Uruguay Conrad Punta Del Este Resort & Casino 5-star hotel Punta del Este

Tourism in Uruguay is an important facet of the nation's economy. Uruguay has different tourist destinations among those that stand Punta del Este, Piriápolis, Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento, Salto, Lavalleja, Rocha, Artigas, Rivera, among others. Nearly 1.8 million tourists arrived in 2007, and their estimated expenditures in 2007 were of around US$800 million - an increase over 2006 levels of about a third. Domestic expenditures, however, remained around 60% of the nation's tourist activity.[1][2] The following is a summary of indicators of activity in the nation's tourism sector. Internl. tourist arrivals 2007 (x1000)[1] Internl. tourism receipts 2007[1] (million USD) Receipts per arrival 2007 (col 2)/(col 1) (USD) Arrivals per capita per 1000 pop. (estimated) 2007[1][3] Receipts per capita 2007[4] USD Revenues as % of exports goods and services[3] 2007 Tourism revenues as % GDP [2] 2008 % Direct & indirect employment in tourism[2] 2008 World Ranking (Tourism Competi tiveness) 2009[2] 1,752 809 462 525 242 11.9 3.7 10.0 63 Contents 1 Punta del Este 2 Piriápolis 3 La Paloma 4 Punta del Diablo 5 La Pedrera 6 Barra del Chuy 7 La Coronilla 8 Santa Teresa 9 Aguas Dulces 10 Cabo Polonio 11 Montevideo 12 Colonia del Sacramento 13 Salto 14 Hot springs of Arapey 15 Hot springs of Daymán 16 Hot springs of Salto Grande 17 Paysandú 18 Hot springs of Guaviyú 19 Hot springs of San Nicanor 20 Hot springs of Almirón 21 Artigas 22 Lavalleja 23 Durazno 24 Tacuarembó 25 Rivera 26 Ethical Traveler Destination 27 Retirement in Uruguay 28 See also 29 External links 30 References Punta del Este Punta del Este, the queen of the Uruguayan riviera Main article: Punta del Este Punta del Este is located at the extreme southeast of the country, on a small peninsula that gives it its name and taken as conventional limit on the Uruguayan coast between Atlantic Ocean and River Plate. Its beaches are divided into Mansa, or meek, (river side) and Brava, or brave, (ocean side). The name given to these beaches is because the first, to give to the River Plate and be sheltered from the winds and currents from the Atlantic Ocean, almost always presents its fairly calm waters, while the "Brava" beach, the longer ocean has a much more impetuous waves. Punta del Este is virtually connected to the city of Maldonado and eastward spread widely, encompassing La Barra and José Ignacio. It has 122 hotels, 80 restaurants, an international airport and a yacht port that can accommodate 500 boats. About 8 kilometers southeast of Punta del Este is the Lobos Island full of South American fur seals. Piriápolis Piria Castle Main article: Piriápolis Piriápolis is a city and resort of Maldonado Department, located an hour's drive east from the capital, Montevideo. It has a fixed population of 7,579 inhabitants, although the floating population is much higher, especially between December and March. It was the first resort town in the country, today under the shadow of Punta del Este, largest and most popular. Receives many Argentine visitors and a growing number of European, although domestic tourism is very important. The city has its axis around the Rambla de los Argentinos, a coastal avenue that takes its name from the major customers of the founder of the city, the hotels Francisco Piria. With an economy centered on tourism, the city has hotels and casinos, a very active nightlife in the summer months as well as public parks, religious centers, viewpoints, etc. In high season, it can reach Piriápolis in ferry from the port of Montevideo and Buenos Aires. The Chapel of San Antonio, on top of the homonymous hill, one of many around the city, offers a panoramic view and can be reached by road or by air chair. For more intrepid travelers it offers the possibility to climb the third highest mountain in the country, the Pan de Azúcar, near its namesake city, about 10 km outside the resort. Near Piriápolis are rock formations on the sea, called Punta Fría, Punta Colorada and Punta Negra, which are excellent fishing all year round. There are also white sand beaches as San Francisco and Playa Hermosa , which are at a very short distance from the resort center. La Paloma Main article: La Paloma La Paloma La Paloma is an ocean resort located in the Cape of Santa María, founded on September 1, 1874. It is located in the east in the Rocha Department. The distance that separates it from Montevideo is 240 km, and is approximately 90 km of Punta del Este and 160 km of Chuy, a town bordering Brazil. It stands out for its tranquility and its beautiful beaches, whose length is approximately 20 