A Week-Long Uruguay Itinerary: An Awesome Coastal Road Trip

When to visit Uruguay

The best time to visit Uruguay is between October and March, when the weather is warmer. However, summer brings throngs of tourists from Argentina, who mostly head directly to Punta del Este. The beaches are usually quieter between October and December. We visited Uruguay over Christmas and the temperature was perfect – although we did have a couple of days of light rain.

Now that we’ve got a few of the logistics to plan your trip to Uruguay out of the way, let’s get stuck into the road trip itinerary!

Colonia del Sacramento

Only 50 kilometres from Buenos Aires by ferry, Colonia del Sacramento is a popular day trip destination from Argentina. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and the historical district is a lovely place to explore for an afternoon. On a clear day, you can see Buenos Aires’ skyline across the Río de la Plata.

Pick up your rental car here in Colonia. You’ll only need a small car as there’s no off-roading on this itinerary.

Things to do in Colonia del Sacramento

• Wander the Barrio Histórico’s cobblestoned streets and you’ll come across beautiful homes and colourful trees. You can see the gate and walls that were built in 1745, still well preserved.
• Listen hard in Calle de los Suspiros, “the street of sighs” and learn about the many legends about how this street got its name.
• Climb El Faro, the lighthouse, for views over the city.

Where to stay in Colonia del Sacramento

I recommend passing a few hours to visit Colonia del Sacramento and then starting your road trip, but if you do want to stay the night, there are plenty of hotels in Colonia del Sacramento.

• The Radisson Colonia del Sacramento has beautiful views over the river, and has indoor and outdoor pools. It’s within walking distance of the historical centre. Check prices and book on Booking.com | Read reviews on TripAdvisor
• Posada Boutique Las Terrazas Hotel has the cutest outdoor pool area. Rooms are on the small side but staff are friendly and helpful. Check prices and book on Booking.com | Read reviews on TripAdvisor
• If you’re looking for a more affordable option, El Viajero Colonia Hostel and Suites has both private and dorm rooms. A huge buffet breakfast is served each morning. Check the latest prices and book on Booking.com | Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Carmelo

While not as well-known for wine as its neighbour, Uruguay is fast becoming a hub for wine lovers looking for less-visited vineyards. Carmelo is the perfect place to taste the heady Tannat varietal that the country produces. It’s a rustic, tranquil town with plenty of outdoor activities to keep you occupied.

Take a little detour to Carmelo in Uruguay and spend a night or two here. Not many tourists have Carmelo on their list of places to visit in Uruguay, but they’re missing out!

Things to do in Carmelo

• Sample wine at a few of the local wineries. Almacen de la Capilla, Bodega Irurtia and El Legado all offer tours and tastings.
• Have lunch in the country-style home at Finca Narbona.
• Catch the sunset on the beach. Of course, this is a river, but the gentle waves will trick you into thinking you’re by the ocean.
• Get outdoors and go horseback riding through the countryside, or go fishing along the Río de la Plata.

Where to stay in Carmelo

• We stayed at Carmelo Resort & Spa. The bungalows are huge, with enormous glass windows that overlook the vineyards outside. The spa is incredible, and the whole resort is tranquil. It’s the perfect place for an Uruguay vacation for couples. Check prices and book online
• Located at the winery, the Narbona Wine Lodge, is rustic and spacious. There are sitting rooms with fireplaces and staff can arrange picnics by the river. Even if you don’t stay here, make sure to book a meal here! Check availability and book online | Read reviews on TripAdvisor
• You can’t miss AH’LO Posada Hotel Boutique – it’s magenta pink! Located in downtown Carmelo in a refurbished house, it has private rooms and shared dorms. Check availability at Booking.com | Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Montevideo

Lying almost directly across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires in Argentina, Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, is a fun city to visit. It’s like a smaller version of Buenos Aires, with the same passion and culture.

Things to do in Montevideo

• Explore the Ciudad Vieja (old town), especially the bustling Mercado del Puerto (Pérez Castellano), the city’s old port market building. On weekends there’s a street market and a lively atmosphere. There are plenty of restaurants and the tell-tale smell of an asado (barbecue) underway.
• Make sure you have a glass (or two) of medio y medio, a mix of sparkling and red or white wines – Uruguay’s version of Prosecco (it’s delicious!).
• Try yerba mate, a drink you’ll see everyone in Uruguay (and Argentina and Paraguay) sipping. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a huge part of the culture. It’s one of the top things to do in Uruguay.
• On Sundays, head to Feria de Tristán Narvaja, a huge flea market (Tristán Narvaja and Colonia, and the streets around).
• Plaza Independencia commemorates José Artigas, Uruguay’s national hero, with a huge statue and an underground mausoleum that holds Artigas’ remains.
• Wander along La Rambla, a fun spot on a Sunday when locals pack this coastal promenade.
• Museo de los Andes (Rincón 619), a sombre museum about the 1972 Andean plane crash in which 29 Uruguayans died. If you’ve seen the movie Alive! you’ll be familiar with this tragic story.
• Museo del Gaucho (Avenida 18 de Julio 998) is a museum that celebrates all things gaucho (cowboys).
• This article has plenty more ideas for things to do in Montevideo!

