Uruguay
- The Wild Voyage
- Apr 11, 2018
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 10, 2024
Best destinations in Uruguay, where to go, what to see and do!
Punta del Este
This could be one of the most boujee places, right on certain the beach clubs women with high heels can be seen trying to step on the deck, avoiding the sand but also wearing bikinis. The central part of Punta del Este as can be seen on the map, is a peninsula.
How to navigate the area?
If you don't have a vehicle there are buses that take you to places in the peninsula depending on your location, this buses numbers are: 14,17,19,24. This could change from time to time so please make sure to check with locals, or even verufy with the driver before getting your ticket. Uber is another option, and taxis as well.
Where to stay in Punta del este?
La Barra is the most exciting place in my opinion, but also the most expensive, here there is an option
Check on booking.com to find La Ñata in Punta del Este.
The peninsula is also good, and offers more options:
Luxtower Duplex
Torre 806 AP Aconchegante
Consider that properties in Punta del Este get booked months in advance -sometime seven a year-because this is a destination a lot of neighbor countries use to spend the summer.
What to do in Punta del Este?
Walk on Avenida Gorlero, where shops and restaurants are waiting for you: Ice cream shops, boutiques, sweet treats and more. This street works mainly from 7 p.m through 11 p.m That is its most crowded moment.
Casino time. Right at the Hotel Conrad there is a big casino, for those who don't like betting there is a night show with singers and comedians. You can also dine at their restaurants and have drinks at the bar.
Visit the famous Los Dedos sculpture. People like to take pictures with it since it looks like a hand buried in the sand sticking the fingers out.
Go to see the lighthouse and the Santa Catalina church a few steps from each other.
La Barra:
Crossing a bridge a few minutes away from the peninsula, or what is well known as the Rambla Pacheco there is this beautifu beach area called La Barra, my real favorite here. Rocky beaches that really remind me somehow to some beaches in California. Sunsets seen from this point are marvelous. Traffic in this area when everyone is leaving the beach it could be very chaotic. Walking u from teh beach there is this very lovely area with shops, thrift shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more.
Nightlife:
In terms of nightlife there are two places equally full and what it seems exclusive:
One of them is called La Casita, which is a type of house with a few levels, it has also an outdoor patio and it is very crowded. The other one is called Tequila en they are actually extremely rude, it is more like a nightclub in which bouncers randomly decide your entrance according to your appearance.
There is also a street called Artigas right by the beach where people drink in group, and there are also bars: I recommend Moby Dick and Soho.
Punta Ballena
This is a wonderful spot to have a panoramic view from the hill top.
The terracota architecture here plays a fundamental role. Accentuating the natural beauty.
Casa pueblo:
While you are in Punta Ballena go to casa pueblo. this is a gorgeous structure that once was a gallery and now works as a museum, and it also has rooms to book, a wonderful terrace with a coffee shop and a restaurant.
Paez Vilaro was the owner of this property, he was an artist who studied with Picasso, and passed away in an airplane accident in Los Andes.
This is the website to get the tickets: https://casapueblo.com.uy
Montevideo
This small city would have been okay just to spend a day. In my personal opinion, I didn't find the attractions interesting, I enjoyed the outdoor market, and walking. Anyways, I'll list some of the things to do in Montevideo and leav it to your own judgement.
Where to Stay in Montevideo?
I recommend Ciudad Vieja aka Old Town
Hotels: Alma Historica Boutique Hotel
A few blocks away from Old Ton:
Esplendor by Wyndham
How to navigate Montevideo?
Uber, Taxi, buses. No subway/metro.
Is Montevideo Safe?
It is been years since my last trip to Montevideo and it wasn't unsafe at the time of my visit. I would say its good, but always check current situation prior your arrival.
Mercado agrícola de Montevideo:
For the best produce, cheese, meats, fruits, honey, chocolate and the famous alfajores. This is a market set up on the streets and is very picturesque.
Portones mall:
If you are a shopping gal this is a huge mall with plenty of options
Montevideo Shopping Center:
this is another option to shop if you are one of those who like to do that on vacation.
Outdoors:
Parque Rodó, Botanical gardens and Japanese Garden.
