Uruguay, Uruguay - Travel Guide

Uruguay is South America's best-kept secret - a small, progressive nation wedged between Brazil and Argentina offering unspoiled Atlantic beaches, charming colonial towns, gaucho culture, excellent wine, and one of the continent's most livable capitals. From glamorous Punta del Este to rustic Cabo Polonio, it's authentic South America without the crowds.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$120/day

Luxury$300/day

Known For

uruguaymontevideopunta_del_estecoloniacabo_poloniojose_ignaciogauchorio_de_la_platasouth_americawinetannatmateasadoprogressiverochacarmelo

🇺🇾 Country Information: Uruguay

CapitalMontevideo

CurrencyUruguayan peso ($)

LanguageSpanish , Portuguese, Portuñol, Uruguayan Sign Language

Phone Code+598

Electricity230V (Type C, F, I, L)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is common in restaurants (10% of the bill is customary, often included in the bill)
Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but rounding up the fare is appreciated
Tipping hotel staff (bellhops, housekeepers) is appreciated

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in larger cities and tourist areas
Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments
It is advisable to bring some cash for smaller vendors and rural areas
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality for social gatherings is not strictly enforced, arriving a bit late is common
Greet with a kiss on the cheek (even between men, sometimes)
Table manners are generally informal, but hands should be visible on the table
Football (soccer) is a central part of the culture

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Uruguay is one of the most progressive countries in Latin America regarding LGBTQ+ rights, with legal same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Marijuana is legal for recreational use, but strict regulations apply and it is not legal for tourists to purchase or consume
Drug laws for other substances are strict

Special Laws

\* It is illegal to smoke in enclosed public spaces

Common Phrases

NoNo (noh) No

YesSí (see) Sí

HelloHola (oh-lah) Hola

PleasePor favor (por fah-vor) Por favor

Excuse meDisculpe (dees-kool-peh) Disculpe

Thank youGracias (grah-see-ahs) Gracias

Climate

Temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summer (Dec-Feb) warm and humid, best for beaches. Winter (Jun-Aug) mild but cool. Rain possible year-round. Atlantic coast can be windy.

Best Time to Visit

Summer: December
February (beach season)
Autumn: March
May (harvest, good weather)
Winter: June
August (cool, low season)
Spring: September
November (warming, blooming)

Getting There

Carrasco International Airport (MVD) near Montevideo has flights from major South American cities, Miami, and Madrid
Punta del Este (PDP) has seasonal flights
Ferries from Buenos Aires to Colonia or Montevideo (1
3 hours)
Easy border crossings from Brazil and Argentina

Getting Around

Rent car for beach exploration
roads excellent
Buses connect all cities (comfortable, affordable)
Montevideo has good public transport
Uber works in Montevideo
Small enough to explore easily
International driver's license recommended

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccinations required
Routine vaccinations recommended
Yellow fever if coming from endemic area
Good healthcare system
Tap water safe
Pharmacies well
stocked

Staying Connected

Antel is main provider
Good 4G coverage
eSIM works well
WiFi widely available
Good connectivity throughout
Affordable data plans

Local Cuisine

Asado must_try

Uruguay's sacred ritual - various cuts of beef slow-grilled over wood fires for hours. More than a meal, a social tradition. Mercado del Puerto in Mon

Chivito must_try

Uruguay's national sandwich - steak, ham, bacon, mozzarella, egg, olives, and more piled into a bun. Gloriously indulgent. Every bar serves their vers

Mate must_try

Not just a drink but a way of life. Herbal tea sipped through metal straw (bombilla) from gourd. Uruguayans carry thermoses everywhere. Social ritual

Dulce de Leche must_try

Caramelized milk spread on everything - toast, ice cream, alfajores cookies. National obsession. Denser and richer than other versions.

Tannat Wine must_try

Uruguay's signature grape produces bold red wines with high tannins and antioxidants. Perfect pairing for the beef-centric cuisine.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

José Ignacio Restaurants (Summer) Dining

Book 2-8 weeks in advance

La Huella and other hot restaurants book up weeks ahead in peak summer season.

Buenos Aires Ferries (Holidays) Transport

Book 1-4 weeks in advance

Ferries to Colonia from Buenos Aires packed during holidays and summer weekends.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Punta del Este Hotels (Summer) Accommodation

Book 1-4 months in advance

Peak summer prices triple and good properties fill up. Argentines flock here in January.

Fun Facts

1. Uruguay was the first country in the world to fully legalize cannabis cultivation, sale, and consumption in 2013.
2. The country has more cows than people - about 12 million cattle versus 3.5 million humans.
3. Uruguay invented dulce de leche (contested with Argentina) and the iconic hand-in-pocket statue on their beaches.
4. Cabo Polonio is a remote beach village with no roads, no running water, no electricity from the grid, and a sea lion colony.

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