Uruguay is South America’s best-kept secret, and I’m torn about sharing this. After road-tripping along empty beaches, staying at working ranches, and sipping mate with locals in colonial towns, I get why Uruguayans seem so laid back. They’re sitting on paradise and barely anyone knows it!
These are the most beautiful places to visit in Uruguay which made me want to cancel my flight home. From wild Atlantic beaches where sea lions surf the waves to historic cities that ooze charm without trying, these 12 spots prove why Uruguay needs to be your next trip. Just don’t tell too many people, okay?
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👉 My Favorite Tour in Uruguay
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Uruguay
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Uruguayan adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last winter, I flew to Montevideo for just $420 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by buying meals or ingredients from supermarkets like Ta-Ta and Disco. You’ll find ready-to-eat meals, traditional empanadas, and fresh produce for under $5 – a steal in Uruguay!
- Transport: Get the OPUS card in Montevideo for local buses and save on each ride. For intercity travel, companies like Nuñez offer comfortable buses between major destinations. Book in advance online for the best rates. Many tourist sites are walkable once you’re in cities like Colonia del Sacramento or Punta del Este.
Uruguay may have a reputation for being one of South America’s most expensive countries. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore its wonders on the cheap. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Uruguay!
1. La Paloma
- 📍 Location: Rocha Department, southeastern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, surfers 🌊, sunset chasers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing the lighthouse, surfing at Playa La Balconada, dining on local seafood
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for sunny days and warm ocean temperatures ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: UY Proa Sur Hotel – Modern beachfront hotel with sea-view rooms and easy access to the main beach
La Paloma is a laid-back beach town that blends Uruguay’s coastal beauty with small-town charm. Long stretches of sand hug the shoreline, and there’s always a breeze that carries the salty scent of the Atlantic. It’s popular but never overwhelming, which makes it perfect for travelers who want scenery without the crowds.
The iconic lighthouse, perched at the tip of the peninsula, gives you sweeping views of the ocean and town. It’s an easy climb and totally worth it. Surf culture is strong here too, especially at Playa La Balconada, where both locals and travelers paddle out daily.
Evenings are all about slow walks, seafood dinners, and watching the sky turn orange over the water. With its chill vibe and natural beauty, La Paloma makes a great first stop for anyone exploring Uruguay’s coast.
2. Santa Teresa National Park
- 📍 Location: Rocha Department, eastern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Nature explorers 🌳, history fans 🏰, beach campers 🏕️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the Santa Teresa Fortress, hiking forest trails, relaxing at Playa del Barco
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for good weather and open facilities 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hostería del Pescador – Charming guesthouse with free breakfast, pool, and easy access to the park trails
Santa Teresa National Park is a massive green space along Uruguay’s coast that has something for almost everyone. Dense forests, wide beaches, and historical ruins all come together in one place. It’s perfect for travelers who like to mix hiking with history and a bit of beach time.
One of the highlights is the 18th-century Santa Teresa Fortress, which sits on a hill overlooking the Atlantic. Inside, you’ll find stone walls, old cannons, and quiet courtyards that transport you back a few centuries. Just below the fortress, Playa del Barco offers golden sand and rolling surf.
Camping is common here, but you can also stay in cabins for more comfort. Waking up to birdsong and heading straight to the beach is part of the park’s magic. Whether you’re into wildlife or just want a quiet, scenic escape, this park makes it easy to enjoy Uruguay’s wild side.
3. Punta del Diablo Beach
- 📍 Location: Rocha Department, northeastern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Surfers 🏄, backpackers 🎒, bohemian travelers 🎨
- 📸 Top Experiences: Surfing at Playa de los Pescadores, browsing artisan markets, watching sunset over the rocks
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to February for sunshine, surf, and laid-back beach life ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: MarAdentro Apart Hotel & Suites – Beachfront aparthotel with ocean-view rooms, pool, and easy walk to Playa de los Pescadores
Punta del Diablo feels like a mix of surfer town and off-grid retreat. The coastline is rugged, with big waves and even bigger skies. Playa de los Pescadores is where locals and travelers gather to surf, sunbathe, or hang out with a mate in hand. It’s casual, colorful, and full of personality.
The village itself has sandy streets, wooden shacks turned cafés, and small markets filled with handmade goods. You can easily spend the afternoon wandering through stalls of jewelry, textiles, and beach art while music drifts through the air. Evenings are lively, with beach bars serving up grilled fish and cocktails under the stars.
This is not your polished resort town. It’s raw in the best way, with crashing waves, barefoot energy, and a crowd that knows how to unwind. Punta del Diablo is where you go to slow down and live by the tide.
