South America’s best kept secret, Uruguay is a small, peaceful country tucked between Argentina and Brazil, bordering the Atlantic Ocean with a fabulous coastline of long, sandy beaches, unspoilt wetlands and world-class beef.
Uruguayan grass-fed beef is possibly the finest in the world so you can enjoy great steaks. The country also offers superb seafood and there is a strong Spanish and Italian influence.
Sample superb local wines and visit one of the country’s small family-run vineyards during your stay.
The good choice of hotels includes locally run smaller hotels and pousadas, larger international chains as well as boutique hotels and traditional ranches (“estancias") and lodges.
For more info and ideas, contact us today.
Where to go in Uruguay
General Info
Capital: Montevideo
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
Time zone: GMT −3 hours
International dialling code: +598
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City Breaks
Explore the cities of Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento in a day trip – both cities are easily reached by a short ferry or hovercraft ride across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Montevideo is an elegant capital city, with a mix of turn-of-the-century buildings and Art Deco architecture, beautiful parks and excellent beaches. Watch a football match at Montevideo's Estadio Centenario. The Uruguayans love football and the nation excels at it.
Anyone who loves history must visit the picturesque streets of the beautifully preserved colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest city in the country with cobbled streets, charming art galleries, restaurants and cafés.
Go to the Beach
Punta del Este, a thriving and trendy beach resort situated 140 kilometres east of Montevideo, offers a great selection of hotels and restaurants. Spot celebrities at Punta del Este, or head a little further east to the chic fishing village of José Ignacio.
Ride with the Gauchos
Spend a day or two in a traditional estancia and ride with the gauchos and enjoy a typical barbecue lunch “asado”, served and accompanied by the world awarded Uruguayan wines. Or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside.
Enjoy Nature
Go bird watching and enjoy stunning sunsets in Uruguay’s unspoilt wetlands along the Rio Uruguay.
When to go
The seasons are opposite to those in the Northern hemisphere with winter from June to September and summer from December to March. However, Uruguay is a year-round destination with nice weather even in the winter months.
We recommend November as an ideal month to travel for perfect weather and to avoid the crowds.
Peak season runs from December to February and hotels in Punta del Este in particular get booked up well in advance for the Christmas and New Year period.
Where to go next
Combine Uruguay with a trip to Argentina. There is an excellent, regular ferry and hovercraft service running across Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires to Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento. There are also frequent flights between Buenos Aires and Montevideo and Punta del Este with a flight time of only 40 minutes.
Direct flights between Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro make Brazil a good destination to combine with Uruguay also.
Map of Uruguay
Entry Requirements
Valid passport required.
For the latest visa info, see: www.VisaHQ.co.uk
Immunisations
Always check with your doctor or medical centre in advance of travelling.
For current vaccination recommendations see:
