Best Places to Visit in Uruguay

Published August 8, 2019 · Updated June 23, 2021

Uruguay has always impressed tourists with its diverse offerings and it has everything that you expect from an ideal holiday destination. Here you can discover everything from cultural sophistication and outdoor adventure to extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking scenery. There are also several reasons why Uruguay is referred as Switzerland of South America. Go through following highlights to know what separates this amazing country from rest of the world. Here is Uruguay trave guide that covers everything from top things to do in Uruguay to best places to visit in Uruguay:

Santa Teresa National Park: At the end of the recess Punta del Diablo is the magnificent national park of Santa Teresa that environment enthusiasts appreciate since it has a variety of landscapes, ecosystems, wildlife, and flora. A large part of the park has beautiful woods and coastal regions. The dunes and woodlands are split off by several wonderful walking paths, with the tourists glimpsing some of the species in the area. An imposing Santa Teresa Fortress dating back to 1762 and between the marshes of the park and the Atlantic Ocean is one of the best tourist attractions in Uruguay.
Punta del Diablo: Punta del Diablo is one of the popular places to visit in Uruguay for people from Argentina who want to relax on the rayons and still has the charm of a pictural fishing hamlet despite recent developments. It is a pleasant location to simply kick back and see the world go by with its gorgeous beaches and a relaxed way of life. As you may guess, guests can also enjoy some wonderful meals. It is one of the best places to visit in Uruguay. You may ride yourself on the dunes one minute, surf the next and try your hand at dunes later in the day with many outdoor sports on offer.
Carmelo: Carmelo is the spot for water sports without stress, full of modest ancient buildings and cobblestone alleys. The Paraná Delta is the primary activity here for fishing, sailing, and exploration. There is a beautifully protected port here close to the junction of Rio Uruguay and Río de la Plata. Cross the beach bridge to Playa Sere with an ample campground in the park adjacent to it. Bring more cash to the casino.
Piriapolis: The beautiful beaches of Piriapolis have a distinctly Mediterranean feeling and are ideal for resting, while the lengthy waterfront promenade is perfect for peaceful walks while enjoying the sun and the river scenery.It was developed for that very reason and boasts several fantastic hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos, and stores, particularly as you approach close to the shore. One of most main tourist towns in the country. Piriapolis has a beautiful view of the shore nearby and is listed amongst one of the top places to visit in Uruguay.

Tacuarembo: Tacuarembo is a gaucho in the north of the country. It is lined with livestock and extensive fields on undulating hills around the city. As such, the cowboy’s sense of the area differs greatly in its culture, language, and cuisine from the rest of Uruguay. Walking around the city is a wonderful experience with beautiful green plazas and tree-filled streets.The top tourist attractions of Uruguay include a lovely cathedral, the gorgeous April 19th Square, and a few fascinating museums while you may tour the surrounding countryside with some excellent waterfalls or grottoes.
Paysandú: Paysandú is the third biggest town, and the Puente International General Artigas has connected Colón, Argentina. The city was founded as an outpost in the territory of cattle breeders and has become Uruguay’s main supplier of meat. The activity is taking place these days at Plaza Constitución, so prepare to walk about the afternoon and it is one of the best things to do in Uruguay. You may take part in the annual beer festival in town every year and watch a wilder side of laid-back Paysandú if you are right.
Chuy: Chuy is located on Uruguay’s Atlantic coast and his twin Chui, in Brazil, is directly across the road. The current border between Brazil and Uruguay is the major roadway between these two cities. As you pass, half of the city shall call, ‘Bienvenido’ and the other half shall reply, ‘BemVindo.’ Don’t forget to visit the 18th century Fort San Miguel, an independent country that became a stronghold in Uruguay, and the Fortaleza de Santa Teresa, a national historical monument in a national park.
Cabo Polonio: In Cabo Polonio no water, water, or power is provided for hippies and backpackers alike. It is one of the popular tourist spots in Uruguay. The whole region is a nature reserve with a grove of Ombu trees, behind which the magnificent lighthouse lies a neighboring sea lions’ colony. The main purpose of going here is to rest on the beach and relax. Don’t forget to bring actual books if you intend to relax on the beach — it’s a problem to load your e-reader!
Rocha: RocRocha is a seaside town with several attractions and seat of Uruguay’s Rocha Department. The popular and primary public beaches are Pinar de la Coronilla, while the National Park of Santa Teresa is a great wildlife sanctuary for leisurely walks. Visit Santa Teresa fortress or travel to one of the other renowned beaches, like Punta del Diablo and La Moza Beach. Discover Laguna de Rocha boating and fishing (Rocha Lake). Come and enjoy the sun and fresh air with your friends and family.
Nueva Helvecia: Nueva Helvecia has a profound feeling of community and it features several best places to see in Uruguay. The town plaza has been created to bring people together, a favorite resort for residents. At least a short time here every day, you’ll find everyone in the city. The community’s elders may be counted to recount stories from ancient times. Here is a magnificent Founder’s Monument commemorating immigrants who labored to construct Nueva Helvecia and sacrificed it. It’s a beautiful homage to this little village, made from granite. Great festivals also exist here. Enjoying the Swiss Festival in August is one of the best things to do in Uruguay.
Casapueblo: Casapueblo – the old artist’s studio Carlos PaézVilaró, and now an outstanding hotel, gallery, museum, and cafe – will adore art lovers and those with a passion for the quirky. The nine-story, white-washed cascades glowing in the sunshine like a living sculptural of artistic brilliance, and without any question, the most remarkable man-made miracle of Uruguay are splendidly down the cliffs.

