Uruguay Tours & Vacations
Hold onto your hat as Uruguay takes you on one epic adventure.
Montevideo is an eclectic mix of 18th-century architecture, smoky asado joints and steamy milongas. Soak up world-class beaches in Punta del Este; experience the everyday life of gaucho culture, then sip mate surrounded by mountain scenery at an estancia homestay. Whether you’re strolling the streets of Colonia del Sacramento, getting into the buzz of a rodeo in Tacuarembo or eating your weight in steak at Mercado del Puerto, Uruguay sure knows how to take you along for the ride.
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Uruguay at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Montevideo (population 1.3 million)
POPULATION
3.4 million
CURRENCY
UYU
LANGUAGE
Spanish
TIME ZONE
(GMT-03:00) Montevideo
CALLING CODE
+598
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth) Type I (Australian/New Zealand & Chinese/Argentine 2/3-pin) Type L (Italian 3-pin)
Learn more about Uruguay
Best time to visit Uruguay
Given its humid sub-tropical climate, Uruguay is suitable to visit virtually all year round, although warm coats are needed in the winter months (June-August) when the temperature drops to an average of 50 degrees F. From there, the crowds rise in accordance with the mercury. And by the peak of summer (January), the coastline teems with tourists and holidaymakers, meaning a little more planning can be needed to ensure prime accommodation. Don’t be discouraged by peak season though - there are plenty of remote surf breaks and relaxed coastal towns in which to wile away the summer, and there’s always the option to head inland for a taste of fresh air and the country life!
Culture and customs
Uruguay’s national identity embodies all the characteristics you would seek in a friend – being independent, strong, loyal, generous and honorable. Much of Uruguayan culture is largely influenced by Spain and Italy, probably because most Uruguayans have at least some Spanish or Italian in their background (a whopping 88 percent of the population is European). Architecture (particularly in Montevideo), cuisine and the arts are all dripping in Spanish and Italian influences. Elements of African culture have also woven their way into Uruguayan culture, most notably in the music. Candombe is a popular drum-based music derived from African rhythms, and tango – which has roots in Montevideo – heavily influenced by African culture. Uruguayans tend to be well educated and not particularly religious. They’re more likely to spend their Sundays feasting on grilled meats with family and friends at an asado than at church. And like the rest of South America, football (soccer) is an important part of life.
Eating and drinking
Uruguay’s cuisine reflects the country’s large European (predominantly Spanish and Italian) population. All types and cuts of meat are grilled and consumed in large quantities, either at an asado (Uruguayan barbeque) or a parrillada (a barbeque restaurant). Street vendors and pubs across the country also offer quick grilled meals, like choripan (sausages stuffed into a white roll topped with chimichurri) or chivito (steak sandwich).
Must-try foods in Uruguay
1. Asado
Imagine your average backyard barbeque, multiply it by ten, and then you’ll have an idea of what a Uruguayan asado is all about. A large assortment of meats are prepared on a special charcoal grill called a parrilla. Expect sausages, ribs, steak, blood sausage and so much more served with bread, salads and a variety of condiments over several hours.
2. Chivito
So much more than just a simple sandwich, chivito is a beloved, albeit artery-clogging, national dish. Slices of steak are stuffed in a fluffy white roll and topped with ham, cheese, tomato, a fried or hardboiled egg and other delectable sauces and condiments.
3. Alfajores
This classic treat, popular across Latin America, can be found at every corner store, supermarket and bakery. The basic alfajore consists of a dollop of gooey dulce de leche sandwiched between two shortbread cookies. You can find a bunch of tasty variations.
Geography and environment
Flanked in equal measure by Argentina, Brazil and the Atlantic, Uruguay is the second smallest nation in South America, with a staggering 50% of the population living in the capital. The temperature is mild, with summer highs in January tipping 100°F (30°C), while the July winter temperature dips as low as 43°F (6°C). The landscape is predominantly rolling grasslands, small but fertile hills and an abundant coastline. Rainfall is modest and evenly spread through the year, however the absence of large wind-blocking mountains means Uruguay can be prone to high winds.
Top 5 beaches in Uruguay
1. Punta del Este
As Uruguay's answer to the French Riviera's St Tropez, Punta del Este may be a little too glitzy or hectic for some - particularly in summer - but away from the hustle and bustle zone, there are miles of sublime beaches that stretch out either side of the city, plus several discount accommodation options tucked neatly away in other parts of town.