km. The permanent population of 5,300 inhabitants, increasing tourist arrivals to 30,000 in the summer months (January–February–March). The resort owes its name to that formerly the Cape Santa María was a very feared by sailors tip, and from afar because of the amount of rocks and the foam of the waves, seemed see the outline of a dove. The homes are alpine style of French design, most are for rent. La Paloma has different beaches with different characteristics (with rocks, with waves, calm waters, deep, fishing). Some of them are La Aguada, Costa Azul, La Balconada, Anaconda y El Cabito. In the department of Rocha, it is also a paradise for fans of Birdwatching[5] Further information: List of birds of Uruguay Punta del Diablo Coast of Punta del Diablo. Main article: Punta del Diablo The Resort Punta del Diablo was originally a small fishing village. Located on the coast of Rocha Department. The distance that separates it from Montevideo is 298 km. Its beaches, framed on three rocky headlands that make up the "trident", occupy about 10 km of coastline. Its permanent population is about 650 inhabitants, mostly fishermen and craftsmen. In summer it becomes one of the main Uruguayan resorts receiving large influx of Argentine, Brazilian and European tourists. La Pedrera Main article: La Pedrera La Pedrera is located at km 227.200 of Route 10, Juan Díaz de Solís, a little east of Cape of Santa María, on a narrow and small peninsula called Punta Rubia. It is a small resort with excellent infrastructure for accommodation. For its peculiarities has a strong exclusive and cosmopolitan character. It is ideal for family holidays. Its beaches support both rest and recreation, such as fishing or the most available water sports. Barra del Chuy Main article: Barra del Chuy Due to its proximity to some areas of interest such as the fortress of Santa Teresa and the eastern city of Uruguay: Chuy, and the presence of some beauties of nature as the wetlands and lagoons, the resort La Barra del Chuy is a site preference. Just 14 km from the city of Chuy, is this extensive oceanic resort of open sea beaches and huge sand dunes on the coast. The extension of its beaches is ideal for long walks. Also fans of seafood can clamming in the sand. It is very common to see fishermen gather on the railings of the bridge linking the resort with Barra do Chui or Barra Brasilera. These activities are attractive for the whole family that are on this site a quiet safe place, and a completely natural environment. Which makes it a perfect match for the holidays. La Coronilla Main article: La Coronilla La Coronilla is a place where peace of mind is lived. Through its extensive beaches of fine sand it can feel the peace of nature. Fans to watch of marine wildlife and sport fishing, found at this site many possible embodiments. Is possible to see whales, dolphins and sea turtles from the observatories of Cerro Verde, and it can also enjoy one of nature's finest fishing in the world. Santa Teresa Main article: Santa Teresa National Park Santa Teresa fortress This is a National Park where outside the summer months, is done surfing with zero crowd. It is a beach frequented by Brazilian tourists. Aguas Dulces Main article: Aguas Dulces Aguas Dulces is located at km 277,500 of Route 10, Juan Díaz de Solís. The pace resort is marked by the patients walking in the sand or in its narrow alleys, by the search for cockles on the seafront, by the time of cooking the lost grandmother's recipes or by friendly circles of mate in the late. None of this prevents, the increasingly growing, nightlife offering its bowling. Aguas Dulces is a town that survived the continuous onslaught of storms, the buildings retain its picturesque character, its main street follows the line of the sea. It is a place to relax and enjoy and relax. Cabo Polonio Main article: Cabo Polonio Sand dunes near Cabo Polonio. Cabo Polonio is a lovely, lonely fishing village. It owes its attraction to the magical environment thanks to its hardiness is generated and the primitive state that is its nature. The time seems stopped in this place sheltered from the civilization that preserves the peace of a lost place. No electricity, no running water, no gas, Cabo Polonio attracts each day more tourists who do not feel the lack of these services because they value the ability to disconnect from the world. What began as a small fishing village, it was getting more and more number of people that created a large increase in tourism activities. This peculiar place in the world, has a small stable population and a large floating population, but its tranquility is interrupted only by the low flight of the wombs or the howl of sea