2026 Uruguay Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

If you’re planning a trip to Uruguay, here’s a pro tip: don’t head straight to the capital. Start your journey in a town that feels like a slice of Europe hidden in South America - Colonia del Sacramento. Known as the “Local Portugal”, this town is a dream for anyone who loves history and slow travel. Founded by the Portuguese in the 17th century, it has preserved a charm that is hard to find anywhere else: cobblestone streets, colorful walls draped in flowers, vintage cars, and glowing lanterns. How to get there? 🚢 I highly recommend traveling via Buquebus. It’s much more than just a ferry; it’s a high-speed, comfortable liner that makes the journey part of the experience. • Why Buquebus: It’s the fastest and most seamless way to cross the Río de la Plata. If you’re coming from Buenos Aires, you’ll be in Uruguay in just 1 hour and 15 minutes. • The Experience: The ships are modern, featuring spacious seating, cafés, and even a Duty-Free shop on board. It’s a smooth ride that drops you off right near the historic district. Walking through Colonia is pure pleasure. There’s no rush here. The entire Barrio Histórico (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is one big photo op. If you want a peaceful escape that feels like a weekend in Lisbon, Colonia del Sacramento is calling your name. #Uruguay #ColoniaDelSacramento #Buquebus #UNESCO

Traveling in South America is always a dilemma. Afraid of not having freedom with a group tour? Afraid of it being too expensive for a solo trip? Independently combine countries + seamlessly connect with group tours, so you can enjoy the fun of free exploration without worrying about visas or transportation, and the price is super friendly! Folks, go for it with confidence! - Brazil ✅ Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro ✅ Iguazu Falls ✅ Batman Alley, São Paulo ✅ Copacabana Beach ✅ Carnival Experience ✅ Parque das Aves (Iguazu Bird Park) Peru ✅ Machu Picchu ✅ Cusco Old Town ✅ Nazca Lines ✅ Lima Old Town ✅ Amazon Rainforest Trekking ✅ Ballestas Islands (Pisco) Chile ✅ Easter Island Moai Statues ✅ Cerro San Cristóbal, Santiago ✅ Valparaíso ✅ Atacama Desert ✅ Santa Lucía Hill Castle Argentina ✅ Iguazu Falls ✅ Los Glaciares National Park ✅ Tierra del Fuego National Park ✅ Buenos Aires ✅ El Calafate (Glacier Town) ✅ Colonia del Sacramento Old Town, Uruguay Uruguay ✅ Colonia del Sacramento Old Town ✅ Portón de Campo, Street of Sighs ✅ La Plata River Coastal Scenery

I've always believed that the trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay is the most relaxing and worthwhile one-day cross-border tour in South America, bar none. If you have a free day in Argentina's capital, be sure to include it in your plans. ⸻ 🛳 How to board the ship from Buenos Aires? Which ferry company to choose? Ferries from Buenos Aires to Colonia: 📍Buquebus Terminal at Puerto Madero, very convenient to reach by taxi from downtown. Currently, the main companies operating the Colonia route are: Buquebus • The largest and most established company • Large, stable vessels • Cabins resemble mini cruise ships, with duty-free shops • Duration: about 1 hour 15 minutes • Ticket price: off-season $70–100; peak season fluctuates between $120–160 ⸻ 🕒 It is recommended to buy tickets in advance, as same-day tickets often sell out. ⸻ 🛂 How do Chinese passport holders enter Uruguay? Super easy Chinese passport holders can enter Uruguay visa-free if they meet any of the following conditions: • Hold a valid US visa (B1/B2/J/F, etc.) • Or hold a valid Canadian visa The entry process is very quick; it took me less than 10 minutes—stamp, welcome to Uruguay. ⸻ 🌿 How to explore after arrival? A one-day walking route in Colonia’s World Heritage Old Town It takes only 10 minutes to walk from the pier to the old town, very easy. Colonia is a famous colonial town with a Portuguese and Spanish mixed style, listed as a World Heritage site in 2000. Recommended walking route (2–4 hours at a leisurely pace): 1️⃣ City Gate & Watchtower Bridge • The most iconic entrance to Colonia, perfect for opening photos. 2️⃣ Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs) • The best-preserved Portuguese old street in the old town, with atmospheric cobblestones. 3️⃣ Lighthouse (Faro) Climb for a View • A small lighthouse that offers a panoramic view of the entire old town and the Río de la Plata, highly recommended. 4️⃣ Main Square Plaza Mayor • Surrounded by art galleries and craft shops, quiet and full of history. 5️⃣ Riverside Walk Rambla Costanera • The most soothing stretch, the colors will make you think you’ve arrived in southern Europe. No worries about food and drink The old town is full of restaurants, bars, and cafes. The pace in Colonia really lets you instantly escape the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires. ⸻ 🌄 The beauty of Colonia: a kind of “Old World gentleness” If Buenos Aires is the “Paris of South America,” then Colonia is the hidden “Iberian old times” across the Río de la Plata. It has no large attractions, but every stone, every ancient tree, every quiet street softly tells you: slow down, life will be more beautiful.

