Things To Do in Uruguay
Make sure your visit to Uruguay is unforgettable. Our selection of things to do in Uruguay shuns the standard tourist attractions and goes for unspoiled beaches, live music, carnival tours, wineries, riding with gauchos and more
How to make planning your stay easy
(and unforgettable)
Our Favourite Activities
Academia Uruguay – Learn Spanish in Uruguay
If you’re planning to learn Spanish to come to Uruguay, Academia Uruguay teachers not only have the right accent, you’ll also learn about daily life.
Los Nadies – Premium wine tasting in Montevideo
Your chance to taste some of the best Uruguay wines at the hand of one of the top three wine-makers in Uruguay at his home and winery minutes from downtown.
Arazá – Native Uruguay cuisine
Native Uruguay cuisine in Montevideo. Special events include monthly expeditions to El Prado park to identify local plants–and after you get to taste them.
Bar El Mingus – Chill Out Restobar & Tuesday Jazz
El Mingus is a one of the best restaurants in Montevideo–cool, contemporary, with the intimacy of an old-school bar. We love the great food & live music.
Architecture & Museums
The extraordinary murals of 25 de agosto
The sleepiest little towns in Uruguay can be full of surprises. This one just an hour from Montevideo is home to over 100 murals by a French artist.
Hotel Solis – historic, coastal B&B
Be a part of history. Once the best hotel in Uruguay-and British spy HQ in WW2!-, nestling by beaches, wineries and trekking, and being lovingly restored.
The sunset from Casapueblo – a Punta classic
An artist’s cliff-hugging summer house literally grew and grew as he expanded it to host friends such as Brigitte Bardot.
Private walking tour of the Old City
Climb the iconic Palacio Salvo, get a feel for carnival and learn juicy facts about the history and architecture. All the while sipping ‘mate’ like a local.
Get THE architecture guide to Montevideo
A perfect traveller & photographer resource, I unearthed this little gem buried on a gov’t website. Montevideo is a feast for the eyes and the soul.
Colonia, Uruguay’s UNESCO World Heritage site
Essential information so that your stay in Colonia del Sacramento fits into your travel schedule as you travel between Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
Peñarol – “New Manchester” of Uruguay
Montevideo things to do see, Peñarol Industrial Heritage Centre is recommended for history & architecture buffs, railway enthusiasts & football fans.
The bell tower in the middle of nowhere
Looking for unique things to do in Uruguay? Be one of the only overseas travelers ever to climb to the top of this carillon in remote Cerro Colorado.
Those unmistakable rural schools in Uruguay
In the 1960s, a philanthropist and an engineer set about replacing “school shacks” in the poorest, most remote parts of Uruguay. They went on to build 228.
The Montevideo Marijuana Museum
The Cannabis Museum puts the country’s ground-breaking legislation in context and explains, why for Uruguayans, it’s not as radical as you might think.
Montevideo’s Prado neighbourhood
Minutes from downtown, Montevideo’s leafy El Prado district is a photographer’s paradise of ghostly mansions, stately art galleries and tangled greenery.
Why we love Montevideo
Montevideo is often overshadowed by Buenos Aires. Three well-travelled bloggers tell what made them fall in love with South America’s off-the-radar capital.
The Gaucho Museum
Most museums in Montevideo are run by the state and free to visit. The Gaucho Museum is located in a fantastic “palacio” worth a visit in its own right.
The Andes 1972 Museum – one of the great human survival stories of the 20th century
Best things to do in Montevideo – visit the moving Andes 1972 museum which honours the survivors (all Uruguayan) of one of the greatest survival stories of the 20th century.
Beaches & Outdoors
Not just great culture. Montevideo has 10 fine beaches
The capital of Uruguay has beaches with fine white sand, great for paddling or swimming, kitesurfing, with fairgrounds, and wheel-chair access.
The night sky: Best places to stargaze in Uruguay
NASA-recognised astrophotographer Fefo Bouvier tells us about the night sky in the southern hemisphere and Uruguay’s best stargazing places.
José Ignacio: Tiny Uruguay town turned world’s hot beach spot
First Argentina’s rich & beautiful, then the Hearsts and Rockefellers. Just how did a rocky Uruguay peninsula with dirt roads become a jewel of the jetset?
