Uruguay

Uruguay is South America’s best-kept secret for the discerning traveler. Nestled between the giants of Brazil and Argentina, it offers a refined, tranquil alternative to its neighbors. This is a land of rolling pampas, art-filled colonial towns, and a coastline that rivals the Hamptons or the French Riviera for sheer understated glamour.

Whether you are sipping an award-winning Tannat at a boutique winery, galloping across the grasslands with a gaucho, or watching the sunset from a chic beach club in José Ignacio, Uruguay is a masterclass in the “slow travel” movement.

Why we love Uruguay

We love Uruguay for its “quiet luxury.” It doesn’t need to shout to be impressive. It is a country where world-class design meets rural tradition, and where the pace of life is dictated by the sunset and the sharing of mate. It is the safety, the stability, and the genuine, unpretentious warmth of the Uruguayos that make this country feel like a private sanctuary in a busy world.

The Most Beautiful Places in Uruguay

From the cobblestones of the west to the surf of the east:

1. Colonia del Sacramento

A UNESCO World Heritage site and a romantic time capsule. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, its historic quarter is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, colorful bougainvillea, and vintage cars. It is the perfect place to wander with a camera, ending the day at a waterfront café overlooking the Río de la Plata.

2. José Ignacio & Punta del Este

While Punta del Este is the “St. Tropez of South America,” its smaller neighbor, José Ignacio, is where the global elite go to disappear. This once-quiet fishing village is now the epicenter of “barefoot chic,” featuring world-renowned restaurants (like La Huella), boutique art galleries, and endless stretches of golden sand.

3. Montevideo

Uruguay’s capital is a sophisticated blend of Art Deco architecture, tango halls, and a vibrant culinary scene. Walk the Rambla—the world’s longest continuous sidewalk—or visit the Mercado del Puerto for a legendary grilled steak experience that defines the country’s gastronomic heart.

4. The Wine Regions (Canelones & Maldonado)

Uruguay is the world’s leading producer of Tannat, a robust and soulful red wine. From the historic family bodegas near Montevideo to the ultra-modern, architecturally stunning wineries tucked into the hills of Garzón, the wine scene here is intimate, high-end, and deeply personal.

5. Rocha & Cabo Polonio

For those seeking the truly wild, the province of Rocha offers a rugged, off-the-grid escape. Cabo Polonio is a tiny hamlet nestled among massive sand dunes, accessible only by 4×4 vehicles. With no electricity or running water in most homes, it is a sanctuary of starlight, sea lions, and total peace.

Highlights of a Tour Through Uruguay

  • Gaucho Heritage: Stay at a traditional Estancia in the interior to experience the life of the Uruguayan cowboy. Go horseback riding across the hills and enjoy a traditional asado (barbecue) under the stars.
  • The Garzón Experience: Visit the village of Garzón, a tiny town turned into a cultural hub by celebrity chef Francis Mallmann. It is a destination for world-class dining, olive oil tastings, and contemporary art.
  • Casapueblo at Sunset: Visit the extraordinary “living sculpture” created by artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. This sprawling white citadel overlooking the sea is the ultimate spot for a sundowner.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: The summer season (December to February) is when the coast is at its most vibrant. For wine tasting and exploring Colonia or the interior, the shoulder seasons of spring (October/November) and autumn (March/April) offer perfect weather and fewer crowds.
  • Getting around: Uruguay is compact and its roads are among the best in South America. Renting a car for a coastal road trip from Montevideo to Rocha is highly recommended.
  • Dining: Uruguayans eat late—dinner usually starts after 9:00 PM. Be sure to try the Chivito (the national steak sandwich) and, of course, a glass of Tannat.
  • Currency: The Uruguayan Peso (UYU) is the official currency. However, a major perk for international travelers is the VAT refund on restaurant meals and car rentals when paying with a foreign credit card.