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South America

UruguayTravel guide

Explore Uruguay visa rulesCommon scams in Uruguay

Uruguay is South America's second-smallest country, between Argentina and Brazil. It is known for historic towns, Atlantic beaches, beef and a socially progressive society.

Why go

  1. Explore historic streets in Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento.

  2. Visit beaches along the Atlantic coast.

  3. Stay on an estancia, a countryside ranch.

  4. Discover Uruguay's football culture.

  5. See traditional rural life and gauchos, Uruguay's cowboys.

Getting there

By air

  • Carrasco International Airport is Uruguay's main airport, 20 km east of Montevideo. Many travellers arriving from outside Latin America need connecting flights.
  • Buenos Aires and São Paulo offer connections to many airports on other continents. Carrasco also has flights to Miami, Madrid and Paris.
  • For western Uruguay, consider flying to Buenos Aires and continuing by bus or ferry.

By land

  • International buses reach Montevideo from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Chile. Tres Cruces is Montevideo's main bus station.
  • Buses also connect Porto Alegre and Florianópolis in Brazil with Punta del Este.
  • From Brazil, you can take a bus to a border town, walk across and continue on a Uruguayan bus. Chuí and Santana do Livramento are popular crossings.

By sea

  • Buquebus connects Buenos Aires with Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo. Some services continue to Punta del Este.
  • Buquebus crossings to Colonia take either one hour or three hours. Some ferries also carry vehicles.

Customs

  • If you cross the Brazilian border on foot between domestic bus journeys, get your passport stamped on both sides.
  • Passport controls may be some distance from the border. Ask your bus driver to stop if needed.
  • On international buses, the bus company handles border formalities.

Getting around

  • Intercity bus

    Buses are the main public transport between cities. Services are generally frequent, safe, comfortable and affordable. In Montevideo, intercity buses leave from Tres Cruces station. Buses generally leave on time. Depending on the company, you can buy tickets at stations, on board or online. Buying before departure gives you a reserved seat. Tell the ticket inspector "terminal" if you want to get off at the destination's bus station. One-day bus strikes can reduce or stop services. Sometimes only intercity buses are affected.

  • Local bus

    Several cities have local buses, with the largest network in Montevideo. Ask a local person which bus to take if route information is hard to find. At a bus stop, hold your arm straight out towards the other side of the road to signal the driver.

  • Car

    Drive on the right. Most highways have one lane in each direction. Take care when overtaking and leave space behind the vehicle ahead. Main roads and central city roads are generally good. Less travelled routes may have potholes or dirt surfaces.

  • Train

    Regular long-distance trains are very limited. The source describes a slow service between Tacuarembó and Rivera in the north. Montevideo's commuter trains were inactive as of January 2025 because of track work. Tourist trains have no fixed schedule. Look for announcements at Montevideo's station at Nicaragua and Paraguay streets.

What to see and do

  • Plaza Independencia, Montevideo

    See José Artigas's mausoleum and statue, surrounded by important buildings including Palacio Salvo and the presidential palaces.

  • Montevideo's old town

    Walk through the old city gate to find museums and historic houses.

  • Montevideo's Rambla

    This 22 km waterfront promenade has beaches and sights along the way.

  • Colonia del Sacramento

    Its well-preserved colonial district is a World Heritage site. It is about two and a half hours from Montevideo by bus.

  • Punta del Este

    This beach resort is known for the Los Dedos sculpture and Casa Pueblo resort museum.

  • Castillo de Piria, Piriápolis

    Visit this castle in a coastal town close to Montevideo.

Food and drink

  • Asado

    Traditional barbecue in a country known for beef production.

  • Uruguayan cuisine

    Food often uses butter, fat and grains, with little spice. Italian cooking has a strong influence.

  • Mate

    A widely shared drink made from yerba mate, usually taken without sugar. People commonly prepare their own, so cafés and restaurants rarely serve it.

  • Salus

    Mineral water bottled in Uruguay.

  • Tutti Frutti

    Freshly squeezed mixed fruit juice served with ice.

  • Beer

    Patricia, Pilsen and Zillertal are common brands, often sold in one-litre bottles. A "chopp" is a draft beer, and Montevideo also has craft breweries.

Money

Uruguayan peso (UYU)

  • Peso prices use the U$ symbol. Check the currency whenever a price uses a dollar sign.
  • More expensive goods and services are often priced in US dollars. US dollars are also accepted at some restaurants and visitor businesses.
  • Some businesses serving visitors accept Argentine pesos or Brazilian reals.
  • Many supermarkets close around 21:00. Petrol stations open around the clock sell essential goods.

Tipping: Tipping is optional. Around 10% is usual in restaurants, and tipping taxi drivers is entirely optional.

