About Uruguay
Arriving at Carrasco International Airport
On your arrival at Carrasco airport, you can take a taxi to your hotel in Montevideo. Taxis are parked outside as you exit the airport. It will take between 30 and 40 minutes to reach your hotel. We advise you to request the driver to take you along the “rambla” (see promenade) to enjoy the view of the river “Río de la Plata”. The cost of the transfer is 1850 Uruguayan pesos (aprox USD 50).
Click here for more information on taxis.
About Montevideo
Montevideo is capital of Uruguay and also the southernmost capital city in the Americas. Montevideo is known as one of Latin America’s most liberal and safest cities, as well as South America’s highest-ranking city for quality of living.
Weather
Temperature in September ranges between 16°C and 20°C Celsius during the day but it can get cooler in the evening up to 14°C. We recommend you bring both light and warm clothing.
Safety
Although Montevideo is a fairly safe city compared to other cities in Latin America, we recommend you to take precautions. Please take care of your wallet and valuables and avoid visiting the old part of the city (Ciudad Vieja) at night.
COVID 19
Wearing of masks in Uruguay is not compulsory. We leave it up to your discretion to wear a mask and recommend maintaining social distancing. If you suspect symptoms of COVID please remain in your hotel room and seek medical assistance through your medical insurance.
Places to visit in Montevideo
- Ciudad vieja: this is the old part of the city (during the day only)
- Visit the Mercado del Puerto (old port market) where you can enjoy some of the best grilled beef (at lunch time only, closed in the evening)
- Visit the art museums Museo Gurvich and Museo Torres García
- Take a guided tour of Palacio Salvo
- Walk along the rambla of Montevideo, nearly 14 miles of waterfront sidewalk. Read more
Places to visit in Montevideo
About Punta del Este
It is located in the department of Maldonado, just an hour and a half from the capital of the country. Luxurious summer residences, high apartment buildings facing the sea, huge yachts in the port, luxury hotels and restaurants make it the most glamorous seaside resort in America.
Not for nothing was it chosen as a summer destination by celebrities such as designer Ralph Lauren, soccer player Zinedine Zidane, Metallica singer James Hetfield and Colombian Shakira.
Visitors to the city will find a wide range of recreational activities, including exhibition halls, restaurants, pubs, discos, antique stores, art galleries, cinemas, theaters and a lively nightlife. The seaside city is chosen to host large luxury parties, fashion shows of prestigious brands and a wide range of cultural events such as the International Jazz Festival, the International Film Festival or exhibitions of renowned contemporary artists.
Punta del Este is also a unique natural destination. With more than 20 kilometers of coastline and high mountain ranges overlooking the sea, the resort also offers charming corners and landscapes for those who come in search of absolute tranquility.
The meeting point of its two most famous beaches, Playa Mansa and Playa Brava, is the end of the Río de la Plata and the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort grew to the west forming Punta Ballena and to the east creating La Barra and José Ignacio.
Places to visit in Punta del Este
1. “La Mano” de Punta del Este: Punta’s most famous landmark is this monster-sized sculpted hand protruding from the sands of Playa Brava. Constructed in iron and cement by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal, it won first prize in a monumental art contest in 1982 and has been a Punta fixture ever since.
2. Isla Gorriti: The island has excellent sandy beaches, a couple of restaurants and the ruins of Baterías de Santa Ana, an 18th-century fortification.
3. Isla de Lobos: About 10km offshore, this small island is home to the world’s second-largest southern sea-lion colony
4. Casapueblo: Gleaming white in the sun and cascading nine stories down a cliffside, Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró’s exuberantly whimsical villa and art gallery sits atop Punta Ballena, a jutting headland 15km west of Punta del Este
5. La Barra and Manantiales: They are old fishing villages located a few kilometers from Punta del Este, on Route 10. They are characterized by their seascapes, famous beaches and colorful buildings
6. Feria de lo Artesanos, Gorlero (main avenue) and 20 Street.
7. Faro de Punta del Este (The lighthouse)
About Colonia del Sacramento
Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, Colonia del Sacramento holds multiple treasures worth visiting. Beyond the rich heritage of its historic quarter, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995, the city entices visitors with beautiful beaches and modern attractions, designer houses, and restaurants. There is much to see in the capital of the department, but on a first visit, you shouldn’t leave without at least exploring its most iconic landmarks.
Places to visit in Colonia
1. Calle de los Suspiros: This narrow and picturesque street, paved with cobblestones that have endured since colonial times, is the main artery of the Historic Quarter and is surrounded by ancient buildings of great interest.
2. Faro de Colonia de Sacramento: Inaugurated in 1857, it is located on San Francisco Street, between Plaza Mayor and San Pedro. It is ascended through a narrow spiral staircase that leads to one of the best views of the city.
3. Puerto de Colonia: Due to its proximity to Buenos Aires, it is the main gateway from the neighboring country, with intense passenger traffic between the two shores of the Río de la Plata. Watching a sunset with ships in the background is a rejuvenating experience.
4. Plaza de Toros: In December 2021, it was restored and reopened to the public. It has been transformed into a true cultural and sports complex, including a bullfighting museum, a space for events, a merchandise store, and a cafeteria.
5. Puerta de la Ciudadela: Also known as “Puerta de Campo,” it was inaugurated in 1745 and represents another characteristic postcard of the department. It is framed by a fortress, a moat with a bridge, and large stone pillars.
6. Beaches: The city’s beaches along the Río de la Plata are enjoyable both in summer and winter, whether for a refreshing swim or to find tranquility while gazing at the horizon. Playa Honda, Ferrando, Delicias, and Rowing are some of the most visited.