4. Piriápolis Beach
- 📍 Location: Maldonado Department, southern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Relaxed beachgoers 🌊, scenic walkers 🚶, architecture lovers 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the Rambla, visiting Cerro San Antonio, exploring art deco buildings
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for beach weather and sunny mornings ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Argentino Hotel Casino & Resort – Classic beachfront hotel with vintage charm and panoramic sea views
Piriápolis is one of those places that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The curved bay is lined with a long promenade, perfect for evening strolls or morning jogs with a sea breeze. The beach itself is wide, clean, and rarely overcrowded, even in peak season.
Cerro San Antonio offers sweeping views of the coast, and you can reach the top by car or cable car. Once you’re up there, the whole town stretches below you, framed by the Atlantic. Back in town, art deco buildings give the streets an old-school charm, while cafés and heladerías add to the easygoing vibe.
This town attracts a mix of local families and mellow travelers looking for something more relaxed than Punta del Este. It’s ideal if you want to slow down, spend time by the sea, and soak in a little of Uruguay’s quieter coastal energy.
5. Punta del Este
- 📍 Location: Maldonado Department, southern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Luxury travelers 💎, nightlife seekers 🌃, beach hoppers 🏖️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting La Mano sculpture, lounging at Playa Brava, shopping in the marina district
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to February for lively beaches and top cultural events 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Grand Hotel – Sleek 5-star hotel with oceanfront rooms and direct beach access
Punta del Este is Uruguay’s flashiest coastal city, often compared to Miami or the French Riviera. The vibe is polished and energetic, especially in summer when the town fills with international travelers, artists, and celebrities. There’s always something happening, from gallery openings to rooftop parties.
Beaches on both sides of the peninsula offer totally different experiences. Playa Mansa is chill with calm water, while Playa Brava delivers big waves and big energy. Both are worth visiting, depending on your mood. La Mano, the giant hand sculpture rising from the sand, is a must-see and makes a solid photo op.
Beyond the beach, the marina is a great place to walk, watch yachts, or grab seafood with a view. You can spend your days exploring shops and nights dancing or dining in style. Punta del Este is bold, fun, and made for travelers who like to stay in motion.
6. Laguna Garzón
- 📍 Location: Between Rocha and Maldonado Departments, southern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Nature watchers 🦆, kayakers 🚣, peaceful photographers 📷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving across the circular bridge, birdwatching near the lagoon, paddleboarding on calm water
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April for wildlife sightings and warm weather 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Casa Flor – Peaceful countryside guesthouse just minutes from the lagoon and bridge
Laguna Garzón feels like a hidden sanctuary between land and sea. Its calm, shallow waters are perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking, and the surrounding wetlands attract flocks of birds you won’t find in the cities. Bring binoculars and expect to spot flamingos, herons, and even swans in the early morning light.
The circular bridge is a destination on its own. Designed to slow drivers down, it offers a 360-degree view of the water and landscape. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise when the light reflects off the calm surface like glass.
This spot is peaceful and lightly developed, so it’s ideal for those who want nature with a little space to themselves. Instead of crowds, here you’ll just find open skies, open water, and the kind of quiet that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
7. La Barra Bridge
- 📍 Location: Maldonado Department, near Punta del Este
- 🏆 Best For: Design fans 🛤️, road trippers 🚗, coastal photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving across the wave-shaped bridge, watching the sunset over the Maldonado River, exploring nearby beaches
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for beach weather and river views 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Kalá Hotel Boutique – Modern boutique hotel just steps from the beach and a short drive from the bridge
La Barra Bridge is one of the most iconic structures in Uruguay. Its wave-like shape is more than just eye-catching, it actually makes driving across it a mini rollercoaster experience. The rise and fall of the road mimics ocean swells, adding a bit of fun to an otherwise simple river crossing.
Photographers love this spot because of how the bridge reflects on the water, especially during golden hour. It’s also a good place to pause and take in the transition between beach towns. On either side, you’ll find beach access, art galleries, and small cafés that capture the relaxed feel of the region.
The nearby village of La Barra has a playful, artsy vibe with boutique shops and colorful houses. It’s a fun contrast to the glitz of Punta del Este, and the bridge connects them perfectly.
- Read next: Unique Travel Experiences
- You may also like: Top Things to Do in Uruguay
8. La Pedrera
- 📍 Location: Rocha Department, eastern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Boho travelers 🎨, beach lovers 🏖️, art market fans 🛍️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunset at Playa del Barco, shopping artisan stalls, enjoying local music nights
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for arts festivals and beach weather 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Posada IRSIS – Cozy guesthouse with garden, bar, and free Wi‑Fi
La Pedrera has that artsy, carefree energy that makes beach towns fun without feeling overrun. You’ll find surfboards leaning on porches, art markets popping up in the streets, and beachgoers moving at their own pace. Playa del Barco is a favorite spot to lay back with a towel or ride the waves when conditions are right.