lions. Montevideo Main article: Montevideo Colourful street in Montevideo. Montevideo is the southernmost capital city in the Americas. There are rides, outings, entertainment and various attractions. As broad green walks, both within the city and in the periphery, are featured the neighborhood Rodó Park, characterized by the large namesake park of 25 hectares; the Batlle Park, with several kilometers long situated where is the Estadio Centenario, stadium hosted the first World Cup in history, two more football stadiums and the velodrome of the city, and the running track; the neighborhood of Prado also offers ample green spaces and places worth visiting; the Cerro neighborhood, looking at the coast is the Parque Dr. Carlos Vaz Ferreira along with the Cerro golf club; in the Santiago Vazquez in western border with the department of San José, is the Parque Lecocq and south of the same the Parque Artigas. Plaza Independencia is also a short walk from the Montevideo Esplanade. The Esplanade (Rambla) is one of the city's numerous waterfront districts, which also include Ramírez Beach (home to the Mercosur Common Market headquarters), Pocitos, and a row of similar communities. A new terminal at Carrasco International Airport was completed in 2009, contributing to Montevideo's standing as the major city with the highest quality of life in Latin America.[6] For fans of equestrian sports is the Maroñas National Racecourse, where numerous races are run, being the most traditional the Premio Ramírez, which takes place every January 6. It also has important museums standing the Torres García Museum,[7] José Gurvich Museum, the National Museum of Visual Arts and the Juan Manuel Blanes Museum. In the grounds of the Blanes Museum it can visit a beautiful Japanese garden with a pond where are apprecciated more than a hundred specimens are carps. Montevideo is the quintessential city of tango in Uruguay being the birthplace of many singers who triumphed in the River Plate. The "shoppings" or malls is an attraction for Montevideans and tourists, who make their visits and purchases of all types of domestic and imported items and handicrafts. Several fairs ranks first the interest of visitors: Tristán Narvaja (Sunday), in the central district of Cordón; Villa Biarritz and La Teja (Saturday and Tuesday), Parque Rodó (Sunday) Piedras Blancas and Belvedere (also on Sundays). Barrio Pocitos, Montevideo. Plaza Independencia. Colonia del Sacramento Wall of Colonia del Sacramento. Little changed from its days as a Portuguese-Spanish outpost, Colonia is now a World Heritage Site Main article: Colonia del Sacramento Colonia del Sacramento, that locals call Colonia, is the capital of Colonia. Located a few kilometers southeast of the confluence of the Uruguay River and River Plate, its historic district has been declared a World Heritage in 1995, to illustrate the successful fusion of the Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial styles. Because of its proximity with the city of Buenos Aires has strong bond with her. There are many travelers who come and go to that destination, as well as the inhabitants of Buenos Aires who have property there. There was a project to join both cities through a binational bridge. The unique preservation of the environment has allowed the use of its streets and exterior of several period films such as De eso no se habla (1993) of María Luisa Bemberg with Marcello Mastroianni as protagonist. The Real de San Carlos is the area on the outskirts of Colonia where the Spanish troops laid siege to the Portuguese stronghold in 1761. Its name is a tribute to the king Charles III of Spain. It has a small chapel dedicated to Benedict, the first black saint of the Catholic Church. It is now a residential area with many weekend houses, where it can enjoy quiet beaches on the River Plate of fine sand. In the Real de San Carlos was developed at the beginning of 20th century a tourist complex, by initiative of Argentine businessman Nicolás Mihanovich, today in lamentable neglect, which had a hotel-casino (which only has built an "Annex"), bullring, fronton of basque pelota (the largest in South America) and an own power plant. Other tourist and historical place in Colonia is the Calera de las Huérfanas, located just before the entrance to the city of Carmelo, remnants of the Jesuit Estancia de Belén. Salto Main article: Salto Department Salto is 500 km Montevideo; it has several hot springs resorts. The most important is of Daymán 7 km from the city of Salto, which has a public resort and several private options. 