Downtown you can spot historical buildlings such as: Solis theatre, Independence Plaza, Salvo Palace, Museo de la casa de gobierno.
Once you cross the ciutadella gates, you will find yourself walking on a pedestrian zone called Sarandí, There is also street markets with art, produce and more products.
Castillo Pittamiglio:
Built by Humberto Pittamiglio on the 1900s, it stands out i the distance, especially for the angel that is on top of it. This is on Rambla Ghandi 633.
Where to eat in Montevideo?
Here I remember buying food at the markets, and even cooking it at my stay. There are popular places like Es Mercat, and Montevideo Wine Experience to taste local wine. Cocina nativa is another authentic option to try food made with Indigenous edible plants.
Consider that the heat during the summer is almost unbearable, I recommend to drink plenty of water and put plenty of sunscreen.
Colonia
How to efficiently walk Colonia can be observed on the map, in which you can also spot the entrance of what back then used to be the ciutadella. After walking for so long eventually is inevitable not to ran into adorable places.
(Fuente: http://www.planodecolonia.com/ )
The historical part of the town is bigger than it looks. It extends from the Main Street on both directions and there are a lot of hidden paths. It is vital to follow the path to your own liking. You will find tunnels made of flowers, colorful walls, antique stores.
Where to stay in Colonia?
To find accommodations, and specially during the summer, the best is to make sure of renting a room that has AC, the heat is very intense and sometimes it feels Suffocating. The heat is part of being located in a very enclosed part by the sea where air doesn’t circulate as it normally would.
The best part to stay is close to the Barrio Historico/Old town. Good options to stay are:
Posada Plaza Mayor
Charco Hotel
Hotel Italiano
The vegetation thrives here and take control of every wall and cobblestone street.
What to do in Colonia?
Here everything is cheaper compared to other locations, especially Punta del Este. Colonia is pure walking, there is not much to "do" just enjoy yourself, the views and the food.
Walk on "Paseo de San Gabriel" right by the water, make sure to spot La carlota Almacen, Calle de los Suspiros and The lighthouse.
Restuarants and bars in Colonia:
La Choperia Mastra: Ideal bar if you are looking for a lively spot to grab drinks, they also have good food.
Casa Viera: Great night spot. Signature cocktails and exquisite food.
Parrillada El Porton: For a big bbq moment, make sure you have room in your stomach to dine here.
La Comandancia: For lunch with a view of the waterfront.
Meson de la Plaza: Beutiful architecture, vegetation and brick walls.
The dock is a serene spot to watch for the sunset.
Colonia is also the closest part of Uruguay to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital. In case after that you want to visit another city. Although Buenos Aires would requiere at the very least an entire week.
Cabo Polonio
This is the home of the stars. The real ones. Cabo Polonio is not for everyone since is a very peculiar place. They do not use electricty, only the energy that comes from their solar panels to keep fridges and neccesary appliances functioning. During the night ther aren't lights on, only candles extended across the town, and firepits.
Because of the lack of artificial light the stargaze is wonderful: all the galaxy shines on your eyes.
Cabo Polonio is a hundred percent a hippie place. People is very kind, they are very relaxed, and it is very hard to find a place to stay for a small amount for money... Well that if you don't care about sleeping in a tent, or on a mattress on the sand for free.
Cabo Polnio is very secluded, to have access there is a stop to park your vehicle if driving, or get out of your bus. from that terminal a big truck pics you up and drives 30 minutes through the dunes to get you to Cabo Polonio. So be aware that if you book a bus to go from your current location in Uruguay to Cabo Polonio, the bus will drive you to the terminal that is closest to Cabo Polonio, and from there you get a ticket for the truck, line up and get picked up.
What to do here is simply enjoy the rocky beach, with clear and cold waters. Walk and get lost, and admire the stars at night. You don't need a vehicle here, and of course there is no public transportation. This is a 5 blocks tiny village.
The water on the beach is cold, but during the say if you visit during the summer is so hot that it doesn't feel bad. the ideal length of stay here is one night because in terms of entertainment there is the beach, stargazing at night and a tiny market. That's it. It is very unique, and it feels very special, so it is absolutely worth it.
Hope you enjoy your trip to Uruguay!
The Wild Voyage
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