2. Punta del Diablo
Having drawn in droves of travelers for the past few years, Punta del Diablo can no longer claim to be a quieter option that its southern counterpart. But despite its growing popularly, this is easily one of the best beachside locales in Uruguay and well worth the trip north.
3. Cabo Polonio
Sitting on the east coast of Uruguay, this remote location can only be accessed on foot or by 4x4 across the sand dunes. With no electricity or running water, locals (to the tune of 75 people) use generators and collect rain water, making it the perfect place for a little escapism.
4. La Pedrera
A popular haunt for backpackers and Uruguayans, La Pedrera is characteristic of the small, idyllic beach towns north of Punta del Este. Here, it's still possible to find a sparsely populated stretch of white sand and top-notch surf breaks.
5. Piriapolis
With the enviable backdrop of one of Uruguay’s few mountains, Sugar Loaf, Piriapolis boasts a stack of great beaches plus a waterfront boardwalk and busy marina.
Shopping
Shopping options are most extensive in the nation’s capital, where Western-style malls (Montevideo Shopping Centre and Punta Carretas Shopping) can be found alongside boutiques selling independent designers and markets brimming with souvenirs and local handicrafts. Head to the Tristan Narvaja Street Market on Sundays to shop clothes, artisan goods, antiques and food (perhaps pick up your own mate cup here). Or support local talent by browsing the three outputs of the Mercado de los Artesanos, where artists have a fixed place to sell their work.
Festivals and events
Gnocchi Day
A delicious tradition that stems from Uruguayans remarkable ability to turn a hardship on its head – on the 29th day of each month, people eat gnocchi. Originally intended as a cheap meal at the end of the month when money was scarce and all that was left for food was flour and potatoes, today many restaurants make a big deal of this tradition with some serving only gnocchi on the 29th.
Tacuarembo Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha
Uruguay’s most authentic celebration of gaucho culture takes place each March over five days, packed with concerts, dancing, barbeques and gaucho showmanship. Don’t miss the parade when thousands of horseback riders in full gaucho regalia trot through town.
Natalicio de Artigas
The birthday of Jose Gervasio Artigas, the father of Uruguayan independence, is a big deal across the country. Expect parades, street festivals, music, dancing and other dazzling displays of patriotism each year on 19 June.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)/Semana Criolla
The week before Easter can be quiet for tourists, as most towns empty out as Uruguayans visit relatives or go on vacation. The exception is in Montevideo, however, where gaucho culture infiltrates the city’s parks through barbeques, rodeos and handicraft exhibits as part of Semana Criolla.
Public holidays that may impact travel include:
Epiphany
Carnival
Landing of the Patriots Day
Labor Day
Battle of Las Piedras
Jose Gervasio Artigas’s Birthday
Constitution Day
National Independence Day
All Soul’s Day
Please note that the dates of Uruguay's public holidays may vary.
Further reading
Title | Author |
Tree of Red Stars | Tessa Bidal |
The New Troy | Alexandre Dumas |
The Invisible Mountain | Carolina de Robertis |
City of your Final Destination | Peter Cameron |
Uruguay travel FAQs
It's customary to add 10% to restaurant bills (if this hasn’t already been included). Tipping elsewhere is optional, but leaving spare change at small cafes is a good idea as most Uruguayans typically earn little.
Travelers should be able to access the internet at cyber cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots in Uruguay's major cities and towns. Remote and rural areas will have less internet availability, so be prepared for this when traveling out of the city.
Cell phone coverage is good in Uruguay’s cities, but may not be available in rural and remote areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.
Western-style, flushable toilets are the standard in Uruguay, although it’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and soap as these aren’t always provided.
Tap water is considered safe to drink unless otherwise marked but outside of major cities and towns boiled water is recommended. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water; ask your leader where filtered water can be found. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.
Major credit cards are accepted by most large shops and hotels. Smaller vendors may not accept credit cards, so carry enough cash to cover small purchases.
ATMs are commonly found in Uruguay's cities and urban areas. Remote regions will have less ATM availability, so prepare accordingly before traveling away from cities.
Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
No vaccines are required in order to enter Uruguay but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.
Uruguay is generally a welcoming destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. Leading the way on LGBTQIA+ rights for the region, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to recognize same-sex civil unions in 2008. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2013, and the capital city, Montevideo, is consistently rated as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveler
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Eden Reforestation Projects
Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.
Find out more or make a donation
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
Find out more or make a donation