#holidayitinerary Colonia del Sacramento in Colonia Uruguay is a captivating destination that beautifully blends history and riverside charm. Its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture transport visitors back in time, offering endless opportunities to explore quaint shops, cozy cafes, and historic landmarks. The iconic lighthouse provides breathtaking views of the city and the sparkling Río de la Plata, perfect for photography or a peaceful moment of reflection. Strolling along the waterfront, you can enjoy the gentle breeze and watch boats drift by, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Colonia del Sacramento’s museums and heritage sites offer fascinating insights into its rich past, making it ideal for curious travelers. Whether wandering through historic neighborhoods, sampling local cuisine, or simply soaking in the serene river views, Colonia del Sacramento delivers a charming and memorable escape in Colonia Uruguay.

#holidayitinerary Piriápolis in Maldonado Uruguay offers a delightful blend of seaside relaxation and scenic beauty. Nestled along the sparkling coast, this charming town boasts a long sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, leisurely walks, or enjoying water sports. The iconic Cerro San Antonio provides panoramic views of the town and coastline, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike. Piriápolis also features a quaint promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, giving visitors a taste of local life and cuisine. Its historic architecture and the classic Piriápolis Castle add a touch of nostalgia to the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you are seeking peaceful relaxation, outdoor adventure, or cultural exploration, Piriápolis delivers an unforgettable coastal experience in Maldonado Uruguay. The welcoming locals and serene environment make every visit truly memorable.

Uruguay | 5 trivia you may not know Compared to its neighbors Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay, a “small and low-key” country, resembles the “cultural aristocracy” of South America. 👇5 surprises about Uruguay for you to discover! Uruguay's former president, "the most down-to-earth national leadership in the world" When José Mujica was president. Live on a farm, drive a Volkswagen Beetle, grow your own vegetables, donate 90% of your salary, Known as "the poorest president in the world", but the people love him crazy! Uruguay was the first country in South America to legalize same-sex marriage In South America, it is one of the countries with “the most advanced and liberal social ideas,” Not only is the rule of law system perfect, but education and social welfare are also quite sound. Yerba Mate is more important in Uruguay than in Argentina Uruguayans almost "have a cup of mate" in their hands. In the subway, the streets, the seaside, the office desk... you can see "the left hand holding the thermos, the right hand holding the straw" everywhere. According to statistics, Uruguay ranks first in the world in per capita consumption of mate! Uruguay's football, although low-key, is strong Uruguay was the first World Cup winner (1930) . It is also the only South American team to beat Brazil + Argentina, winning the Copa America several times. This is the country that “plays football with soul”. Colonia, Uruguay, is the "old city of the world." [Colonia del Sacramento], a Spanish + Portuguese mixed style colonial ruin, It is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by the United Nations. Being able to take a same day round trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina is very popular.