Where are the best beaches in Uruguay?
A secret for North Americans and Europeans, Uruguay’s beaches have been a favourite with Argentinians for years. So where are the best beaches in Uruguay?
José Ignacio – a billionaire playground with valet parking signs in the sand
Elon Musk and a Murdoch Jr have owned houses in tiny Jose Ignacio. But we’re still at the beach, in Uruguay. So streets are unpaved and service unhurried.
8 things to do in Punta del Este
Argentines and Brazilians LOVE ‘Punta’–it’s Uruguay’s glamour puss beach resort. So you may be surprised at some of our must-do things to do.
The sunset from Casapueblo – a Punta classic
An artist’s cliff-hugging summer house literally grew and grew as he expanded it to host friends such as Brigitte Bardot.
Cabo Polonio – Lost island in a sea of dunes
Deserted beaches, rocky islands heaving with baying seals & tiny colourful shacks. Cabo Polonio, Uruguay is unforgettable.
The WHALES are back in Uruguay!
The first sighting of whales in Uruguay this year was in May. They’ll be around until November. So where’s the best place to watch whales?
5 amazing beaches in Rocha, Uruguay
Without a doubt, Rocha has some of the very best beaches in Uruguay. And they’re almost totally deserted for virtually ten months of the year.
Experience candombe drummers in the street
To check out authentic candombe in Uruguay, you’ll want to go to a street rehearsal. Where to go, how it works and what to do and what not to do.
Uruguay is a whale and dolphin sanctuary – and that’s official
In 2013, the Uruguayan parliament voted unanimously (62-0) to turn Uruguayan waters into a protected area for whales and dolphins.
What beach warning flags mean in Uruguay
What’s that green cross on the red flag all about? Wondering what the lifeguard flags in Uruguay mean? Check out the beach warning code.
Best place to watch the sunset in Montevideo
7pm on a summer’s evening. The sun will be going down in under an hour. Where’s the best spot to kick back and watch the sun go down over the city skyline?
Sailing lessons, boat & windsurf rental in Montevideo
At Full Sailing, you hire a boat, board, kayak or instructor by the hour. It’s a perfect option in Uruguay, where most sailing clubs are members-only.
Montevideo’s Prado neighbourhood
Minutes from downtown, Montevideo’s leafy El Prado district is a photographer’s paradise of ghostly mansions, stately art galleries and tangled greenery.
Punta del Diablo – where hippie meets hip
A fishing town with dirt roads is one of Uruguay’s most popular beaches. Is it the brightly-painted cabins, sweeping unspoilt beaches or the hippie-chic?
Whale-watch in Uruguay
In Uruguay you can watch whales close-up from the beach. Save yourself an expensive trip to Patagonia & feel great that your viewing generates zero stress.
Atlántida – wide sandy beaches 30 miles from Montevideo
Fine white sands, pines, 2 mysterious structures – an eagle head & a world-reknowned church. The Uruguay beach of Atlantida is just 30 mins from Montevideo.
Parque Rodó – beach, kitsch fairground & Sunday drummers
My favourite park in Montevideo, Parque Rodo has tons of stuff to do for adults and children alike and the best view of the sunset in the city.
Carnival & Music
Carnival in Uruguay – what is murga?
Murga is an instantly recognisable musical style associated with carnival. It’s a uniquely Uruguayan phenomenon, with very distant roots in Cadiz, Spain.
6 reasons why you must not miss carnival in Montevideo
Virtually unknown to people outside of Uruguay, carnival in the capital Montevideo is one of the most authentic in the world. Start planning now for 2021.
San Baltasar Carnival parade – January 6
My friend who’s ‘carnival royalty’ says San Baltasar is like carnival was when she was a child. Your chance to see Uruguay carnival just after new year.
Montevideo #1 in new travel show
The host of this brand new travel show fell in love with Montevideo. The wine, soccer, carnival, food… so many things to do.
Montevideo Carnival 2020 dates
Montevideo has the world’s longest carnival starting January thru early March. We’ve got the links you need in English about where to go and what to see.
5 albums from Uruguay you MUST listen to
The Uruguay music scene has a mixture of rock, pop, tango, folklore, candombe, carnival sounds. Prepare to be surprised by the creativity and quality.