10 km of this city is the Hotel Horacio Quiroga (5 Stars) also features a thermal water park. Going along Route 5 and 70 km is the complex Arapey which has a public sector and a private sector with a Hotel (5 stars). In the departamental capital there buildings of the famous Ing Eladio Dieste. Hot springs of Arapey Main article: Termas del Arapey The Termas del Arapey are in Salto. Are the oldest of our country and have the most important and professional tourist infrastructure of Uruguay. Hot springs of Daymán Main article: Termas del Daymán Termas del Dayman are in Salto, whose waters have characteristic that can be used for therapeutic purposes, due to the combination of heat and salinity. They also have the Hydrothermal Daymán Complex, institution of high scientific and ethical standards recognized internationally. Hot springs of Salto Grande Main article: Termas de Salto Grande The Termas de Salto Grande are part of the services provided by the Hotel Horacio Quiroga, in a beautiful park of 218 hectares. lakeshore. There have a multidisciplinary team of doctors who offer beauty treatments, de-stressing and overweight control. Paysandú Main article: Paysandú Department In the Uruguayan coast, along the Uruguay River, Paysandú is rooted land in traditions and architectural heritage of the country, festivals and sporting events, generous in delicacies where it mix the river fishing with citrus aromas and perfumes of blueberry plantations. Also in this land it emanate thermal waters that turn into fun and quality of life, and it can live fully in its Thermal Centers, served by staff who receives and serves to tourists with warmth and human quality. Hot springs of Guaviyú Main article: Termas del Guaviyú The Guaviyú Thermal Centre is located in Paysandú, and has 4 circular pools and 4 pools with whirlpool jets, with direct water from the source, in an ideal natural environment for enjoy in family. Are a true oasis in a landscape dotted of "Yatay" palm trees, which provide an exotic note. Hot springs of San Nicanor Main article: Termas de San Nicanor The Termas de San Nicanor and The Estancia San Nicanor, located in the department of Paysandú, are unique in the thermal environment of the region, combining nature, pleasure and mystique of the room itself. Very close to the hot springs, there is an estancia with a thermal outdoor pool, offers accommodation, and can horseback riding, hiking and sport fishing. Hot springs of Almirón Main article: Termas de Almirón The thermal center Almirón is located in Paysandú, set in a landscape of rolling hills, small forests designated for the practice of ecotourism and creeks to enjoy fishing or adventure tourism. Of marine origin, these springs are the only of salt water existing in the country, and have important healing and relaxing properties. Artigas Main article: Artigas Department See also: Carnival of Artigas Piedra Pintada The Artigas Department has several touristic attractions which include: the Piedra Pintada (Painted Rock) with swimming pools, camping and fauna reserve 18 km from the capital, the park on the Cuareim river called Paseo 7 de Setiembre where is the Estadio Matías González, also with camping area and barbecue; while in the vicinity of Bella Unión are found: La Barra, the Parque General Rivera, and Los Pinos resort on the Uruguay River. Special mention have the Carnival of Artigas, which stands out from other carnivals of Uruguay, due to the link with the Brazilian Samba, infecting its rhythm, color and fun. Between 20 and 30 thousand people attend witness each year, being the pillar in tourist attraction of the department. Another point of future tourist attraction are its hot springs, which to date have not been exploited commercially, but have great potential due to the triple frontier: Uruguay-Brasil-Argentina.[8][9][10][11] Lavalleja Main article: Lavalleja Department Lavalleja is one of the departments of the country with most scenic variations, but is recognized as the center of mountain tourism in Uruguay. The landscape stretches along the la Cuchilla Grande and its branches which are surrounded by rivers, streams, creeks and waterfalls. A great tourist attraction of the department is Villa Serrana, known as "La Villa" and the product of an urban planning of architect. Julio Vilamajó. There it can visit the Mesón de las Cañas, the Ventorrillo de la Buena Vista, the Dam Stewart Vargas and adding the wide range of holiday cottages. It also find unmissable places of Lavalleja like the Salus Park with its source of cougar, big Penitente Waterfall, the luxurious Holiday Park UTE y ANTEL, Camping Arequita with its wide range of amenities, Lake and Hill de los Cuervos, Camping and Dam Aguas Blancas, beautiful Buddhist temples, Gold Mine, the amazing Hill Arequita with its large