Sozuelo Beach in the coastal city of Uruguay is like a shining gem inlaid on the Atlantic coast, exuding charming charm. Now, follow this guide and start a wonderful beach trip.​ 🚗Transportation Guide Driving from Montevideo to Sozuelo Beach is a great option. The drive along the coastal road takes about 2-3 hours, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can also take a long-distance bus 🚌. On the way, you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery outside the window. After arriving at Coast City, you can transfer to the local bus or take a taxi 🚕 to the beach, which is very convenient.​ 🏖Beach Features​ 🌟Sosuelo Beach has fine and soft golden sand. Walking on it barefoot, the sand gently caresses the soles of your feet, bringing a wonderful tingling feeling. The clear blue sea is boundless and merges with the blue sky in the distance. The waves beat rhythmically against the shore, making pleasant sounds, as if playing a beautiful ocean melody. The beach is surrounded by lush palm groves. The tall palm trees sway in the wind, adding a strong tropical flavor to the beach and creating a comfortable and romantic atmosphere.​ 🎯 Activities Leisure time on the beach: Find a comfortable beach chair to lie down, put up a parasol, bathe in the warm sunshine, and enjoy a leisurely sunbath. You can also play Frisbee and build sand castles on the beach with your friends and have a great time. Take a stroll along the coastline, feel the gentle caress of the sea breeze, and occasionally bend down to pick up beautiful shells washed ashore by the waves. You may even discover some unique marine creatures.​ Water Sports Carnival: For those who love excitement, the rich water sports here will definitely satisfy you. In the eyes of surfing enthusiasts, the waves at Sozuelo Beach are perfect. Following the ups and downs of the waves and feeling the thrill of fighting with the sea is exciting. If you want to explore the ocean more leisurely, kayaking is a good choice. You can paddle slowly along the coastline, appreciate the surrounding beauty up close, and feel the gentleness of the sea. Diving enthusiasts should not miss this place. Diving into the clear sea water will allow you to encounter colorful coral reefs and a wide variety of tropical fish, as if you have entered a mysterious underwater world.​ Watch the sunset: In the evening, come to the beach and wait quietly for the sunset. As the sun gradually sets, the sky is dyed orange-red, and the afterglow shines on the sea, making the waves sparkle. The entire beach is shrouded in a golden glow, which is breathtakingly beautiful, and every shot is a blockbuster.​ 🍱Nearby food There are many restaurants and food stalls around the beach, serving a variety of delicious local cuisine. Uruguayan barbecue is definitely a must-try. The local high-quality beef is carefully grilled, with a crispy skin and tender and juicy inside. Paired with a special sauce, every bite is full of rich meaty aroma, which makes people linger. There are also fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimps, steamed fish, etc., which retain the original flavor of seafood and are paired with refreshing vegetable salads for a rich taste. After the meal, have a sweet dessert of dulce de leche. The rich caramel flavor spreads in your mouth, putting a sweet end to this gourmet journey.​ 📌Notes​ The sun is strong on the beach, so be sure to take sun protection measures and bring high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat to avoid sunburn.​ When engaging in water sports, you must strictly abide by safety regulations, wear life-saving equipment, and ensure your own safety.​ Take care of the beach environment, do not throw garbage at will, keep the beach clean and beautiful, so that more people can enjoy this beautiful scenery.​ My dears, Sozuelo Beach is waiting for you to embrace it. Come here to feel the charm of the sun, the beach and the waves, and leave an unforgettable memory💖!

There is always a special scent in the air of Piriápolis. Since the 1890s, alchemist Francisco Piria has established his beautiful era seaside resort here because he loves the so-called cosmic energy there. For a long time, tourists have flocked to the Maldonado region for its world-class beach towns: the dazzling Punta del Este and its bohemian-style cousin José Ignacio. However, nowadays, more people visit here for wine tasting. Travelers can stroll in family-owned vineyards that extend to the sea, taste Uruguay's strong Tannat red wine and iconic Albariño white wine, and pair it with the country's famous melt-in-your-mouth steak. Uruguay's wine culture is booming, and Maldonado on the Atlantic coast is its fastest-growing wine region. In fact, Montevideo's most famous winemaker Bodega Bouza has already opened a hilltop restaurant Las Espinas in Maldonado and will add a winery in 2024. They are not the only one. Cerro del Toro - its Tannat variety was recently hailed as Uruguay's "Discovery of the Year" - will also open a winery next year. In this part of the country, wine tourism means intimate vineyards and pastoral outdoor wine tasting. At Bodega Garzón, visitors can ride electric bikes through the vast estate, looking for a place to pair with a picnic to taste wine. At the Alto de la Ballena estate, located on a rocky cliff, the Atlantic is faintly visible in the distance, where they offer tastings of their bottled wines, including a fresh Tannat-Viognier blend. "Most of our wineries are boutique or family-run, and the owners are directly involved in every step," said Soledad Bassini, a sommelier who has worked in José Ignacio for 25 years. "This brings a lot of characteristics to the wine, for tourists, it's like entering someone's home, sharing their daily life, traditions, and history." The richness and diversity of the wine experience prompted Bassini to create Mapa del Vino, a map detailing Uruguay's boutique vineyards. "Maldonado has everything," she said. "Terroir, ocean, beach - it's a complete package." 🏠 Accommodation recommendation: Between the vineyards and pine forests inland of José Ignacio, Luz Culinary Wine Lodge opened in 2022, offering eight suites inspired by Morocco. 🚕 Travel arrangements: JSB Journeys can plan a wine-themed tour of Uruguay, including accommodation in vineyard hotels, wine tasting experiences, and those important designated drivers.