The carnival whisperer – SOLD OUT for 2020
Your tour guide will be Christine, the “carnival whisperer”. A long-time Uruguay & Montevideo resident, German-American she has a real passion for carnival.
What’s worth checking out in Carnival
Carnival starts late January till early March. Yes, it’s the world’s longest carnival. The parades and shows you must not miss, where to buy tickets, etc.
Carnival in Uruguay 2019: Montevideo attractions and dates
Montevideo has the world’s longest carnival starting January thru early March. We’ve got the links you need in English about where to go and what to see.
Tango dancing in Montevideo
Dance tango in Uruguay. Especially if you are a beginner or intermediate tango dancer, the tango scene in Montevideo is much friendlier than Buenos Aires.
Experience candombe drummers in the street
To check out authentic candombe in Uruguay, you’ll want to go to a street rehearsal. Where to go, how it works and what to do and what not to do.
What is candombe?
Candombe is an essential part of Uruguayan culture. Every neighbourhood has its comparsa (troupe), regardless of social class or background.
Montevideo’s Old Town is blooming
Ciudad Vieja, the Old Town, is Montevideo’s most socio-economically diverse barrio. Check out how neighbours are bringing locals – and visitors – together.
April – anniversary of the world’s most famous tango
The world’s most famous tango song is over 100 years old–and it’s Uruguayan! Every year a week-long festival in April commemorates The Cumparsita.
Buying tickets for concerts and carnival
You can buy tickets for concerts and carnival shows in Montevideo at box offices and Abitab and Red Pagos/RED UTS – the stores are found all over Uruguay.
Countryside & Gauchos
The night sky: Best places to stargaze in Uruguay
NASA-recognised astrophotographer Fefo Bouvier tells us about the night sky in the southern hemisphere and Uruguay’s best stargazing places.
The extraordinary murals of 25 de agosto
The sleepiest little towns in Uruguay can be full of surprises. This one just an hour from Montevideo is home to over 100 murals by a French artist.
Gaucho week in Montevideo – Easter
Traditional food, handmade goods, and South American cowboys riding wild horses. It’s the Semana Criolla – Montevideo’s Easter gaucho festival.
Colonia, Uruguay’s UNESCO World Heritage site
Essential information so that your stay in Colonia del Sacramento fits into your travel schedule as you travel between Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
Los Platanos – an authentic estancia run by 6th generation
A lovely working ranch in a remote spot of the rolling sierras of central Uruguay run by the same family for over 150 years.
The bell tower in the middle of nowhere
Looking for unique things to do in Uruguay? Be one of the only overseas travelers ever to climb to the top of this carillon in remote Cerro Colorado.
San Pedro de Timote – Uruguay’s most historic estancia
For 200 years, Estancia San Pedro de Timote has been the pride of Uruguay. Today it’s a historic country hotel where you can go riding and meet gauchos.
Driving in the Uruguay countryside
Driving in the interior of Uruguay is a real pleasure. Calculate a little extra time and relax on some of the emptiest roads in the world.
Exploring the Uruguayan interior
Deepest Uruguay begins just an hour from the capital. Explore centuries-old ranches, a village with 100 murals, a Milk Festival & ghostly train stations.
Those unmistakable rural schools in Uruguay
In the 1960s, a philanthropist and an engineer set about replacing “school shacks” in the poorest, most remote parts of Uruguay. They went on to build 228.
Uruguay’s rivers – video, 3 years in making, captures peace
This lovely amateur video shot over 3 years around the Cuareim and Yaguarón rivers in Uruguay. Its simple Spanish text include names of flora and fauna.
Tours & Classes
Uruguay borders: Travel ban exemption to study Spanish
While the borders remain closed to non-citizens and residents, there is a legal way to get in to Uruguay. Studying Spanish. And it can take just 5-7 days.
Academia Uruguay – Learn Spanish in Uruguay
If you’re planning to learn Spanish to come to Uruguay, Academia Uruguay teachers not only have the right accent, you’ll also learn about daily life.
The carnival whisperer – SOLD OUT for 2020
Your tour guide will be Christine, the “carnival whisperer”. A long-time Uruguay & Montevideo resident, German-American she has a real passion for carnival.