caves, Hill and Sanctuary Verdun, tourist estancias (La Calaguala, La Fortaleza, Águila Blanca, La Salamora, etc.), the former Castle Batlle, the mysterious Hilo de la Vida, Complex Entre Sierras; and other many attractive places. Undoubtedly, its capital Minas is a thread very important for Lavallejino tourism. Within the Urban Grid of the city found the luxurious Theatre Lavalleja are its great hall and its museum of the cartoon (unique in South America), the Parque Rodo (Minas) with its large variety of amenities, the Park and Dam of OSE with big green land, the Zorrilla Park, the Fabini Park, the Rambla Estér Moré, the beautiful and historic Plaza Libertad, the House of Culture where is maintained the birthplace of Juan Antonio Lavalleja and also has with many museums, the Park and Hill Artigas with the world's largest equestrial statue in honor of Jose Gervasio Artigas, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Minas; and other attractions. Durazno Beach El Sauzal Main article: Durazno Department The departament is located in the center of the country, it is bordered by the Department of Flores, Florida, Río Negro, Tacuarembó, Cerro Largo and Treinta y Tres. The tourism in the department offers various veins: massive cultural artistic activities (such as Pilsen Rock, Festival de folclore, Llamadas, Movida tropical, etc.), tourism of camping and beach on the Yí River, tourism of estancias and tourism in relation to historical, architectural or other heritage. These veins it complement because, for example, visitors arriving to the Pilsen Rock or the festival de folclore also usually concur to camping and/or the beach. The mentioned camping is called "33 Orientales", is located in beach El Sauzal on the shores of Yí River, and has a dense native forest. From the point of view of heritage tourism are highlighted the cave paintings nearby streams Maestre Campo and Chamangá and the Chapel Farruco, one of the oldest colonial buildings of Uruguay. Tacuarembó Main article: Tacuarembó Department At north of the country, is the most widespread department of Uruguay. In it, it highlight the Iporá Resort and Valle Edén, near the city of Tacuarembó, and San Gregorio de Polanco, with its murals, made by some of the most important Uruguayan artists, and its sandy beach on shores of Artificial Lake Rincón de Bonete. Valle Edén attracts a special attraction for visitors in search of the birthplace of Carlos Gardel. Rivera Main article: Rivera Department Rivera is located north of the Uruguay, is a department that is in a big commercial boom, its main source of tourism is shopping tourism, based on the free shops, now there are approximately 70 free shops in the city and in 2012 opened the first Shopping from the border, the Siñeriz Shopping, currently there are two more shopping for begin construction. In the department there is also ecotourism, thanks to which has the Lunarejo, who recently was named Protected Area. Carlos Páez Vilaró's Casapueblo Pocitos Beach, Montevideo Laguna del Sauce Ethical Traveler Destination Uruguay was included in both the 2011 and the 2012 lists of "The Developing World's 10 Best Ethical Destinations." This is an annual ranking produced by Ethical Traveler magazine, and is based on a study of developing nations from around the world to identify the best tourism destinations among them. The benchmarking uses categories such as environmental protection, social welfare, and human rights.[12][13][14] Retirement in Uruguay Publications such as the Huffington Post[15] recommend Uruguay as a destination for people wishing to retire in peace and enjoyment, and paying reasonable taxes.[16] Overview Popular Destinations Location Want to save up to 30% on your Uruguay hotel? We check up to 200 sites for the latest and lowest prices. Shop Hotels Sunset en la Barra, Punta del Este Pier videos of montevideo www.uruguayaguasdulces.blogspot.com See all 265 traveler photos Popular Destinations in Uruguay Montevideo #1 Montevideo Punta del Este #2 Punta del Este Colonia del Sacramento #3 Colonia del Sacramento No photo provided #4 Maldonado No photo provided #5 Piriapolis No photo provided #6 Punta del Diablo La Paloma #7 La Paloma No photo provided #8 Jose Ignacio No photo provided #9 La Barra Salto #10 Salto No photo provided #11 La Pedrera Carmelo #12 Carmelo See more popular destinations in Uruguay The top seven things to do in Uruguay 17 April 2015 Compared to the rest of the Spanish speaking countries in South America, Uruguay is tiny and often wrongly ignored by travellers. The common misconception is that there aren’t many places to visit in Uruguay. However, all those who travel to Uruguay will fall in love