Discovering Uruguay: Why a Trip is Worthwhile

Uruguay might be low on your vacation bucket list, but this small South American country has plenty of beautiful sides! From stunning beaches to gentle wine hills and national parks to exciting cities: we'll reveal what travelers can experience there.

Nestled between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay often gets overshadowed by its popular neighbors. Yet, the country has much to offer, from expansive beaches to historic cities and wild gorges. Uruguay is diverse and is sure to captivate beach and nature enthusiasts.

A cultural highlight is the festivities surrounding Carnival in Uruguay. They take place every year from the end of January to early March, transforming the capital, Montevideo, into a colorful spectacle every night. The Candombe plays a central role; it's a traditional music style that combines both African and Uruguayan influences.

Thanks to the relatively mild climate, you can visit Uruguay year-round. It is warmest between December and March, with daytime temperatures above 68°F. Here, we'll show you what you can see and experience during your trip through Uruguay.

Montevideo is usually the first stop on a trip to Uruguay. The city is home to about 1.4 million people, with around two million living in the metropolitan area. More than half of Uruguay's population resides in the Greater Montevideo area.

Montevideo offers a mix of promenades, parks, and historic buildings. Be sure to visit the Old Town, Ciudad Vieja, where you'll find cozy streets with bars, restaurants, and street musicians.

From the Old Town, most attractions are within walking distance. These include the large main square, Plaza de la Independencia, Teatro Solís, the Port of Montevideo, or the Rambla. This 13.6-mile long waterfront promenade stretches along the entire coast of Montevideo from the Old Town. Directly at the port is the Mercado del Puerto, home to numerous restaurants and the best place to sample Uruguayan cuisine.

One of Uruguay's most important art museums is in the Parque Rodó district. The Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales houses works by the most famous Uruguayan artists of the 20th century.

Just 30 minutes from the border with Brazil is the seaside resort of Punta del Diablo. Here you can surf, swim, or simply enjoy the sun on the beach in a relaxed atmosphere. The small town has a population of just 1,000, yet there are a handful of restaurants, bars, and shops.

A similarly relaxed vibe awaits in La Paloma, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Punta del Diablo. This coastal town has around 3,000 inhabitants. Surfers will feel right at home here, as the sea frequently produces waves up to 6.5 feet high. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you can relax on the beaches, some of the most beautiful in Uruguay. Recommended ones include Playa La Serena or Playa Anaconda, a bit south of the town center.

About a half-hour drive from La Paloma is the village of Cabo Polonio located in the national park of the same name. The approximately 50 locals have created a life away from the hustle and bustle. They live in simple houses; the village is neither connected to the road network nor has water or electricity services. Instead, energy is produced with solar and wind power, and water is purchased.

The journey there is quite adventurous: from the visitor center of the national park, it's another 4.3 miles to the village. If you don't want to walk or ride horses, you can take the shuttle. Due to the lack of roads, it's a huge four-wheel-drive truck that rumbles over the sand for about half an hour.

In addition to a few houses, Cabo Polonio features a lighthouse, a supermarket, some bars, restaurants, hostels, and most importantly, tranquility! With limited Wi-Fi, you can truly disconnect, watch sea lions, or let your mind wander on the beach.

Once a fishing village, Punta del Este has transformed into a glamorous vacation spot. Consequently, it is often referred to as the Saint-Tropez or Monaco of Uruguay.

In addition to popular beaches like Playa Brava and Playa Mansa, the sculpture Los Dedos (in English: The Fingers) is one of the top attractions and a popular photo spot. The sculpture consists of five oversized fingers rising from the sand.

A visit to Isla de Lobos, about five miles off Punta del Este, is also worthwhile. The island is not only the southernmost point of the country but also home to around 200,000 sea lions.

The Quebrada de los Cuervos, or Crow Gorge, is both a gorge and a national park. It is located in northeastern Uruguay, inland. The gorge is up to 328 feet deep and is named after the vultures that reside there.

If you enjoy hiking, Valle del Lunarejo is the place for you. The valley is in the north of the country, about 311 miles from the capital. Waterfalls, hills, rivers, and gorges alternate here. Over 150 bird species live in Valle del Lunarejo, along with the Uruguay frog, the rattlesnake, and the small anteater.

The Cueva del Indio waterfall is particularly worth seeing, and you can take a swim break at the Esmeralda waterfall's lagoon. A great panoramic view of the valley is offered by the Mirador de las Pindoés viewpoint.

Wine lovers will enjoy Uruguay's offerings. Around 27,000 acres are dedicated to vineyards. Most of the wine regions are near Montevideo, including Canelones, the country's largest and most important wine area.

Numerous wineries dot the landscape, where winemakers offer tours through vineyards and, of course, wine tastings. Other well-known wine regions in Uruguay include Colonia and San José. Be sure to try the Tannat red wine, renowned as a specialty of Uruguay.

Just 31 miles from Buenos Aires in Argentina, lies the city of Colonia del Sacramento on the banks of the Río de la Plata. Many travelers from Argentina take advantage of the short distance to hop on a bus for a day trip to this neighboring country.

Colonia del Sacramento is one of the oldest cities in Uruguay, featuring colonial buildings and a historic old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Museo Portugés de Colonia showcases relics from the Portuguese occupation. They landed on the Uruguayan coast in 1680 and founded this small town.

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