Uruguay Highlights and Events

Travel in Uruguay with Intrepid

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Uruguay is like the cool, unaffected half-sister of Brazil and Argentina. It may not be as shiny or make as much noise, but with over 300 km of superb coastline, a rich, fertile interior and some of the most welcoming faces in the region, this little stunner is fast becoming a superior destination in its own right. Strolling around Montevideo you could be forgiven for thinking you’d actually dropped into the heart of Europe. Uruguay’s mellow capital is regularly preceded by the adjectives ‘cosmopolitan’ and ‘lively’ - which it is - but what you'll also find is an eclectic and diverse city, teeming with infectious hospitality. Venture inland and you’ll discover working gaucho farms, charming agricultural centres and an intoxicating pace; or perhaps follow the crowds to some of the best beaches and surf towns in South America.
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Experience Uruguay's highlights on these trips

Buenos Aires to Rio Unplugged

argentina colourful home
17 days
Basix
  • USD $2,031
    CAD $1,933
    AUD $1,865
    EUR €1,487
    GBP £1,181
    NZD $2,414
    ZAR R15,470
    CHF FR1,827
    *
    Total price tool tip

Unveil South America

bolivia salar de uyuni
48 days
Basix
  • USD $5,830
    CAD $5,545
    AUD $5,355
    EUR €4,085
    GBP £3,395
    NZD $6,860
    ZAR R44,400
    CHF FR4,995
    *
    Total price tool tip

Road to Rio

Colourful Argentinian village
29 days
Basix
  • USD $3,795
    CAD $3,620
    AUD $3,495
    EUR €2,665
    GBP £2,195
    NZD $4,475
    ZAR R28,975
    CHF FR3,275
    *
    Total price tool tip

South American Explorer

bolivia salt flats big shoes
83 days
Basix
  • USD $9,420
    CAD $8,965
    AUD $8,655
    EUR €6,600
    GBP £5,490
    NZD $11,085
    ZAR R71,760
    CHF FR8,115
    *
    Total price tool tip
* Refer to booking conditions

Highlights


Uruguay's Top Picks

 
In 2009, Uruguay became the first country in the world to provide all school children with a free laptop and internet access
 

Top 5 Beaches in Uruguay

  1. Punta del Este: As Uruguay's answer to the French Riviera's St Tropez, Punta del Este may be a little too glitzy or hectic for some - particularly in summer - but away from the hustle and bustle zone, there are miles of sublime beaches that stretch out either side of the city, plus several discount accommodation options tucked neatly away in other parts of town.
  2. Punta del Diablo: Having drawn in droves of travellers for the past few years, Punta del Diablo can no longer claim to be a quieter option that its southern counterpart. But despite its growing popularly, this is easily one of the best beachside locales in Uruguay and well worth the trip north.
  3. Cabo Polonio: Sitting on the east coast of Uruguay, this remote location can only be accessed on foot or by 4x4 across the sand dunes. With no electricity or running water, locals (to the tune of 75 people) use generators and collect rain water, making it the perfect place for a little escapism.
  4. La Pedrera: A popular haunt for backpackers and Uruguayans, La Pedrera is characteristic of the small, idyllic beach towns north of Punta del Este. Here, it's still possible to find a sparsely populated stretch of white sand and top-notch surf breaks.
  5. Piriapolis: With the enviable backdrop of one of Uruguay’s few mountains, Sugar Loaf, Piriapolis boasts a stack of great beaches plus a waterfront boardwalk and busy marina.