Although being dwarfed by its larger neighbours, Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is South America’s second smallest state and is packed with amazing attractions. Uruguay is one of the safest countries in South America, and its towns are intriguing to explore, with their charming colonial-era cores, throbbing tango bars, and diverse historic and cultural sites.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Uruguay
Stunning natural reserves sit next to huge cattle ranches in the interior, while on the coast, visitors may enjoy sun, sea, sand, and surf at one of the many enjoyable and welcoming beach resorts. Don’t be shocked if, as soon as you leave Uruguay’s borders, you start longing to return; the country is quite easy to get around and has a lot to offer.
1. La Paloma
La Paloma, a little community on the Atlantic coast, is a popular summer beach resort for people from all over South America, including the Uruguayan people. The city’s beaches are stunning, and you can enjoy a variety of activities like surfing, sailing, and windsurfing throughout your stay.
Anaconda Beach is one of the best places to soak up some rays and enjoy the sunset over the water. La Paloma’s secluded location makes it a great choice for anyone in search of a relaxing beach getaway.
2. Santa Teresa National Park
On the verge of becoming chill Santa Teresa National Park, located in Punta del Diablo, is a spectacular place to explore the natural world and is sure to win the hearts of any animal or plant enthusiasts among your circle of friends. Beautiful forest and beach regions make up the bulk of the park.
Hikers can explore the park’s diverse ecosystem by following one of the several routes that wind through the park’s dunes and forests. In fact, a major struggle for Uruguayan independence took place right here.
Located between the park’s marshes and the Atlantic Ocean, the majestic Fortress of Santa Teresa dates all the way back to 1762 and is one of the key historical attractions here. Santa Teresa National Park is a fantastic destination, rich in natural beauty and historical significance.
3. Punta del Diablo
Punta del Diablo is a beautiful destination, and despite recent construction initiatives, it still maintains the impression of a gorgeous and quaint little fishing village, making it a popular destination for sun-seeking Argentines and Uruguayans.
The stunning beaches and easygoing culture make it a great spot to kick back and take it easy. Visitors can, of course, also indulge in the region’s renowned seafood.
You can go dune boarding in the morning, surfing in the afternoon, and horseback riding in the morning, all in the same day, thanks to the abundance of outdoor activities available. Santa Teresa and Cerro Verde nature areas, both close to Punta del Diablo, are also highly recommended.
4. Carmelo
Carmelo, Argentina, is a famous tourist destination due in large part to its location near the confluence of the Río de la Plata and the Rio Uruguay. The town has retained much of its historic character, with many beautiful old buildings and winding, cobblestone alleys.
The coastline is beautiful to stroll along, and boat tours to the enchanted Parana Delta are available from here. Visitors can try their hand at a number of different things, including fishing, sailing, and other watersports.
Carmelo caters to a wide variety of visitors with its beautiful beaches, world-class wines in the surrounding countryside, and exciting casino.
5. Salto
As Uruguay’s second-largest metropolis, Montevideo serves as a popular transit hub for travellers en route to Buenos Aires. With the gorgeous Río Uruguay on its western boundary, this area is undeniably picturesque. The falls that produce a “huge jump” near the city are the inspiration for the name Salto.
Salto is an easygoing and restful destination because to its abundance of pleasant riverbank strolls, leafy avenues, and plazas, and magnificent architecture.
In addition, Dayman is home to relaxing thermal springs that are ideal for unwinding after a long day. They stand in sharp contrast to the town’s enormous hydroelectric dam, an oddly popular tourist attraction.
6. Piriapolis
The long promenade that runs along the waterfront in Piriapolis is ideal for leisurely strolls while soaking in the city’s Mediterranean vibe and the river vistas.
Designed specifically as a tourist destination, this town along the coast is home to some of the best lodgings, eating establishments, nightlife venues, and retail establishments in the country.
The beachfront Rambla is the most visited area of town, although other notable attractions include the beautiful Pira’s Castle and the wonderful Hotel Colon. Piriapolis is a terrific place to unwind after a day of sightseeing because to the beautiful coastal scenery that can be seen in the surrounding area.
7. Tacuarembo
Tacuarembo, in the north of the country, is as gaucho as it gets, and the rolling hills beyond the city are teeming with cattle and expansive fields. Culture, language, and cuisine here are extremely different from the rest of Uruguay, lending the area a distinct cowboy vibe.
Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the city as you stroll through its tree-lined streets and lush plazas. The great tango singer Carlos Gardel was allegedly born in this city.
The primary attractions are a stunning cathedral, the photogenic 19th of April Plaza, and a handful of worthwhile museums; however, there are some lovely waterfalls and grottos in the surrounding area.
8. Punta del Este
Yachts, casinos, and hip cocktail bars abound in this playground of the rich, which has earned it the nickname “Monaco” or “Saint-Tropez” of South America. It’s a great time, but it’s costly compared to the rest of the country because of all the pubs, restaurants, and clubs that line the gorgeous coastline.
You have to see the mansions on the waterfront to believe them. There are many wonderful activities to try and beautiful museums to see, and nothing beats watching the sun set over the ocean from Jose Ignacio or La Barra. You might also choose to do nothing and instead just relax on the beautiful beaches.
9. Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is one of the oldest communities in Uruguay, and its historic district is beautiful to explore because to its abundance of great colonial buildings and attractive old cobblestone alleyways.
As a result of the territorial disputes between the Spanish and the Portuguese, the area now features a fascinating fusion of architectural styles. Around the historic core is a section of the city wall that was built to keep off attackers. Great museums may be found in the area right close to the River de la Plata.
The beautiful Basilica del Sanctisimo Sacramento and the imposing lighthouse are two of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. Colonia del Sacramento is a lovely Uruguayan destination, and tourists will find plenty of excellent eateries and hip shops there.
10. Montevideo
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a fascinating city to visit, and tourists always leave having had a fantastic time. About half of the country’s residents call this area home; as such, it teems with activity and offers a wide variety of cultural attractions like museums, concert halls, and theatres.
There is also a buzzing nightlife in this city, with tango clubs, hip cocktail lounges, and exciting discos all over. Montevideo, the country’s capital, is a fascinating place to explore thanks to its charming historic centre filled with stunning neoclassical architecture.
The stunning Plaza Independencia is complemented by the equally spectacular Theatre Solis. The Mercado del Puerto is a great place to get a taste of local life in Montevideo and sample some of the city’s best cuisine.
Take a stroll around the bay’s picturesque La Rambla. Montevideo truly has it everything, from surrounding beaches to the magnificent Stadium Centenario for football enthusiasts.