La Paloma: Nestled on the breathtaking shores of the Atlantic Ocean, it is one of the well-known summer beach destinations where tourists gather to enjoy the perfect blend of sea, sand and sun. It is one of the adventurous locations where you can participate in some of the amazing things to do in Uruguay such as surfing, sailing and windsurfing. La Paloma is also considered as one of the ideal places to visit in Uruguay for people who want to relax in the lap of nature.

Colonia Del Sacramento: Here you will get an opportunity to discover the culture of old centuries where you can find the perfect mix of sophistication and classic life. While been at Colonia Del Sacramento, you can explore fancy boutiques, post-colonial ruins, cobbled streets and several famous food restaurants. If you want to taste some mouth-watering cuisine made from local delicacies then you can take halt here for some short time.

Durazno: If you want to dig into the remarkable history of Uruguay then there is no place better than Durazno. Here you can taste art tradition and witness a number of shows that feature archeology, Gaucho art and the ancient history of the country. If you are done exploring the archeological sites of Durazno, its time you should discover the uniqueness of Durazno Zoo.

Laguna Garzon: If you want to explore some of the amazing flora and fauna of South America then Laguna Garzon is a place to be. It is a destination packed with wildlife and rare species of birds which is fantastic sightseeing to watch. You can cover the entire water stretch through a circle-shaped bridge which is recognized for its unique architecture. It is an ideal destination to stay for an entire night and relax in the vicinity of nature.

Montevideo: It boasts about its ancient history and diverse offerings that include several unique landmarks and buzzing streets. More than fifty percent of Uruguay’s population lives here that makes it one of the busiest cities in the world. It also gives you an opportunity to discover some of the old mansions and churches that date back to the 18th century.

Salto: It is recognized as one of the largest cities of Uruguay where tourists can find ultimate adventure. In the vicinity, you can also come across a riverfront town that will offer you sufficient opportunity to relax and revitalize yourself. While been here, you can consider visiting the hydroelectric dam and some more local attractions that will keep you busy throughout the day.

Explore Montevideo, mix with the Jet Set in Punta del Este, Sunbathe and Swim at the Many Beaches, Discover the Past in Colonia del Sacramento, Relax in Hot Springs, Try a South American BBQ, Hike in Punta del Diablo, Spot Sea Lions in Cabo Polonio, See Candombe during Carnival Season, Discover Gaucho Culture are the top 10 things to do in Uruguay.

What’s next waiting for you?

Uruguay is one of the highly underrated travel destinations that hasn’t receive the kind of attention it deserves. This is what makes it one of the less crowded and pristine travel destinations. It is heaven for people who come in search of mental as well as physical peace while living very close to nature. Now you know where to go and what to do in Uruguay, you can plan your journey with total enthusiasm. If you are looking for best places to visit near Uruguay then check out our other travel guides.