Top 10 Things to Do in Uruguay
Uruguay is a small country with an outsized amount of heart. I traveled across it from the rambling capital to the wildest coast, and I kept a mental list of the moments that made me stop and smile. It is the kind of place that rewards a relaxed pace, where you can cover a lot of ground without ever feeling rushed because the distances are short and the atmosphere is calm. If you are planning a trip, here are the ten experiences I would not skip, in the order they left an impression on me.
1. Stroll the Old Town of Colonia del Sacramento
This UNESCO listed town is a tangle of cobbled lanes, colonial houses, and a lighthouse that looks out over the Rio de la Plata. I wandered for hours and loved every quiet corner, from the weathered doors to the flower draped balconies. It is the easiest day trip from Buenos Aires too, just a short ferry ride across the water, which makes it a perfect first stop or a lovely final pause before heading home.
2. Walk the Rambla in Montevideo
Montevideo runs along a 22 kilometer waterfront promenade that is pure joy for walkers and cyclists. Watching the sunset over the river while locals jog, fish, or simply sit and chat is one of those simple pleasures I will remember for a long time. I rented a bike one afternoon and rode a long section of it, stopping whenever the mood struck. It connects beaches, parks, and cafes, turning the whole city into a beautiful open air experience.
3. Relax at Punta del Este
This beach resort is Uruguay’s glamorous side. The Hand sculpture buried in the sand at Brava beach is famous and worth the photo, and the golden Playa Mansa, with its gentler waters on the other side of the peninsula, is where I had my best swim. It is lively and buzzing in summer and wonderfully quiet off peak, when the wide beaches and waterfront walks feel almost private. Either way, it delivers on polish and beauty.
4. Go Off Grid at Cabo Polonio
There is no road into Cabo Polonio, only a 4×4 truck across the dunes, and that arrival alone felt like an adventure. Once there I found a village with no power grid, rustic cabins, and a lighthouse surrounded by a colony of sea lions sunbathing on the rocks. At night the stars were astonishing, free from light pollution, and the silence was total. It felt like stepping back in time, and I loved every minute.
5. Tour a Working Ranch
The Uruguayan countryside is ranch country, and staying on an estancia was a highlight of my whole trip. I joined a morning horse ride, watched gauchos work the herd with remarkable skill, and ate an enormous asado under the open sky as the day cooled. It is the true heart of the country, a window into a way of life that has shaped Uruguay for centuries, and an experience you simply cannot get in the cities.
6. See Casapueblo at Punta Ballena
This white cliffside sculpture of a house was the studio of artist Carlos Paez Vilaro, and it clings to the rocks overlooking the ocean like something out of a dream. I watched the sunset from its terraces while the whole structure glowed in the fading golden light. The art inside is fascinating, but it is the way the building and the horizon blend together that makes it unforgettable.
7. Sip Wine in Canelones
The rolling hills around the capital are dotted with family wineries that are perfect for a relaxed afternoon. I tasted Tannat, Uruguay’s signature grape, and learned why locals are so proud of their pour. The winemakers were generous with their stories and their cellars, and I came away with both a fuller glass and a deeper appreciation for a region that is finally earning its place on the wine map.
8. Visit the Thermal Springs at Termas del Dayman
Near the city of Salto in the northwest, hot springs bubble up into a huge open air complex that feels like a natural spa. After days on the road I sank into the warm pools and felt every bit of tension dissolve as steam curled into the cool evening air. It is Uruguay’s most relaxing hidden gem, and a wonderful way to reset your body if you have been traveling hard.
9. Eat a Chivito
The national sandwich is a towering stack of beef, ham, cheese, egg, and salad, and it deserves every bit of its fame. I had one at a neighborhood bar in Montevideo and understood instantly why it is iconic, the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that stays with you. It requires two hands, a big appetite, and ideally a nap afterward. For a perfectionist like me, it was comfort food at its finest.
10. Explore the Ciudad Vieja of Montevideo
The old city is full of grand plazas, the emblematic Salvo Palace, and a bustling Sunday flea market at the port where I browsed antiques and lost track of time. I spent a relaxed morning cafe hopping and soaking up the mix of grand old architecture and lively street life. It packs an entire history lesson into a few walkable blocks, and it gave me a richer sense of the capital than any view from a distance ever could.