The town itself is small and walkable, with restaurants, bars, and shops tucked into colorful corners. At night, live music often spills into the streets, especially during summer when cultural festivals bring the whole town to life.
This is a good place to unwind, shop for handcrafted goods, or catch an afternoon nap with sea breeze in the air. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, La Pedrera delivers that relaxed, slightly rebellious coastal vibe that makes you want to stay just one more day.
9. Cabo Polonio
- 📍 Location: Rocha Department, eastern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Off-grid explorers 🌿, wildlife watchers 🦭, slow travelers 🚶
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the lighthouse, spotting sea lions, watching stars with zero light pollution
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for sunshine and easier access by 4×4 ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: La Perla del Cabo – Beachfront lodge with breakfast included and ocean-view rooms near the lighthouse
Cabo Polonio is unlike anywhere else in Uruguay. With no paved roads or power lines, getting here requires a 4×4 truck ride across dunes. Once you arrive, the rhythm slows down completely. You’ll hear waves, wind, and not much else. The town runs mostly on solar power and has a strong back-to-nature vibe.
The lighthouse is a standout, offering views of the Atlantic and the rocky coast below. Nearby, you’ll spot massive groups of sea lions lounging in the sun or playing in the water. Hikes through the dunes and beaches give you space to think, reflect, and breathe.
Nights are dark in the best way. With no city lights, the stars come out in full force. Cabo Polonio is where you go to disconnect and get grounded, surrounded by one of the most raw and beautiful landscapes in South America.
10. Montevideo
- 📍 Location: Montevideo Department, southern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Culture lovers 🎭, foodies 🍽️, city explorers 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through Ciudad Vieja, watching sunset on the Rambla, dining at Mercado del Puerto
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for festivals, markets, and beach weather 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Alma Histórica Boutique Hotel – Elegant colonial hotel steps from the Old City and waterfront
Montevideo offers a mellow capital city vibe that’s easy to fall into. The historic district, Ciudad Vieja, is filled with cobbled streets, museums, and street art. Walk through it during the day to catch old architecture, and again at night when tango music floats through the air.
Locals love the Rambla, a long waterfront promenade that stretches along the coastline. Grab an empanada or mate and join the crowds walking, cycling, or just sitting and enjoying the breeze. Sunsets here hit different, especially near Playa Ramírez or Parque Rodó.
For food, head to Mercado del Puerto where the smell of grilled meats fills the air. You’ll get a taste of Uruguay’s famous asado and see locals enjoying long, social meals. Montevideo has a way of feeling both historic and modern, giving travelers plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.
11. Rocha
- 📍 Location: Rocha Department, southeastern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Off-the-beaten-path travelers 🚐, coastal campers ⛺, beach roamers 🏖️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring La Esmeralda, hiking in Santa Teresa Park, relaxing on Playa del Barco
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for sun, surf, and nature walks 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Terrazas de la Viuda – Charming hotel in Punta del Diablo with direct beach access and pet‑friendly rooms
Rocha is for travelers who want to feel far away from big cities and closer to nature. The beaches here are long, undeveloped, and often completely empty. It’s easy to find your own quiet patch of sand and just listen to the waves. The town itself is small and simple, but welcoming.
You’ll also find Santa Teresa National Park nearby, with shaded trails, picnic spots, and an old fortress worth exploring. Towns like La Coronilla and La Esmeralda have local charm and are great places to slow down and get to know the coast without a schedule.
Everything in Rocha feels relaxed and real. Locals surf, fish, or grill out with family, and you’re welcome to join the rhythm. It’s a great place to unplug, walk barefoot, and enjoy a slower, simpler kind of travel experience.
12. Tacuarembó
- 📍 Location: Tacuarembó Department, northern Uruguay
- 🏆 Best For: Culture buffs 🎶, gaucho fans 🤠, rural explorers 🌾
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha, exploring the Old Cathedral, hiking to Batoví Hill
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March for the gaucho festival or spring for green countryside views 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: La Casita – Cozy guesthouse in Tacuarembó center with garden, free parking, and top guest reviews
Tacuarembó feels like the cultural heartland of Uruguay. It’s where gaucho traditions come alive, especially during the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha held each March. Expect rodeos, folk dancing, parades, and campfires that last into the night. The festival alone makes the trip worth it.
Beyond the event, the town offers a mix of colonial charm and natural escapes. Visit the Cathedral of St. Fructuosus or walk around the main plaza for a glimpse of daily life. Not far away, Batoví Hill provides a peaceful hiking trail with sweeping views over farmland and rivers.
You won’t find beaches or big resorts here. What you’ll get instead is a more authentic look at Uruguay’s identity, with friendly locals, homemade food, and stories passed down through generations. Tacuarembó is where you go to feel the roots of the country.
