Uruguay is actually the perfect place to see some amazing scenery, away from the typical
tourist crowds that you find in more popular locations. Are you a Beach Lover? Here you find
gorgeous beaches, Uruguay’s entire southeast coast is littered with beaches. The Río de la
Plata River, the widest in the world, makes up the beaches in the south. There are also
beaches in built-up resort cities, small towns, natural reserves, and remote locations.
Uruguay has some of the most helpful, engaging, and friendly locals you’ll meet. Whether you go to a restaurant, bar, inn, hostel, or hotel, people will aim to give you an exceptional travel experience. It’s regarded as the safest country in South America.
In the big cities, the night starts and ends late. You can enjoy a nice dinner in a restaurant at 10 or 11 p.m., then go to a bar or club at 1, 2 or even 3 a.m., and continue partying until 10 a.m. the perfect time to go for breakfast!
One of Uruguay’s major highlights is its typical dishes and bakeries. There are a lot of dishes that involve meat, and specifically beef. You can eat a massive steak sandwich called a chivito, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, or even fish on the grill, or milanesas (meat coated in breadcrumbs and fried).
To do in Uruguay
MONTEVIDEO The capital and the largest city of Uruguay. Montevideo is situated on the north shore of the
Río de la Plata, the arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates the south coast of Uruguay from
the north coast of Argentina; Buenos Aires lies 230 kilometres (140 mi) west on the Argentine
side. The Santa Lucía River forms a natural border between Montevideo and San José
Department to its west.
CLIMATE Montevideo has a humid subtropical climate. Being in a middle latitude, you can get to
experience four seasons in one day. It has cool winters, warm to hot summers, mild autumns
and volatile springs.
The capital of Uruguay, Montevideo is a charming metropolitan oasis where the lifestyle of the
countryside, influences a not-so-fast pace of city living.
BEACH – PLAYA
The most popular beach in town is Playa de Los Pocitos, which offers soft sand and volleyball
courts. This true city beach is framed by the waterfront buildings of the namesake Pocitos
neighbourhood. In the summer months, you’ll see scads of umbrellas that protect from the
high UV rays in Uruguay (which can reach as high as 11). Sun-screen lotion is a must.
RIVER RIO DE LA PLATA – SILVER RIVER
The Río de la Plata is the estuary formed by the combination of the Uruguay River and the
Paraná River. Broad, shallow, and muddy, it is a funnel-shaped inlet on the southeastern
coastline of South America, extending 290 kilometres (180 mi) from the rivers’ confluence to
the Atlantic Ocean.
CARNAVAL Experience Carnaval year-round between the end of January and early March you can take part
in the longest carnaval celebration in the world. Uruguayans celebrate for a full 40 to 50 days
in the lead-up Easter (known as Tourism Week in Uruguay).
OLD CITY – CUIDAD VIEJA
Visit Old City (Ciudad Vieja), a historic neighbourhood, Located in a peninsula at the entrance
of the natural port of Montevideo. Ciudad Vieja remained as one of the central
neighbourhoods, nowadays it serves as one of the main office districts of Montevideo, housing
multiple banks and institutions, also is one of the main tourist attractions in Uruguay due to its
historical significance and classical architecture.
PUNTA DEL ESTE
Uruguay’s most famous beach resort, a glamorous city that faces the rolling South Atlantic
waves. Relax on golden sands like Brava Beach, do surf-and-yoga and take in contemporary
Latin American culture, from the art at the Ralli Museum to nightlife at the fishing port.
BRAVA BEACH – SURF
Take a look at the hand of Punta del Este, known as the Monument “the fingers” or “the hand
of Punta del Este” has become famous, being an iconic symbol of the resort. It appears
“drowning”, as a warning to swimmers and surfers, since the waves in this area are usually
large due to strong winds. The Hand, was created by Mario Irarrázabal in 1982. Constructed
with iron and cement, the large concrete hand protrudes from Playa Brava’s sands.
COLONIA
Is a city in southwestern Uruguay, by the Río de la Plata, facing Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is
one of the oldest towns in Uruguay. Its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Modern Colonia del Sacramento produces textiles and has a free trade zone, in addition to a
polytechnic centre and various government buildings.
Colourful colonial houses, picturesque cobblestone streets, the sweet smell of fresh water, and
ancient fortification. A walk along the streets, an attraction on its own. A must-visit destination
for you if you fancy old historical towns with charming centres, strolling around the marina,
and enjoying great dining possibilities.
MAIN SQUARE – PLAZA DE ARMAS
The heart of the historical centre. You will also find here the oldest church in Uruguay Basilica
del Santisimo Sacramento also known as Church Matriz.
STREET OF SIGHTS
One of the most picturesque streets in Colonia which is worth mentioning separately is Calle
de Los Suspiros alias Street of Sighs. The street is very iconic, you can find it on almost every
postcard from the city because it is one of the most original streets dating back to the 17th
century which is lined with houses from the colonial period.
MUSEUMS
The museums are not somehow large, so you can choose several of them, and walk inside
when nearby. The ticket is inexpensive and you can even buy a master ticket in Museo Municipal which grants you access to the other seven museums. Top three Museums if your time in Colonia is limited: Spanish Museum, Portuguese Museum, Paleontological Museum.
BEACH – PLAYA
Colonia del Sacramento lies on the shore of a huge river Rio de la Plata which flows to the
Atlantic Ocean, if you are looking for an activity to do in the town when you are done with
sightseeing, head to the sandy beach, where you can sunbathe, swim or have a picnic. There
are several clean and well-kept beaches.
MATE
Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil have a strong mate culture, so when traveling around
Colonia, you can try this drink. There are a large number of pretty bars and coffee shops,
usually with a pleasant sitting area outside, where you can drink mate or terere (the cold
version) and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
Must See in Colonia :
- Calle de Los Suspiros
- Basílica del Santísimo Sacraeento
- Faro de Colonia
- Puerta de la Ciudadela
- Plaza de toros Real de San Carlos
- Beaches Playa Santa Ana y Playa Artilleros