Typical costs

  • The source lists the fast Buquebus return ferry to Colonia at about US$70 booked ahead, or US$110 booked the day before.
  • Colonia Express tickets to Colonia or Montevideo are listed at US$25–50, depending on the day and time.
  • Supermarket beer is listed at U$80.
  • A one-litre bottle of the cheapest whisky brands is listed at U$250.

Language

  • Spanish is the official language. Basic Spanish is important for independent travel.
  • English is easier to find in Montevideo, Colonia, Punta del Este and businesses serving tourists. Few people speak it outside these areas.
  • Portuguese can help in major tourist areas and near Brazil. Near the border, you may hear Portuñol, a mixture of Portuguese and Spanish.
  • The deaf community uses Uruguayan Sign Language.
Terminal
Use this when telling a bus inspector you want to get off at the destination's bus station.
Mate amargo
Mate without sugar.
Chopp
Draft beer.

Staying safe

  • Theft, burglary and robbery are concerns in Montevideo. Punta del Este and most rural areas have lower crime levels.
  • Keep valuables in a money belt or hotel safe. Stay alert when walking around.
  • Avoid unfamiliar or unsafe-looking neighbourhoods at night.
  • Keep away from aggressive football supporters, especially around Nacional and Peñarol matches.
1 common scams in Uruguay, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Expect cheek-to-cheek greetings with a kiss in the air. Men may greet each other this way too, or shake hands.
  • Understand that arriving a few minutes late is common and is not usually considered rude.
  • Keep your shoes on when entering a home, as Uruguayans normally do.
  • Try basic Spanish or gestures. People will usually try to help.

Don't

  • Do not call Montevideo a suburb of Buenos Aires. Uruguayans are proud of their own identity.

Staying healthy

  • Tap water is safe in major cities. Follow your host's advice if they recommend bottled water, as some buildings have unclean storage tanks.
  • Uruguay has a well-developed healthcare system, with many facilities comparable to those in the United States.
  • The source lists hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines as generally recommended.
  • Mosquitoes occur in summer, especially after heavy rain.

Where to stay

  • Estancias offer peaceful countryside stays, often with native and migrating birds nearby.
  • Beach houses are more plentiful than hotel rooms along the coast. They can be affordable outside high season.
  • Accommodation is extremely hard to find during the first two weeks of January. Rooms and cottages are booked months ahead.
  • Camping is possible in many places, especially near beaches, with both free sites and sites with facilities.

Outdoor adventures in Uruguay

Uruguay has Atlantic beaches for swimming, surfing and sunbathing, plus coastal cycling and boat trips. Inland, you can explore hills, watch birds at country ranches and visit hot springs.

  • Punta del Este beaches

    BeacheAtlantic Coastnear Punta del Este

    Visit the beaches on either side of the peninsula. Surfboards and water sports equipment are available to rent.

    • The Mansa side is calmer. The Brava side is windier.

  • Isla de Lobos sea lion tour

    WildlifeAtlantic Coastnear Punta del Este

    Book a boat tour leaving from Punta del Este port.

    • Cost: US$30–60, depending on departure time; listed January 2018.

  • Isla Gorriti

    BeacheAtlantic Coastnear Punta del Este

    20-minute ferry journey

    Take the ferry from Punta del Este port. Private yachts, speedboats and sailboats can also anchor by the shore.

    • Cost: US$20 for a return ferry trip.
    • Choose good weather if renting a boat.

  • La Aguada beach

    SurfingAtlantic Coastnear La Paloma

    45-minute lesson; one-hour board rental available

    Use one of the surf schools along the beach and promenade for lessons or board rental.

    • Cost: U$700 for a 45-minute lesson; U$250 for one-hour board rental.

  • Cabo Polonio beaches

    BeacheAtlantic Coastnear Cabo Polonio

    Visit the beaches at Cabo Polonio for sunbathing, swimming or surfing.

  • Punta del Diablo beaches

    BeacheAtlantic Coastnear Punta del Diablo

    Visit the beaches at Punta del Diablo for sunbathing, swimming or surfing.

  • Santa Teresa National Park beaches

    BeacheAtlantic Coast

    Visit the beaches within Santa Teresa National Park.

  • La Pedrera beaches

    BeacheAtlantic Coastnear La Pedrera

    Visit La Pedrera for the beach. You can also reach the village by rented bicycle from La Paloma.

  • Piriápolis beaches

    BeacheAtlantic Coastnear Piriápolis

    December–March is the active resort season.

    Visit the beaches from Piriápolis.

  • Cerro Pan de Azúcar

    HikeAtlantic Coastnear Piriápolis

    About two hours each way

    Check access times and conditions with the reserve guards, then follow the trail up the hill.

    • The trail is poorly marked.
    • Take water, rain gear and suitable walking shoes or boots.

  • Cerro del Toro

    HikeAtlantic Coastnear Piriápolis

    Two hours return

    Walk up the hill on the outskirts of Piriápolis. The summit is less than 5 km from the coast.

    • Cost: Free.
    • The gates close at 19:30.

  • San Antonio hill

    HikeAtlantic Coastnear Piriápolis

    A clear day; sunset for the views.

    Take the long walk to the top, use a taxi or ride the chairlift from the marina.

    • Cost: Chairlift: U$200 return; listed January 2018.

  • Termas de Guaviyú

    Hot springNorthern Interiornear Paysandú

    Day trip

    Travel by car or bus from Paysandú. The hot springs are about 60 km north of the city.

  • Birdwatching at Rocha's tourist estancias

    WildlifeRocha, Atlantic Coast

    Visit tourist estancias, or country ranches, in Rocha for birdwatching.

  • Montevideo Rambla

    CyclingRío de la Platanear Montevideo

    Sunset for the views.

    Cycle along Montevideo's waterfront Rambla.

  • Pocitos Beach

    BeacheRío de la Platanear Montevideo

    Visit the waterfront beach beside the Pocitos neighbourhood.

  • Parque Lecocq

    WildlifeMontevideonear Montevideo

    Visit the conservation area northwest of Montevideo.

  • Parque Gran Bretaña walking trails

    HikeNorthern Interiornear Rivera

    Visit Parque Gran Bretaña and follow its walking trails.

    • There are snakes in the area.

  • La Paloma to La Pedrera or Rocha Lagoon

    CyclingRocha, Atlantic Coastnear La Paloma

    Rent a bicycle in La Paloma and ride to La Pedrera village or Rocha Lagoon.

    • Cost: Bicycle rental: U$300–400 per 24 hours.

  • Anaconda beach

    BeacheAtlantic Coastnear La Paloma

    Visit Anaconda beach from La Paloma for sunbathing.

  • Boat rental from Punta del Este port

    SailingAtlantic Coastnear Punta del Este

    Good weather.

    Ask about boat rental at Punta del Este port. Sailboats, yachts and speedboats are mentioned for trips to Isla Gorriti.

    • Choose good weather for a rented boat trip.

  • Liberty Ranch Kids Camp

    KayakingAtlantic Coastnear Punta del Este

    Summer

    Arrange a place at Liberty Ranch Kids Camp for a child staying in Punta del Este.

  • Valle del Lunarejo National Park

    More to doNorthern Interiornear Rivera

    Day trip from Rivera

    Visit as a day trip from Rivera.

  • Reserva de Fauna Autóctona — Pan de Azúcar

    WildlifeAtlantic Coastnear Piriápolis

    Allow a full day.

    Follow Route 37 north from Piriápolis. The reserve is about 1.5 km beyond Castillo de Piria, which is about 6 km from town.

  • Montevideo small-boat trip

    More to doRío de la Platanear Montevideo

    Take a small-boat trip from the pier near Mercado del Puerto.

Airports, metros and trains in Uruguay

Airports with scheduled flights

  • MVDCarrasco General Cesáreo L. Berisso International AirportCiudad de la CostaMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
1,791 km

People and safety in Uruguay

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mixed.

  • Christian58%
  • No religion41%
  • Folk religions<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #35 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

40% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 85 of 198 countries can visit Uruguay easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required81
  • Freedom of movement4
  • Visa required113

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe40 of 46 countries
  • Americas28 of 34 countries
  • Asia13 of 50 countries
  • Oceania2 of 14 countries
  • Africa2 of 54 countries

Questions

Can I travel around Uruguay without a car?

Yes. Intercity buses are frequent, comfortable and affordable, and several cities also have local buses.

Can I buy bus tickets without booking online?

Yes. Depending on the company, tickets are sold at bus stations and on board; buying before departure gives you a reserved seat.

Will I manage with English?

English is more available in Montevideo, Colonia, Punta del Este and tourist businesses. Basic Spanish is important for independent travel elsewhere.

Which currency should I check for on prices?

The local currency is the Uruguayan peso, shown as U$. Some prices use US dollars, so ask which currency a dollar sign means.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is optional. Around 10% is usual in restaurants, and taxi tips are entirely optional.

Can I drink tap water?

Tap water is safe in major cities. Use bottled water if your hotel or host recommends it because of the building's storage tanks.

When is beach accommodation hardest to find?

During the first two weeks of January, rooms and cottages are booked months ahead. Coastal rentals are generally more affordable outside high season.

What weather should I prepare for?

Weather can change quickly, and strong winds occur. Seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, and winter temperatures occasionally fall below freezing.

Can I order mate in a café?

Cafés and restaurants rarely serve it because most people prepare their own. You can buy yerba mate at a supermarket and a drinking gourd locally.

Is Uruguay welcoming to gay and lesbian travellers?

The source describes Uruguay as safe and welcoming, with little open discrimination even in rural areas. Montevideo and Punta del Este have some gay and lesbian bars.

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