Birdwatching Tour in Punta del Este
See 30-40 bird species as you tour Parque Indigena, a national park on the Maldonado river just ten minutes from Punta del Este and five from La Barra.
Private walking tour of the Old City
Climb the iconic Palacio Salvo, get a feel for carnival and learn juicy facts about the history and architecture. All the while sipping ‘mate’ like a local.
Private City Exploration Of Montevideo
Learn juicy historical background and secrets behind the city’s most beautiful architecture as you tour Montevideo in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
Tango dancing in Montevideo
Dance tango in Uruguay. Especially if you are a beginner or intermediate tango dancer, the tango scene in Montevideo is much friendlier than Buenos Aires.
Learning Spanish in Montevideo
Readers have asked me to recommend a good Spanish language school. Academia Uruguay gets the thumbs up from people I know who have studied there & teachers.
Wineries
Los Nadies – Premium wine tasting in Montevideo
Your chance to taste some of the best Uruguay wines at the hand of one of the top three wine-makers in Uruguay at his home and winery minutes from downtown.
Baco – Montevideo’s top wine restaurant
A French bistro with probably the longest wine list in the city and multiple by-the-glass choices is one of the best new Montevideo restaurants by far.
Wine delivery around Montevideo
Stay safe and still get hold of your favourite Uruguay wines. Call in your order by WhatsApp and the wines arrive at your door. Easy as that.
The Top Tannats of 2020
One in three bottles of Uruguay wine is a Tannat. Yes, Uruguayans LOVE this red. Nowadays there’s a Tannat for every occasion. We celebrate the Top Tannats.
Feel good in quarantine: 10 minutes in a parallel universe
Join us as we parachute in on a virtual visit to a Uruguay wine-maker. Harvest is just ending and there’s some feel good news, it’s the BEST in 40 years.
Montevideo #1 in new travel show
The host of this brand new travel show fell in love with Montevideo. The wine, soccer, carnival, food… so many things to do.
Two of the world’s top 50 wineries are in Uruguay
Bodegas Garzon and Bouza have ranked #2 and #44 amongst the world’s top 50 wineries. What other wineries to visit when you’re in Uruguay?
Adriana Rossi – your personal wine shopper in Montevideo
Can you believe this? A personalised wine delivery service in Montevideo. Adriana selects Uruguay wine to your taste and budget & delivers to your home.
An introduction to Uruguay wine country
Uruguay is the new world’s undiscovered wine gem. Plan your trip to Uruguay wine country. Tips to regions, wine tasting in Montevideo & private wine tours.
Artesana – Uruguay vineyard for foodies
Besides great wine, in our experience, this award-winning women-run winery 45 minutes from Montevideo, has the BEST lunch of Uruguay vineyards.
Manuel Filgueira: Ninja winemaking in Uruguay
Trained in elite French chateaux but down to earth, Manuel Filgueira is one of Uruguay’s top winemakers, producing tiny quantities of exceptional wine through “sheer stubbornness”.
The 20 very best Uruguayan wines
Uruguay’s wine production is small yet magnificent. Here’s the very best from the Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay, a guide to wine country and more.
Wine tasting in Uruguay vs Napa, California
Take it from the Tannat Queen. If you want a wine tasting experience to remember – and generous pours! – Uruguay beats Napa hands down.
Wine tasting in Carmelo
Wine tasting at the unique family-run boutique wineries of Carmelo, Uruguay. Plan your route, find contact details and prices.
Carmelo: The Uruguayan Tuscany
Not a huge amount to things to do in Carmelo, besides drink wine. Thank god! Visit vineyards, drink fine wine & relax in a tiny Tuscany without the hordes.
6 Uruguayan wines you MUST try
Argentinians know wine. Local expert Claudio Angelotti selects neighbour Uruguay’s best wines. The Guru translates his recommendations for your enjoyment.
3 Uruguayan white wines you must not miss
Uruguayan red wines may get all the press but descendents of Spaniards are producing some great whites – albariño, cocó and cabernet blanc.
Uruguay wines vs. Argentina’s, who comes out top? You may be surprised
A lot of people were suprised when Financial Times wine expert Jancis Robinson ranked several Uruguay wines higher in 2013. A new South American wine giant.