with the country, and end up wondering why they did not consider visiting sooner and staying longer as there are so many things to do in Uruguay. I certainly did. I arrived in Uruguay at the very end of a long backpacking trip that took me from Mexico and Guatemala all the way down to Chile and Argentina. I was tired and just needed a place to relax and rest my sore backpacker’s bones. My back hurt from carrying around a backpack full of memories and (well, yes!) bottles I picked along the way. Read more about Argentina on my post “Great things to do in Argentina.” I could not wait to board the flight that would have taken me back to Sardinia. I did not expect much from this small country, although some Uruguayan friends told me that Uruguay beaches were some of the best in South America. Uruguay is locked between Argentina and Brazil, yet unbelievably different. Uruguay tourist attractions are varied, although the country is yet untouched by mass tourism. Most visitors are Argentinian and Brazilian vacationers who travel to Uruguay to enjoy its beaches between December and February. By the beginning of March, most of the traffic is gone, the beaches are quiet, and you will be able to enjoy peace and quiet. There are many places to visit in Uruguay, and I could have easily spent weeks exploring the coast and its interior. But I had very limited time. So, the following destination and activities gave me a good feel of the country and allowed me to leave with some great memories. So, here is my list of the best Uruguay tourist attractions and must dos. 7 things to do in Uruguay 1. Dance, eat asado and support your favourite team in the lively Montevideo The capital city of Uruguay, Montevideo, is also the biggest city in the country, with roughly 1.3 million inhabitants. It is a place of contrasts, where the modern offices of downtown sit next to the old buildings of the historic centre (such as in Plaza Indipendencia). There are many things to do in Montevideo, but while there, I definitely did not skip a visit to the Mercado del Puerto, where I could gorge on a great “asado” (barbecue). Since I happened to be in town on a Saturday afternoon, I took a walk along the Rambla – Montevideo’s waterfront: this is where I got to spot the locals sipping “mate”, a bitter tea made of dried and chopped up yerba leaves. things to do in Montevideo Eating a good asado at Mercado del Puerto: one of the things to do in Montevideo – courtesy of flickr.com Uruguay tourist attractions Things to do in Montevideo: a walk on the rambla Tango lovers may be glad to find out that among Montevideo attractions, there are a number of good milongas: the city holds the title of “birthplace of tango” as much as Buenos Aires, and both cities have been granted the UNESCO title of intangible cultural heritage for holding the roots of tango. Uruguay tourist attractions Tango in the streets of Montevideo – one of the things to do in Montevideo – courtesy of www.tangocity.com Also, I found out that Uruguay has the longest Carnaval of South America, lasting a full 40 days. One of the best things to do in Montevideo is experiencing the Desfile de las Llamadas – an all night long parade accompanied by the drumming of candombe, an instrument brought to Uruguay by African slaves in the 18th century. Carnaval is so big in the country that there even is a Museo del Carnaval. There even are packaged tours that offer dinner, tango and candombe all in one day. Carnaval - one of the many Uruguay tourist attractions Carnaval – one of the many Uruguay tourist attractions – courtesy of wikipedia One amazing, fully south-american thing I managed to do in Montevideo is go support my team at a “futból” match at Estadio Centenario. Football is the national sport here, and it is taken very seriously, so I was prepared to support my team of choice. This was a full local experience, and perhaps one of the best things to do in Uruguay. Things to do in Montevideo Things to do in Montevideo: support your football team – courtesy of Dante Pribaz 2. Drink up some Tannat Yup, the word has got out that Uruguay has some great wines! Wine has been produced in the country for over 250 years – an inheritance of the Italian, Spanish and French settlers who brought vines from their homeland. But only recently Uruguayan wines have become more well-known. About one hour north of Montevideo, mostly between Canelones and San José, the wine region is home to some great “bodegas”, wineries that offer some of the best wines of South America. Nothing better to accompany my asado, right? 