Where to stay in Montevideo

• Casa Roberto is delightfully decorated. Some rooms have a terrace or patio and it’s conveniently located. Check availability and book online at Booking.com | Read reviews on TripAdvisor
• The apartments at Salvo Suites have kitchens so you can whip up your own food. The beds are comfy and it’s near to museums and everything else to see in Montevideo. Check availability and book at Booking.com | Read reviews on TripAdvisor
• A funky hostel with tonnes of cool artwork and outdoor spaces, Habemus Hostel even has a resident French Bulldog! Check availability and book online at Booking.com | Read reviews on TripAdvisor
• This loft apartment is just gorgeous! It’s perfect for a couple. Book on Airbnb

Punta del Este

Known as the “St Tropez of Latin America”, Punta del Este is where the Argentine elite go to see and be seen. During summer, the beaches of “Punta” swarm with tourists and prices go up accordingly. It’s got a great party scene and lots of high-end dining choices. You can’t visit Uruguay without stopping here. Although, if your idea of fun is more about quieter beaches than parties, then you can skip Punta del Este.

Things to do in Punta del Este

• Hit the beach. Punta has kilometres and kilometres of beautiful sand. Playa Brava and Playa Mansa are the two main beaches in Punta del Este, but you can check out other smaller beaches like La Barra de Maldonado.
• Pose in front of La Mano en la Arena (“the hand in the sand”), a sculpture by Chilean artist Mario Irarrazabal. It stands as a warning swimmers of the dangers of the ocean.
• Marvel at Casapueblo, a gleaming white building that looks like it belongs in Santorini. Designed by Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, it’s located on the side of a cliff in Punta Ballena. It’s one of the coolest things to see in Uruguay.
• Take a day trip to José Ignacio, a stylish beach town. Have lunch at Parador La Huella where all the beautiful people hang out.
• Visit the world’s second-largest southern sea lion colony on Isla de Lobos, about 10 kilometres offshore.

Where to stay in Punta del Este

• An adorable house that’s decorated like it stepped out of the pages of an interior design magazine, Ordet has only a handful of rooms. Service here is outstanding. Check availability and book online | Read reviews on TripAdvisor
• Minimalist and modern in design, The Grand Hotel is right on Brava Beach. Some rooms have ocean views. Check availability and book online | Read reviews on TripAdvisor
• We loved the nautical-themed rooms at Hotel Atlantico. This cute, boutique hotel has a wonderful pool and outdoor area perfect for sunbaking. Check availability and book online | Read reviews on TripAdvisor
• Looking for more space? This Airbnb has sea views and the apartment building has access to a pool. Book online

Punta del Diablo

Only 45 minutes from the Brazilian border, this former fishing village is now one of Uruguay’s hottest destinations. It’s not big and flashy like Punta del Este and that’s what draws people here. Strolling along the streets in the late afternoon, sipping a beer over a plate of fresh seafood and listening to the waves crash on the beach are what makes this a heavenly coastal escape.

Things to do in Punta del Diablo

• Hang out on the beach – you’re here to relax.
• Take a day trip to Cabo Polonio and really get off the grid. This small town can only be reached by huge trucks that cut across the sand dunes. There are no paved roads and little electricity. If you have more than one week in Uruguay, consider adding a day or two on to your itinerary and stay here.
• Go hiking in Santa Teresa National Park. It’s free to enter, and pathways lead through the forest and to Uruguay beaches on the coastal side of the park.

Where to stay in Punta del Diablo

• Located right on the beach, at Remanso del Diablo you can sit in your in-room private hot tub while watching the waves crash onto the beach. We stayed here on our trip and loved its casual vibe. Check availability and book online 
• After a kitchen while you’re on your Uruguay road trip? Consider Desiderata, a holiday home with an enormous balcony. Book the house now on Booking.com  

To end your Uruguay road trip, make the 6.5-hour journey back to Colonia del Sacramento inland. Or, arrange to drop your rental car in Montevideo (usually an additional fee). From either city you can catch a return ferry back to Buenos Aires.

I hope you have a great Uruguay road trip! Enjoy the country’s beautiful coastline.

PS. If you’re coming from Buenos Aires or visiting there next, check out all my city guides:

• 2-week Argentina itinerary
• The best things to do in Argentina
• 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary
• Where to stay in Buenos Aires
• Where to eat in Buenos Aires
• 101+ things to do in Buenos Aires
• What to buy in Buenos Aires
• The 6 best estancias near Buenos Aires

Heading to Brazil? Check out my country guides:

• The best places to visit in Brazil
• 3 days in Rio de Janeiro itinerary
• The best things to do in Ilha Grande