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Travel Guide
Visiting Uruguay
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Top Attractions in Uruguay
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Colonia del Sacramento
The Barrio Histórico of Colonia del Sacramento is one of South America's best-preserved colonial streetscapes, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and contested for over a century before passing permanently to Spain, its irregular lanes, whitewashed walls, and tile-roofed buildings reflect the remarkable fusion of two colonial traditions. Visitors can walk from the 17th-century port gate to the lighthouse in under twenty minutes, passing the ruins of the Convent of San Francisco along the way.
Punta del Este
Uruguay's glamorous beach resort is known for its marina, sculpture of giant fingers rising from the sand, and lively summer scene. Quieter beaches and dunes lie just beyond the town.
Casapueblo
Perched on the cliffs of Punta Ballena, 13 kilometres west of Punta del Este, Casapueblo is a sprawling white sculptural building constructed over three decades by Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró as his home, workshop, and studio. Its curved, multi-level forms inspired by Mediterranean cave dwellings are unlike any conventional architecture, with not a single straight line in the entire structure. The complex now houses a museum, art gallery, and hotel, and every evening a sun ceremony dating to 1994 draws visitors to watch the sunset from the terraces.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Uruguay. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Uruguay.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in Uruguay
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Uruguay see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on th
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police911
Ambulance105
Fire104
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Uruguay
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Uruguay page at Yoogo.
Uruguay uses the Uruguayan peso (UYU). Cards are widely accepted in Montevideo, Punta del Este, and tourist areas. Cash is useful for smaller towns and markets. ATMs are widely available. US dollars are sometimes accepted at resorts and tourist businesses, though the exchange rate may not be favourable.
Uruguay is considered one of the safest and most politically stable countries in South America. Crime exists in parts of Montevideo, particularly in peripheral neighbourhoods, but tourist areas are generally safe. Standard urban precautions apply: keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Buses are the primary form of intercity transport and are reliable, comfortable, and affordable. Montevideo has a local bus network and taxis. Renting a car gives flexibility for exploring the countryside and wine regions. Punta del Este is easily reached from Montevideo by bus or car. Driving is on the right.
November to March is summer in Uruguay, with warm weather ideal for beach visits to Punta del Este and the Atlantic coast. The Carnival in Montevideo (January to February) is one of South America's longest and most vibrant celebrations. April to June and September to October offer mild weather for city exploration with fewer crowds.
Spanish is the official language and is spoken throughout the country. Uruguayan Spanish has a distinctive accent and some Italian-influenced vocabulary. English is spoken in tourist areas and hotels in Montevideo and Punta del Este, but limited elsewhere. Basic Spanish is helpful for getting around.
No vaccinations are required to enter Uruguay for most travellers. Routine immunisations should be up to date. Tap water is safe to drink in Montevideo and most urban areas. Healthcare standards are relatively high by regional standards.
Tipping is expected in Uruguay. At restaurants, 10% is standard where a service charge is not included, and some upscale restaurants add a cubierto (cover charge). Taxi drivers are typically tipped by rounding up the fare. Hotel porters and tour guides appreciate small gratuities.
Mobile coverage is excellent across Uruguay, including in rural areas, via providers Antel, Claro, and Movistar. 4G is widely available. Local SIM cards are affordable and easy to obtain. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces in cities.