3. Visit the picturesque Colonia del Sacramento If there is a place to visit in Uruguay, this is Colonia del Sacramento – perhaps Uruguay top tourist attraction. Many visit Colonia on day trips from Buenos Aires, but I actually preferred a couple of nights to fully enjoy this lazy small city. It is possible to get there via a 3 hours bus ride from the Tres Cruces terminal in Montevideo. However, I was coming from Argentina, so I opted for a ferry. Colonia Express and Buque bus both have a regular ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia that takes about one hour to cross the Rio de la Plata. The Barrio Histórico of Colonia del Sacramento has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A simple walking tour of Colonia, a pretty town founded by Portugues colonisers in 1680 allowed me to breathe in its history and charme, and if my breath was taken away by the heat, I could rest under the shade of the sycamore trees. I strolled along the cobbled streets of the centre, such as Calle de los Suspiros, where the bougavinllea bushes pop out from colourful and beautifully kept colonial houses. For a nice view over the mighty Rio de la Plata I walked up the lighthouse located near the Plaza Mayor. Colonia del Sacramento Colonia del Sacramento – one of Uruguay tourist attractions Vintage car lovers will be able to spot many ‘50s cars parked at the side of the street. At sunset, there is nothing better than sipping a cold Pilsen beer while admiring the sunset over the Rio de la Plata. Finally, I concluded my day with a tasty dinner (“rabas”, or fried calamari, are delicious here) in one of the cozy restaurants around the Plaza Mayor. Travel to Uruguay - via a vintage car? Travel to Uruguay – via a vintage car? It’s easy to find a good place to stay in Colonia del Sacramento, although it may get crowded at weekends and in the summer when lots of people arrive on day trips from Argentina. I stayed at Posada Las Barrancas, a bit outside the centre. It is a lovely brand new hostel, with clean dorms, good beds, a fully equipped kitchen and good wifi. 4. Relax, surf and hike in Punta del Diablo In terms of Uruguay beaches, nothing can beat Punta del Diablo, in the region of Rocha, and visiting this beach is one of the things to do in Uruguay that I loved the most. A 5 hours bus ride from Montevideo, this village is a world apart. This used to be (and to a great extent still is) a fishing village, where no more than 1000 people live in the winter months. But in recent years it has become increasingly popular among Uruguay touriust attractions. Holiday cottages and hostels have sprouted, but thankfully the coast has remained untouched. Punta del Diablo keeps being one of the best beaches in Uruguay, with its sand dunes and the fishermen still going by their usual business. Uruguay beaches Uruguay beaches? Punta del Diablo! The top thing to do in Punta del Diablo is being lazy under the sun. It simply is the perfect place to relax, go for a walk at sunset, enjoy the sea breeze, breathe in the clean air. The beach is large, sandy and clean. There are plenty of friendly dogs running about, and they often decided to befriend me. In my case, they even liked to pose for pictures too. If I felt more active I went to rent surf boards or horses. There are some good waves to be surfed. Punta del Diablo - among the best beaches in Uruguay Punta del Diablo – among the best beaches in Uruguay I like hiking, so I went to the beautiful Parque Nacional Santa Teresa, which is about 35 km south of the Brazilian border, is guarded by the Uruguayan army and can be easily reached from Punta del Diablo. Once I got off the bus, I headed to the waterfront and then go North. In about half hour, I reached Playa Grande, a long sandy beach that leads to the southern limits of Parque Nacional Canta Teresa. There is a natural reserve that hosts various species of animals, a camping ground, and the Fort of Santa Teresa, built by the Portuguese and the Spaniards between 1762 and 1793. Punta del Diablo is quiet at night. I headed to the waterfront for a walk and some live music. That’s also where most restaurants are. My favourite is Resto Pub 70, in Avenida de los Pescadores, right in front of the police station: owned by an Italian family, they prepared home made pasta with a variety of sauces. The choices are limited, but the pasta delicious and the recipes authentic (they passed the Italian-picky-eater test, so you can be sure). I like star gazing, and I soon realised I was in for a treat: there hardly is any light at night, which makes Punta del Diablo perfect to stare at the sky in search of my good star. There are many cabañas, charming hotels and budget hostels in Punta del Diablo. December to February are busy months and one may have to book well in advance. March