The 12 most beautiful places to visit in Uruguay

Cape on the smallest country in South America, Uruguay! Here is the list of the 12 most beautiful places to visit during your stay.

Nestled between two giants, Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is an original destination that promises authentic experiences. It must be said that the European influences of the capital Montevideo fade as we approach the rural traditions of the pampa . Refined culturally, with beautiful beaches and wonderful natural reserves, the country is full of sites to visit.

As soon as you turn your back to the ocean, the countryside opens the doors to you gauchos , these herd guardians with black hats riding elegantly their mount. In terms of entertainment, the Uruguayans.ne.s like to discover their passion for theatre, football and tango. Amateurs.rice.s de bonne cher ne seront pas en reste : leurs gargantuesques parilladas beef has nothing to envy with Argentine or Brazilian meats. The wines taste throughout the country and the maté – the national drink – sharing generously.

Are you wondering what to see and do on a trip to Uruguay? Here is a selection of the most beautiful places not to miss!

1. Montevideo

The capital of Uruguay, lively and cosmopolitan, is in reality the only large city in the country. It extends along the Río de la Plata and faces Buenos Aires. Less popular than its Argentinian neighbor, Montevideo seduces for its many facets and picturesque sites.

Go to discover its rich historical past by wandering around Ciudad Vieja (old city). Admire the Italian, Spanish and Art Deco architectural influences. From Plaza Independencia, let yourself be surprised by the twenty-six floors of the imposing Palacio Salvo . Built in 1927, he was the highest building in South America!

A little hunger? See you at Mercado del Puerto ! The port district is very lively. You can sit in one of the many bars and restaurants, taste the specialities of grilled dishes or enjoy street shows. The very long rambla promises a gentle walk punctuated with beautiful sunny beaches. Montevideo will also seduce you for its era theatres and tango bars.

2. Colonia del Sacramento

From Montevideo, walk two hundred kilometers west and you will reach Colonia del Sacramento , a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The time seems to have stopped since 1680, when this city was founded by the Portuguese governor of Rio de Janeiro.

Small paved alleys lined with colonial houses, pretty treed squares: the Barrio Histórico is an enchantment. It is good to stroll through the oldest city of the country, discovering its eight historic museums! Despite its success, Colonia remains authentic and unavoidable in Uruguay.

3. Punta del Este

Change of atmosphere in the country’s most hupped (and frequented) seaside resort: Punta del Este . Here, the luxurious complexes adjoin the white sandy beaches. It comes to enjoy delicious seafood, taste the pleasures of aquatic sports, party or simply rest. Off-season, nature is more present and one enjoys another facet of this muddy coastal town.

Punta del Este is also the starting point to get to the Gorriti and Los Lobos islands.

4. Isla de Lobos

Accessible in forty minutes from Punta del Este, the Isla de Lobos includes one of the world’s largest sea lions colonies. Hot water sources promote the reproduction of this exceptional fauna that populates the island. From your boat, do not miss admiring the sea light. Built in the 19th century, it still works and lights up every five seconds to guide sailors.

With its fifty-nine meters high, it is the highest lighthouse in all of South America!

5. Cabo Polonio

If you want to experience a different experience, away from the traditional tourist infrastructure, you will not be disappointed by Cabo Polonio . This small fishing village, accessible only on foot or in 4×4, is located in the middle of the dunes, along a deep blue sea. In this haven of peace in the heart of nature, there is no road and only a hundred souls live there in the year. The village was named after a boat that was wrecked in 1735: the Polonio.

With its lighthouse pierced above the rocks, its bounced huts and sea lions, Cabo Polonio attract the amateur.rice.s of calm and space. The sunset on the beach located south is magical. At night, take the time to lift your head: without public lighting, you will observe thousands of stars and the Milky Way. During your night trip, soak your feet in the water so that the bioluminescent plankton will illuminate!

6. Piriápolis

Its meandering walk to small hills makes Piriápolis a charming seaside resort that reminds Mediterranean cities. Outstanding buildings, such as the Castillo de Piria or the immense Argentino Hotel, are to be visited in this city built of any room for the Uruguayan aristocrats. Its beaches are conducive to a relaxing moment during your trip, while the surrounding countryside has the highest peaks in the country.

To enjoy a magnificent view of the bay, visit Cerro San Antonio. Accessible by chairlift or by road, it peaks at a hundred and thirty meters high and offers a beautiful view of the bay, the city and the port of Piriápolis.

7. Quebrada de los cuervos

Outside the beaten paths, the nature reserve of the Quebrada de los Cuervos is a perfect place for lovers of fauna and flora. A remote canyon winds through a hilly landscape. A wide variety of plants and birds have chosen their homes. You can discover them thanks to two beautiful marked and easy hikes, one of which leads to a beautiful waterfall, the Cascada de Olivera.

8. Salto

Founded in the 18th century, the city Salto deserves to be lingered in its rich historical centre. Start by admiring the Casa del Gobierno, discover the Sitio del Ayui, enter the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. Then head to the Costanera, a beautiful walk along the Río Uruguay that will lead you to the beaches bordering the river. A few kilometers further, relax in the thermal resorts, such as Dayman, with natural pools of hot water for relaxation.

9. Tacuarembo

Uruguay is also the country of gauchos , cattle breeders in boots and hats. The hilly campaign of Tacuarembo is perfect for discovering the traditions of this culture.

The festival of the Gaucha Patria is dedicated to them every year at the beginning of March. During your stay, don’t miss the free visit of the Museum del Indio y del Gaucho which presents a collection of accessories typical of rural life. With your walk in the alleys lined with sycomores and the charming squares of the city, it would not be surprising that you reach tango airs: for the Uruguayan population, Tacuarembo is the city of Carlos Gardel, uncontested master of the famous musical genre.

10. Punta del Diablo

Northeast of the country, on the edge of Brazil, Punta del Diablo attracts tourists for its beaches, seafood huts and adjacent national park. Renting a surfboard to face the waves is a must do .

The Parque Nacional Santa Teresa is accessible in an hour's walk... or on horseback, a much more fun option! Powered by the army, this park offers uncommon beaches among eucalyptus and pine forests. It also houses an imposing fortress whose construction dates from 1762. In the evening, sunset and improvised camp fires make the charm of Punta del Diablo.

Note : Since the place has become very popular with the Uruguayan and Argentine families, avoid the first half of January if you do not want to be invaded by a wave of holidaymakers.

11. Countryandú

On the east bank of the Uruguay River, Countryandú is a historic city. Founded in the 18th century for herd guardians of the Jesuit mission of Yapeyú, it gradually became an important meat processing centre, so famous in the country.

It is pleasant to stroll through its palm-treated aisles, to visit its old cemetery, its theatre, its basilica. The best time to discover Paysandú is undoubtedly during his carnival or at the time of the beer festival, during Holy Week. Festivities are the opportunity to enjoy the folklore of the region or to taste the Nortena, the local beer.

12. Punta Ballena

On the Uruguayan coast, close to Punta del Este, the tip of Punta Ballena is a paradise for nature lovers. Located in the department of Maldonado, the place is named after its whale form. Large Argentine fortunes have holiday homes. In addition to its coastline, we come to Punta Ballena to visit Casapueblo, the architectural complex of Uruguayan artist Carlos Paéz Vilaró.