most famous beach resort town (around 3.5-4 hours from Colonia).

Afternoon: Upon arrival, head straight to Playa Brava and snap a photo with the iconic “La Mano” sculpture. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or stroll around the elegant marina area, where you can see luxury yachts and upscale shops.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in Punta Ballena with views of the coast, or try one of the trendy seafood restaurants in La Barra.

Day 6: Explore Punta del Este

Morning: Take a trip to Casapueblo, a white-washed building built by the artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding coastline.

Afternoon: Visit the Museo Ralli, a modern art museum, and spend time walking through Plaza Artigas. You can also visit the Punta del Este Lighthouse.

Evening: Punta del Este has a vibrant nightlife scene, with clubs and bars lining the beach. If you enjoy the nightlife, spend your evening at one of the local hot spots.

Day 7: Day Trip to Isla de Lobos

Morning: Take a boat trip to Isla de Lobos, located 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) from Punta del Este. The island is home to a large colony of sea lions, and you can get up close to observe these playful animals.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon on a guided tour of the island, and afterward, enjoy a beach day at Playa Mansa, a calm beach ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Evening: Return to Punta del Este for a quiet evening by the beach.

Day 8: Punta del Este to Cabo Polonio

Morning: Travel to Cabo Polonio National Park (around 4 hours), one of Uruguay’s most remote and unspoiled natural areas. Known for its secluded beaches, the park is also famous for its sea lion colony and the Cabo Polonio Lighthouse.

Afternoon: Take a guided tour through the park, which is only accessible by special 4×4 vehicles due to the park’s sand dunes and forests. Visit the Cabo Polonio Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in South America, and enjoy its dramatic views.

Evening: Stay overnight in one of the park’s rustic accommodations. Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature, watching the stars.

Day 9: Cabo Polonio to Montevideo

Morning: After breakfast, depart from Cabo Polonio and head back to Montevideo (about 4.5 hours by car).

Afternoon: Spend your final afternoon in Montevideo shopping, relaxing, or revisiting your favorite spots. Consider visiting the Museo del Carnaval for a deep dive into Uruguay’s rich carnival traditions.

Evening: For your final night, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant. Try dishes such as asado (Uruguayan barbecue) or milanesa (breaded and fried meat cutlet).

Day 10: Montevideo and Departure

Morning: If time allows, visit the Parque Nacional de Cerro Largo or check out Mercado Agricola de Montevideo, a lively market for fresh local produce and artisanal goods.

Afternoon: Head to Carrasco Beach for a relaxing afternoon before you prepare to depart.

Evening: Depart from Montevideo, or extend your stay to visit other parts of the country if you have time.