Uruguay surprises visitors consistently. The excellent food and wine, some of South America's finest beaches, and a warmth that's different from its larger neighbors. If I had to describe it in a sentence: South America's best-kept secret, hiding in plain sight. Here's what I'd build any Uruguay itinerary around.
Stay at a boutique estancia in the interior
Uruguay's interior — rolling Pampas grasslands dotted with eucalyptus groves and rivers — is one of South America's least-visited and most beautiful landscapes. Estancias (ranches) operating for generations offer stays that get you into the gaucho culture that defines Uruguay. Estancia Vik, near José Ignacio, and Estancia La Sirena are both excellent. Horseback riding through the grasslands at sunrise, followed by a proper asado for lunch. That's the Uruguay I keep returning to in memory.
Day trip to Colonia del Sacramento — by the fast ferry from Buenos Aires
Colonia del Sacramento is a Portuguese colonial town from the 17th century, directly across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires — one of the most perfectly preserved historic urban centers in South America. The Barrio Histórico is cobblestone streets, colonial walls, lighthouse, and brightly colored houses on a river bluff. Fast ferry from Buenos Aires: one hour. Walk the morning, have lunch at a riverside restaurant, catch the late ferry back for dinner in BA. One of the finest day trips in South America.
Punta del Este in January — South America's most glamorous beach town
In January, Punta del Este becomes South America's version of the Hamptons — Buenos Aires families, Brazilian celebrities, and international visitors converging on a small peninsula with excellent beaches on both sides. La Huella, on the beach at José Ignacio nearby, is one of South America's finest restaurants. The beaches east of town — Bikini, La Brava — are broad, clean, backed by dunes and pine forest. A very specific experience that works for the right group at the right time of year.
Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo on a Sunday morning
Montevideo's Mercado Agrícola — a restored 1913 iron market building — is the city's finest food market. Sunday mornings: artisan cheese, craft breweries, empanadas, outstanding fresh produce, and a crowd that represents the city's genuine diversity. The best Uruguayan wines are poured for tasting. This is Montevideo at its most local and most alive.
The beaches east of Punta del Este — undeveloped and extraordinary
Most visitors to Punta del Este stay near the town. The beaches stretching east along Route 10 toward the Brazilian border — La Pedrera, Cabo Polonio, Punta del Diablo — are something else: undeveloped coastline backed by sand dunes and pine forest, no large hotels, a pace of life almost unchanged from decades ago. Cabo Polonio has no roads and no electricity grid — you get there by 4x4 across the dunes. A sea lion colony lives on the rocks offshore. One of the most remote and beautiful spots on the Atlantic coast of South America.
Uruguay is the destination for groups wanting sophistication without pretension and nature without roughing it. The country is safe, the food and wine are excellent, and the Uruguayans are some of the warmest people I've encountered anywhere.
Written by
Jenn
Founder of Memorable Travel & Adventures. Jenn has personally traveled to every destination in this journal. She plans trips to all of them.
