Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the South American country of Uruguay. Sitting between Argentina and Brazil, it’s not always at the top of everyone’s South America travel itinerary, but it should be! It’s a great place to visit, but there are some things you should know before planning a Uruguay Vacation.
Places to Visit in Uruguay
Colonia is probably the most visited place in Uruguay. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and easy to reach, even on a day trip from Argentina. It was a Portuguese town that still has a lighthouse and city walls, so there’s a lot of history to explore.
Montevideo is the capital city and is likely where you will enter and exit the country if you are flying to Uruguay. It’s a historical Spanish city with a nice Old Town and art deco architecture.
Punta del Este is the most popular beach town in Uruguay. The resort atmosphere draws many tourists from South America who come for the nightlife and beach scene.
Estancia is where you’ll go for more inland adventures, as there are many ranches here where you can stay.
What to Eat in Uruguay
The food in Uruguay is similar to the food in Argentina, in the sense that there is a lot of beef served. Asado is a popular way to cook everything on the grill. They do tend to cook their steak to be well-done, so if you like it a bit juicier, make sure you specify.
Chivito is a steak sandwich, and another thing you must try when traveling in Uruguay. You’ve got a steak on a bun, with a fried egg and ham wrapped in cheese. It’s fantastic. You can also try Chivito al Plato, which is the same thing but without the bun.
Dulce de Leche is a delicious dessert to have in Uruguay. They have lots of yummy sweets and treats, but this one is our favorite.
If you want to try local wine, order Tannat. It’s made in Uruguay and it’s a really smooth red wine. I’ve never seen it outside of Uruguay, so make sure you try it! Otherwise, you can also get some great wines from Argentina, which is known for wine production.
Be prepared to dine late in Uruguay. Many locals eat dinner around 10 or even 11:00 in the evening. And also expect slower service; it’s not bad service, it’s just at a more relaxed pace. So don’t plan on dining out for a quick meal, as the locals like to linger over their meals.
US State Department Website for Travel Advisories & International Travel: CLICK HERE
Currency in Uruguay
In Uruguay, they use the Uruguayan Peso. In some areas with more tourists, you can often pay with US Dollars or Argentine Pesos. We have found that credit cards are pretty widely accepted as well. You should also plan to tip around 10% of your bill when dining out in Uruguay. We usually paid with a credit card and then tipped our server in US Dollars.
When you need to get cash, you’ll find that most ATMs are located inside of banks. This means if you are trying to get cash after hours, it will be more difficult. Try to hit the ATM before the banks close so you’re not left with no cash.
Is Uruguay Safe?
Of course, many people wonder is Uruguay safe. We’ve found that it’s one of the safest countries in South America. You also don’t feel like you’re going to get ripped off for being a tourist. The people here are very friendly and genuine and because they haven’t been overrun with tourists, they are very welcoming. In terms of health safety, you can drink the water in Uruguay.
Honest Travel Safety Advice Every Traveler Should Know
Connectivity in Uruguay
Don’t worry about staying connected on your Uruguay trip. There is WiFi everywhere and 4G/LTE networks. Just make sure you contact your cell phone service provider before you leave to make sure you’re covered. If you don’t have an international plan on your phone, you can buy a cheap phone in Uruguay and use pre-paid chips to stay in touch.
Uruguay Ministry of Tourism Website: CLICK HERE
Language in Uruguay
Spanish is the official language in Uruguay, and it will certainly help if you can speak a little bit of Spanish. However, the locals are so friendly, they will figure out a way to help you even if they don’t speak your language.
Uruguay Accommodations
When you are planning your trip to Uruguay, there will be many choices for accommodations. Of course, there are hotels everywhere. You’ll also see posadas, which are more like a pension or BnB. You can also choose a homestay where you live with a local family. This is a great option for solo travelers who want to experience the culture a bit more. There’s a great range of accommodation choices in Uruguay.
Outlets in Uruguay
You’ll see a couple of different outlet shapes in Uruguay. If you’re coming from the United States, you’ll need an adapter to charge your devices. The outlets will either be like those in Argentina, with three flat prongs or the ones from Brazil, which have three prongs. Mainland Europe plugs will work in the Brazilian-style outlets, but it’s always a good idea to have an adapter, just in case!
Getting Around Uruguay
Buses are the main mode of transport in Uruguay. Montevideo is a big hub for the buses that travel throughout Uruguay, so that can make a nice home base for you. Buying bus tickets is super easy; I purchased ours online in advance and had no problems. When you are just traveling around town, taxis are readily available in the larger cities and are relatively cheap. When it’s time to leave Uruguay, I recommend scheduling a taxi with your hotel ahead of time so you know you have it taken care of.
Driving in Uruguay
You can also rent a car in Uruguay. In some of the towns, they will also rent little golf carts to get around. If you do plan to rent a car in Uruguay, I recommend getting a South American driver’s license. You can do this at your local AAA office. You may not always need it, but it’s better to be prepared.
Best Time to Visit Uruguay
You can really enjoy Uruguay year-round. We last visited in July, which is the heart of the winter season in Uruguay. It was perfectly fine, and not too cold. But the best time to visit Uruguay is during their summer, which is December through March. This is the best time for visiting the beaches and enjoying the outdoor attractions. Beware, though, as prices are higher during this peak season. Easter week is another really busy travel period, so you’ll need to secure your accommodations well in advance.
How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling
Getting to Uruguay
There aren’t many international flights directly to Uruguay. Most likely, you will fly to Buenos Aires and then connect to Montevideo or Colonia. You can also take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Montevideo; it takes around 90 minutes. You can also arrive here from Brazil. We found the border crossings to be more relaxed, so it’s nothing to worry about.
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Uruguay is a great destination in South America that is often overlooked due to it’s larger neighboring countries. As a much smaller and less touristy country with very friendly locals, I think a Uruguay vacation is a great choice for travelers looking to go a little bit off the beaten path. Want more South America travel tips? Check out these other blog posts: