Uruguay Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Montevideo.

Geography:

Uruguay is bordered to the north by Brazil, to the southeast by the Atlantic, and is separated from Argentina in the west and south by the River Uruguay, which widens out into the Rio de la Plata estuary. The landscape is made up of hilly meadows broken by streams and rivers. There are a string of beaches along the coast. Most of the country is grazing land for sheep and cattle. Montevideo, the most southern point of the nation, accommodates nearly half of the population. About 90% of the land is suitable for agriculture, although only 12% is used in this way.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Airlines with regular flights to Montevideo's Carrasco airport include Iberia (www.iberia.com) and LATAM (www.latam.com).

The major airport is: Carrasco International Airport (Aeropuerto de Carrasco - Montevideo).

Air Travel Note

The oneworld Visit South America Pass (www.oneworld.com) is valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines are American Airlines (AA), British Airways (BA), LATAM, Qatar Airways (QR), and their affiliates. The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to over 60 destinations. You can take as many flights as you like, but a you must book a minimum of three flights.

Departure Tax

US$31 on international departures (US$17 to Buenos Aires), payable in cash (Uruguayan pesos or US Dollars) or by credit card at the airport fee counter near check-in. This departure tax is often included in the air fare; check with your airline.

Flight Times

From London - 16 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); New York - 13 hours 30 minutes (including stopover).

Getting There By Road

The main points of entry from Argentina are Paysandú (from Colón), Salto (from Concordia) and Fray Bentos (from Gualeguaychú).

From Brazil, the main point of entry is at Chuy (called Chuí on the Brazilian side). There are five lesser points of entry further west along the Uruguay-Brazil border: Río Branco (from Jaguarão), Aceguá (from Isidoro Noblía), Rivera (from Santana do Livramento), Artigas (from Quaraí), and Bella Unión (from Barra do Quaraí).

Uruguay's main international coach operator is EGA (tel: +598 2902 5335; www.egakeguay.com), with services to Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Brazil. Flecha Bus (tel: +598 11 4000 5200; www.flechabus.com.ar) and Condor Estrella (tel: +54 221 423 2745; www.condorestrella.com.ar) also run regular coaches between Uruguay and Argentina.

Getting There By Water

Montevideo, the main international port, is served by cargo lines and cruise ships from the USA and Europe.

Buquebus (www.buquebus.com) operates high-speed ferries between Montevideo and Buenos Aires (journey time - 2 hours 15 minutes). Colonia Express (www.coloniaexpress.com) and Seacat (www.seacatcolonia.com) offer services from Colonia (160km/100 miles west of Montevideo) to Buenos Aires by ferry and hydrofoil. A port departure tax may be levied.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Regularly scheduled commercial flights within Uruguay have been discontinued. Bus and rental car are the two best ways to get around the country.

Breakdown Services

The Automóvil Club del Uruguay (www.acu.com.uy) offers year-round towing and mechanical assistance throughout the country.

Car Hire

Car hire is readily available at Carrasco and Punta del Este International Airports and in major cities including Montevideo, Punta del Este and Colonia. Drivers must be aged 23 or above.

Coach

The major domestic coach routes from Montevideo are:

• West and north along the Río de la Plata and the Río Uruguay to Paysandú and Salto.
• East and north along the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean to Punta del Este and Rocha.
• North on national routes 3, 5, 7 and 8 to Tacuarembó and other cities of the interior.

Main coach operators include COT (tel: +598 2409 4949; www.cot.com.uy), Copsa (tel: +598 217 120; www.copsa.com.uy), Agencia (tel: +598 4724 1717; www.agenciacentral.com.uy) and Turil (tel: +598 4622 4888; www.turil.com.uy).

Documentation

A valid driving licence from your home country is required.

Getting Around By Rail

A few local services run between Montevideo and surrounding suburbs. These are not usually used by tourists.

Regulations

Drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts. Use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited. Speed limits, ranging from 45kph (28mph) to 110kph (68mph), are clearly posted.

Getting Around By Road

The main national routes, numbered 1 through 9, fan out from Montevideo like fingers of a hand. All are paved and well maintained, including some excellent sections of four-lane highway linking the capital to Colonia and Punta del Este. Secondary routes along the Río de la Plata, Río Uruguay and Atlantic Ocean are also of good quality. Travel elsewhere can be more challenging, often involving long sections of unpaved road.

Road Quality

Road conditions vary but are excellent along the main coastal highways. Outside of Montevideo, congestion is rarely a problem.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Metered taxis are available in all cities and from the airports at Carrasco and Punta del Este. Service is especially good in Montevideo, where taxis are safe, ubiquitous and reasonably priced. Look out for a red light in the front window to signify a taxi is free. Drivers will carry a list of fares. A surcharge is often made for each item of baggage. Rates are 20% higher on nights, weekends and holidays.

Urban Travel

Extensive, dependable and safe bus services operate in Montevideo and most other Uruguayan cities. There are flat fares, one for the central area and another for suburban services.

Getting Around By Water

There are no scheduled boat services along the principal rivers, but the River Uruguay is navigable from Colonia to Salto, and the Río Negro (flowing across the country from northeast to northwest) is navigable as far as the port of Mercedes.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow and contact FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Uruguay's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Uruguay set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Uruguayan Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Uruguay, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least one blank page for an entry stamp. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

 Visa requirements

You can visit Uruguay without a visa for up to 90 days.

To stay longer or take up residency in Uruguay, see Dirección Nacional de Migración (in Spanish). For other information on entry regulations and living in Uruguay, contact the nearest Uruguayan Embassy.

Travelling with children

If they travel on a non-Uruguayan passport, alone or with just one parent, children aged 17 and under who live in Uruguay and non-resident children who have been in Uruguay for a year or more need written permission ('Permiso de Menor') from non-accompanying parents to leave the country (in Spanish). Children travelling on a Uruguayan passport do not need permission.

The Uruguay Ministry of the Interior (in Spanish) has more information. If you're in the UK, contact the Uruguayan Embassy in the UK.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Uruguay guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Uruguay (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It is illegal for visitors to import:

• fruits, vegetables, animals or dairy products and their derivatives
• flammable materials
• alkaloids
• narcotics
• obscene objects
• subversive or pornographic material

The authorities X-ray all baggage on arrival and may search it.

Taking money into Uruguay

You can bring in up to 10,000 US dollars or an equal amount in other currencies, precious metals or other monetary instruments (such as travellers cheques). You must declare amounts above this limit.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Uruguay

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Uruguay, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Street crime in Montevideo

Street crime happens in Montevideo, including:

• bag-snatching and pickpocketing
• mugging and robbery (sometimes armed)

You should:

• keep valuables, spare cash and credit cards in a safe
• take care using ATMs – where possible use machines not on the street (for example, in shopping centres or banks)
• avoid carrying lots of cash or wearing expensive jewellery
• consider carrying cash and bankcards in separate pockets and only carry the money you need

Keep away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night and avoid walking downtown or in the port area alone, especially at night and on weekends.

Theft from cars in Montevideo

Criminals regularly break into cars left on the street. Try to park in paid car parks or well-lit, busy areas.

Always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables, luggage, personal documents and cash in the vehicle. Do not drive with bags or other valuables visible, especially on the front seat. Thieves can smash windows and grab valuables at traffic lights and junctions.

Crime outside Montevideo

Crime rates are generally lower in other parts of Uruguay, but still take usual precautions.

Laws and cultural differences

Money

You cannot always use credit cards outside of major towns. ATMs may not always accept UK debit cards.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke, including e-cigarettes, in enclosed public places such as restaurants, shopping centres and cinemas.

Marijuana

If they have registered with the Uruguayan government, it is legal for Uruguayan nationals or foreign nationals who have been resident for more than 2 years, to grow marijuana or buy it from registered pharmacies. However, it is illegal for tourists to do this.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex marriage is legal and there are anti-discrimination laws. Uruguay also recognises same-sex civil unions. It is common to see same-sex couples together in public, and hostility or discrimination towards LGBT+ visitors is rare.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Many beaches in Uruguay have lifeguards from December to March, although times vary across the country. Take care when swimming in rivers or the Atlantic Ocean. There can be currents, rocks and sandbanks with sudden descents.

Beaches with lifeguards display coloured flags depending on the conditions:

• green: good conditions for swimming
• yellow: caution
• red: danger – unsuitable conditions for swimming, rocks, uneven seabed or currents
• red with green cross: danger – unsanitary conditions not suitable for swimming
• black: thunderstorms – do not stay on the beach or near the coast

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Uruguay, see information on driving abroad.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Uruguay for the first 90 days after you arrive. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. After 90 days, you must get a Uruguayan driving licence.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as 2 years of driving experience and holding an IDP.  

Driving laws include:

• wearing a seatbelt in the front and back seats – children under 12 must wear a seatbelt and be in a child or booster seat
• having a first aid kit in your car
• using dipped headlights during the day

Uruguay is introducing electronic-tag-only tolls (in Spanish) – these require prepayment or a linked credit card with an electronic sticker fixed to your car. Rental cars will already have electronic tags. The rental company will charge you for any unpaid tolls.   

Drink-driving is a serious offence  in Uruguay. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment, a driving suspension or a community work order.

You will also get a fine if you're found driving under the influence of drugs.

 Road conditions

The main toll roads from Colonia del Sacramento to Montevideo and Punta del Este are in good condition and well-marked. However, serious road traffic accidents are common and often caused by poor road layout and speeding.

The standard of roads in the rest of Uruguay varies. Roads may suddenly deteriorate, with potholes and uneven road surfaces. Take extra care, especially in bad weather or at night.

Driving standards are poor and traffic is disorganised. Drivers may:

• change lane and make unexpected turns without indicating
• use hazard lights to stop in the middle of a lane, for example to drop someone off
• ignore stop signs, traffic lights and speed limits

Motorbikes often go the wrong way down one-way streets – look both ways when crossing junctions.

For information on transport regulations, see the Montevideo municipality website (in Spanish).

Bus terminal

The main bus terminal for long distance journeys is Tres Cruces (in Spanish). There are visible security patrols. Keep a close eye on your belongings.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

The Uruguay government usually issues warnings and updates on extreme weather through news channels and the press. Sistema Nacional de Emergencias (in Spanish) coordinates crisis responses.

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding

Occasional heavy storms can last 2 to 3 days and cause severe damage and flooding. Check for severe weather warnings from the Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (in Spanish). See UK Met Office forecasts for Uruguay.

Forest fires

Forest fires can break out in the hottest months from December to March in dry areas. Extinguish cigarettes and fires appropriately. Call 911 to contact the fire brigade.

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 the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Uruguay, including:

• dengue
• strong sun with high UV levels

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and take regular prescribed medication, take enough for your visit. You can find most medication in pharmacies in large cities, but medicine for complex treatment may be unavailable in smaller towns.

You will need a prescription from a local doctor to get prescribed medication. All medication in pharmacies, whether prescribed or not, is stored behind the counter and must be asked for.

Healthcare in Uruguay

Medical and dental treatment is expensive in Uruguay. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Uruguay where some staff will speak English. 

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Uruguay.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Uruguay

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact the police

If you need to report a crime, you can use a Uruguayan government online form (in Spanish).

Requirement to attend police station

In some cases, there may be a requirement to visit a police station in person after reporting a crime online.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Uruguay
• dealing with a death in Uruguay
• being arrested or imprisoned in Uruguay
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Uruguay on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Malaria	No
Hepatitis A	Yes
Yellow Fever	No*
Typhoid	No
Diphtheria	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes

Overview:

Uruguay has an excellent medical service. Private health insurance is recommended. To call an ambulance, dial 105; for general emergency services, call 911.

Vaccinations Note:

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from an infected area.

Food Drink:

Mains water is considered safe to drink. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks:

According to advice from the World Health Organisation, Uruguay has no known risk of Zika virus transmission from mosquitos.

Currency Information:

Peso Uruguayo (UYU; symbol $U) = 100 centécimos. Notes are in the denominations of $U2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of $U10, 5, 2 and 1 and 50 centécimos.

Credit Cards:

MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Diners Club are the most commonly used credit cards. All are widely accepted in major tourist and business destinations including Montevideo, Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento. In rural areas, it's best to carry cash as many businesses will not accept credit cards.

ATMs:

ATMs marked with the green Banred or blue RedBROU logo are reliable and available in all cities, as well as some smaller towns. These serve all major international banking networks, including Cirrus, Visa, Link, MasterCard and Maestro.

Travellers Cheques:

Traveller's Cheques can still be cashed at some banks and exchange shops in major tourist hubs. US Dollar traveller's cheques are more widely accepted than those issued in Euros or Sterling.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 1300-1800.

Currency Restrictions:

Local currency and foreign currency may be imported and exported up to the equivalent of US$10,000; larger amounts must be declared.

Currency Exchange:

Visitors are advised to buy local currency at banks and exchange shops, as hotels tend to give unfavourable rates. Inflation in Uruguay, though less severe than in other Latin American countries, leads to frequent fluctuations in the exchange rate.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
UYU	$U

Exchange Rates

29.88

35.58

28.73

Language

The official language is Spanish. Along the northern border with Brazil, many residents also speak a hybrid of Spanish and Portuguese known as Portuñol. English is widely spoken in tourist resorts.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
Epiphany	2024-01-06 00:00:00	0
Carnival	2024-02-12 00:00:00	0
Maundy Thursday	2024-03-28 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Landing of the 33 Patriots Day	2024-04-19 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Battle of Las Piedras	2024-05-18 00:00:00	0
D	2024-06-19 00:00:00	0
Constitution Day	2024-07-18 00:00:00	0
National Independence Day	2024-08-25 00:00:00	0
New Year's Day	2024-08-25 00:00:00	0
D	2024-10-14 00:00:00	0
All Soul's Day	2024-11-02 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0

Note:

Many businesses close during Carnival Week and during Tourism Week (Holy Week).

Overview:

.

Banned Imports:

Prohibited items are vegetables, their parts and/or related products, fresh fruits and vegetables; seeds, seed crafts and plant products: flowers, ornamental plants and in vitro cultures; soil, fruit, horticultural and forage plants; forest products or parts thereof: Branches, poles, ears of corn, buds, bulbs or others; animals, products and by-products: Liquid milk - except preserved -, butter, eggs, cream and cheese; domestic animals, birds, exotic specimens, bees and others; all kinds of meat, cold cuts and sausages; animal feed and combustible biological or veterinary products; alkaloids, narcotics or pornographic materials.

Telephone:

The local telephone service Antel, which is operated by the government, is good and operates call centres in all major towns (www.antel.com.uy). There are also numerous locutorios (privately run call centres). Public phone boxes require a prepaid card, available in denominations of $U25 to $U400 from Antel call centres and newspaper kiosks. Skype calls can be made from most internet cafés and are generally the cheapest way to call home.

Mobile Telephone:

Antel, Movistar and Claro are the three principal network operators. All three have stores throughout Uruguay. Mobiles operate on the standard GSM cellular network.

Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone operators. Visitors should check with their service provider before travelling. Mobile phones and SIM cards can also be easily obtained locally and are usually a less expensive option, especially for longer stays. Coverage is good in urban areas and patchy elsewhere.

Internet:

There are internet cafés in main urban areas. Connections are good and prices reasonable (around US$1 per hour).

Post

Airmail to Europe takes three to five days.

Post Office Hours:

0800-1800 (main post office in the old city, Montevideo: 0900-1900).

Media:

The Uruguayan constitution guarantees a free press and freedom of speech. There are dozens of private newspapers, radio stations and TV channels. Leading Uruguayan TV broadcasters include Canal 10, Montecarlo and Teledoce. State-run radio and television broadcasts are operated by SODRE. International cable channels are also available, especially at better hotels in Montevideo. Domestic English-language news sources are limited to the internet, but UK and other international papers can be purchased at some Montevideo newsstands.

Saddle up with the gauchos on an Estancia

Go for a horse ride, stargaze by the barbecue and get a taste of gaucho life at one of Uruguay's tourist estancias, dozens of which are dotted all over the vast pampas. Two of the best are San Pedro de Timote and La Sirena, or if you fancy trying an authentic experience some ranches offer working stays, such as the Estancia El Silencio.

Watch the wildlife

Uruguay's vast empty landscapes are a nature-lover's paradise. Trek over sand dunes to see the lighthouse and abundant marine life at Cabo Polonio on the Atlantic coast. Observe the rich array of bird life at one of eastern Uruguay's coastal lagoons, including Laguna de Rocha near La Paloma, Laguna de Castillos near Barra de Valizas, and Laguna Negra near Punta del Diablo.

Experience a Uruguayan football match

Wedged between two of the world's great footballing nations, Argentina and Brazil, Uruguayans are also passionate about the beautiful game. Attend a match and share in the uniquely South American carnival spirit on the terraces. Serious fans can also visit the Museo del Fútbol in the Estadio Centenario, the Montevideo stadium where Uruguay's national team won the first World Cup in 1930.

Join Montevideo’s Carnival frenzy

Get swept up by the joyous dancing and drumming in the streets every February during Montevideo's exuberant Afro-Uruguayan Carnival. Although celebrated throughout the country, the capital hosts the best carnival festivities, with its roots in the Candomble beliefs of the African slaves brought here by the Spanish. The main events take place over two days before Mardi Gras, but many locals take the whole week to join in the fun.

Stroll along the Rambla

For an unforgettable slice of Montevideo life, take a weekend stroll along the Rambla (riverfront promenade), where you'll find joggers, windsurfers and throngs of sociable locals cradling thermoses of mate (herb tea) as they chat with friends on the beach. Go at dusk to see a stunning sunset over the Rio del Plata.

Hit Montevideo’s markets

Savour the racks of roasting meat and vegetables at Montevideo's Mercado del Puerto, a popular lunch spot in an old covered market by the waterfront, and get lost in a sea of street vendors at Montevideo's Tristán Narvaja market, just east of downtown. Every Sunday several city blocks are filled with stalls selling everything from antiques to jewellery to live birds.

See a tango at Teatro Solís

Attend a concert, play, or tango performance at Montevideo's renovated 19th-century opera house, Teatro Solís; or enjoy live music and dance at one of the city's dozens of other nightspots, with many clustered along Ciudad Vieja's pedestrianised areas, as well as in Punta Carretas and Pocitos.

Party with the jet set of Punta del Este

Spend the day parasailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, sport fishing or lounging on the long sandy beaches at Punta del Este, one of South America's most exclusive resorts. And when the sun goes down, put on your party togs and shimmy with the rich and famous at Punta's chic nightclubs, in Punta Ballena and La Barra.

Relive the border battles at Santa Teresa and San Miguel

Get a feel for the historic conflict between Spanish and Portuguese forces at the fortresses of Santa Teresa and San Miguel near the northeastern town of Chuy close to the Brazilian border. Built in the 18th century, today the fortresses have been completely restored and are open to visitors, offering an impressive experience of the region's colonial past.

Stay in Casapueblo, a ‘liveable sculpture’

Carlos Paéz Vilaró was one of Uruguay's foremost abstract artists and you can visit one of his most famous works: the extravagantly whimsical art studio, Casapueblo. This nine-story whitewashed 'liveable sculpture' cascades down the cliffs of Punta Ballena, near Punta del Este. The remarkable complex now also includes a gallery, museum, cafe and a hotel.

Visit Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay’s historic treasure

Colonia del Sacramento's cobblestoned streets and sycamore-shaded plazas are perfect for whiling away a lazy day. Enter this ancient treasure via the reconstructed city gate, the Portón de Campo, and spend the day browsing art galleries, dining in cosy restaurants and kicking back in cafes. Come nightfall, watch sunset over the Río de la Plata.

Have a soak in Salto’s hot springs

Northwest Uruguay is home to one of the world's most important underground aquifers, producing warm medicinal springs. Near the town of Salto are some wonderful spas where you can wash off the Pampas dust, including the remote and tranquil Termas de Arapey, the family-friendly Termas de Daymán, or the Termas de San Nicanor.

Meander around Montevideo, Uruguay’s stylish capital

Enjoy the eclectic mix of colonial, European and modern influences in Uruguay's capital. Walk around the palm-shaded plazas of the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), see the fascinating Gaucho Museum, the Carnival Museum and cool off in appealing beach suburbs such as Playa Carrasco, east of town.

Beef up on the Oxo cube

Not many people may know this but the humble Oxo cube was invented in Uruguay. Today, you can contemplate the international impact of this stock cube, which was manufactured here and prized by everyone from Edmund Hillary to WWI troops, by visiting the Museo de la Revolución Industrial. This 19th-century meat processing plant-turned-museum is in Fray Bentos, where another gastronomic icon was born: corned beef.

Sample Uruguay’s Swiss cheeses

Low-lying, temperate Uruguay may hardly be comparable to the Alps, but thousands of visitors each year seek out the fine dairy products in the 19th-century Swiss settlement of Nueva Helvecia (formerly Colonia Suiza: Swiss Colony), west of the capital. The town also features Swiss-style hotels and restaurants, which are popular with locals and homesick Europeans alike.

Surf the South Atlantic at Punta del Diablo

Ride the waves and wander the endless sandy beaches at the low-key Atlantic resort of Punta del Diablo, then head south to the perfect surf breaks of La Paloma and La Pedrera. Punta del Diablo is a quiet fishing village for most of the year, but every summer it fills up with diehard surfers and other adventurers kept busy with dune surfing, horseback riding and jeep forest safaris.

Overview

Montevideo, Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento are the best places for shopping. Special purchases include leather goods, suede jackets, woollens and amethyst jewellery. On Sunday mornings Montevideo's Tristan Narvaja Market is famous for its antiques, books and countless other items sold from stalls spread over several blocks. Equally eclectic and worthwhile is the Saturday Flea Market held in Plaza Constitucion in Montevideo's Old Town. There are also many antique shops in the Old Town. Uruguayan handicrafts are on display at Montevideo's port and also the Ferias Artesanales (artisanal fairs) in Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento. The Manos de Uruguay cooperative sells fine woollens at its stores in Montevideo, Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1400-1900; Sat 0900-1230. Large shopping malls are open daily 1000-2200.

Overview

For the country that introduced corned beef to the world, it's no surprise that Uruguayans love to eat meat above all else. The most common restaurants are parrilladas (grill-rooms), where huge racks of beef sizzle over hot coals.

Italian food is also popular, thanks to the many immigrants who came from Italy in the early 20th century, while seafood is excellent along the Atlantic coast. Uruguayan wine is pretty good too, though the nation's favourite spirit is whisky, and they even produce a well-rated brand of their own, Dunbar.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

10% when no service charge is added.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

There are numerous first-class hotels in Montevideo and in Uruguay's coastal resorts. Prices tend to be higher during the summer tourist season, especially at the beaches. It is essential to book during Easter Week nationwide, in the summer along the coast and during carnival week in Montevideo. Outside of Montevideo, the cities offering the best range of hotel options are Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este. There are also lower-priced hotels throughout the country offering more basic accommodation. A star rating system of 1 to 5 stars is used. The Ministry of Tourism has a hotel listing page on its website (www.turismo.gub.uy).

Camping Caravaning

Camping is allowed at numerous designated sites throughout the country; elsewhere it is necessary to get police permission. Campsites are listed on the Ministry of Tourism's website (www.turismo.gub.uy). The largest camping and caravanning area, with over 1200 sites, is in Parque Nacional Santa Teresa along Uruguay's northern Atlantic coast.

Other

History

Originally settled by the tribal Charrúa people, Uruguay's territory was hotly contested from the arrival of the first Europeans, due to its strategic position near the mouth of the Río de la Plata. The Spanish established the capital Montevideo in 1726 but continued to battle with the Portuguese for control of the region.

In 1828, a scrappy band of patriots led by General Juan Lavalleja and inspired by nationalist hero José Artigas finally won independence for Uruguay, establishing it as a buffer between the newly formed nations of Brazil and Argentina.

Regional strife continued for several decades, as Uruguay's two major political parties emerged. The liberally inclined Colorado Party, associated with Montevideo's business owners, and the right-wing National Party, representing rural interests, came to be known as Colorados ('Reds') and Blancos ('Whites') – terms that survive to this day. The Great War of 1843-52 and the War of the Triple Alliance (Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay against Paraguay, 1864-1870) pitted the two parties against one another, prompting continued interventions by Argentina and Brazil. The Blancos and Colorados finally reached a stable power-sharing agreement in 1872.

In the late 19th century, an influx of European immigrants helped transform Uruguay into an agricultural powerhouse. Under the progressive Colorado administrations of José Batlle y Ordonez between 1903 and 1915, Uruguay established Latin America's first welfare state, gave women the vote and abolished both the death penalty and the link between church and state.

As the 20th century progressed, Uruguay's economic fortunes deteriorated and in the 1970s the country slid into a dictatorship under Juan Maria Bordaberry Arocena. Civilian rule resumed in 1985, accompanied by the ascendancy of the Frente Amplio, a leftist coalition that became Uruguay's first successful third party under President José Mujica.

Before taking the presidency, Mujica had spent 14 years in prison for opposing the previous dictatorship. Whilst in power he donated 90% of his salary to charity, legalised marijuana and continued to pick up hitchhikers in his old VW Beetle, making him something of a hero around the world. He was succeeded by Tabaré Vázquez in 2015.

Did you know?
• In 1930, Uruguay hosted the first FIFA World Cup, beating their arch-rivals, Argentina, 4-2 in the final.
• The Tupamaros were Marxist urban guerrillas, who wrought havoc in the late 1960s. Their leader and future president Jose Mujica was imprisoned at the bottom of a well.
• Fray Bentos, a town in western Uruguay, was the original home of corned beef, and is now a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Religion

Roman Catholic is the predominant religion (47%), followed by Protestantism (11%). Other religious minorities, including Judaism, account for less than 2% of the population. 40% of Uruguayans claim no religious affiliation.

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Uruguayans are very hospitable and like to entertain both at home and in restaurants. Normal courtesies should be observed. Smoking is not allowed in public spaces, including restaurants, cinemas, theatres and public transport.

Best Time To Visit:

Uruguay has an exceptionally fine temperate climate, with mild summers and winters. Summer is from December to March and is the most pleasant time, especially along the coast. Beach resorts get crowded between Christmas and February, with peak crowds during the month of January. In the interior and along the Río Uruguay, January is the hottest month, with temperatures sometimes climbing uncomfortably above 30˚C (86°F). For fine weather and quieter conditions countrywide, December and March are good months to visit. Winter and spring can get chilly due to wind and rain, but temperatures remain dependably above freezing.

.

Required Clothing

Bring lightweight clothing in summer; mediumweight clothing for winter, autumn and spring. A raincoat is advisable year-round.

Dialing Code:

+598

Area(sq km):

176215

Population:

3.473.730

Population Density(per sq km):

19

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

911