is definitely quieter. I opted for Compay Hostel, a cool surfers spot. The wooden building has a good kitchen, lovely outer areas full of cozy couches and hammocks, spotless common bathrooms and good wifi. The owners also run a twin hostel in La Pedrera, Uruguay, another great beach popular with artists, surfers and families and one in Montevideo. Travel to Uruguay Punta del Diablo – Rocha: one of the best Uruguay beaches 5. Act VIP like in Punta del Este Completely different from Punta del Diablo, Punta del Este is THE place to visit in Uruguay to feel like a real socialite. Punta del Este has some of the best beaches in Uruguay, and it is where people go not only to lay in the sun, but also to peek at the glamorous people wandering about. It is perhaps the most expensive destination in the country, and is in fact considered to be the “Hamptons of South America”, Punta del Este is a favourite destinations of celebrities, packed with stylish hotels and restaurants, exclusive clubs, and a yatch harbour. Uruguay beaches Uruguay beaches: the fingers of Punta del Este – courtesy of wikipedia.org 6. Get lost in Cabo Polonio A world apart from Punta del Este, Cabo Polonio may well be the wildest spot in the country, and never disappoints visitors. A protected region since 2009, it is hard to reach: I had to catch a bus that then left me on Ruta 10, from where I had to hop on a 4×4 that will took me across the sand dunes. The other option would have been to hike the 7 km there, but I forgot to carry plenty of water with me so I did not. An alternative is that of joining a guided tour. Read more about why I recommend taking a guided tour at times on this post. A colony of sea lions populate Cabo Polonio, but they are not the only residents. From August to October it is also possible to spot austral whales. There are a few shacks and wooden houses scattered alone the shoreline. However, most don’t have electricity or running water. This makes Cabo Polonio the perfect place to escape modern life and return to nature, and a must when it comes to the things to do in Uruguay! Travel to Uruguay Travel to Uruguay… to visit Cabo Polonio – courtesy of wp.clicrbs.com.br Cabo Polonio can be visited on a day trip from the nearby Barra de Valizas (a bit over 4 hours by bus from Montevideo), from where one can enjoy a 12 km walk along the beach, on a wild path that follows the ocean line. 7. Learn the skills of a gaucho Uruguayans love the thought of a cowboy riding off into the sunset: it speaks of a time when life was simpler, when gauchos could lead cattle on the vast open plains of the country, helping create one of the greatest industries that would help it become one of the most prosperous states of South America. Things to do in Uruguay Things to do in Uruguay: learn some gaucho skills – courtesy of Carlo Alcaraz Pribaz Among Uruguay tourist attractions, there is the possibility of spending some time in a “estancia”, a ranch where guests can stay in old farmhouses, ride horses and learn new skills such as cattle herding. Estancias are mostly in the interior of Uruguay, giving visitors a chance to get away from the more well known coastal regions. Things to do in Uruguay Things to do in Uruguay: visit an estancia – courtesy of Carlo Alcaraz Pribaz Now that I know the main Uruguay tourist attractions, I think I should hurry up, before everybody discovers them! Have you been here? Do you have your own list of things to do in Uruguay? Let me know in the comments below! If you need assistance in creating your personalised itinerary in Uruguay you can contact me in private through the contact form.Seven Cities an entire country See the destinations most requested by our visitors. Montevideo, Colonia, Punta del Este, La Paloma, Piriápolis y La Barra - José Ignacio. The best way of touring Uruguay. Hotels in Uruguay Hotels in Uruguay Hotels and the most diverse lodgings are part of the most requested section by visitors to Welcome Uruguay. At our tourist website, you can easily access all the lists of hotels, cabins, inns, apart hotels and hostels in every city in Uruguay. Just choose your destination and start organizing your stay. » Choose the best hotel for your stay Welcome Uruguay News Hot Springs in Uruguay Hot Springs in Uruguay One of the largest groundwater reservoirs in the world spreads all along the shores of the Uruguay River: the Guaraní Aquifer. At this spot, the waters reach the surface of the earth at a temperature ranging between 38 and 46° C. As a result, this site is an excellent hot spring destination. Hot spring resorts and aquatic parks are part of this section. » Visit Hot Springs in Uruguay Montevideo 2013 Carnival Montevideo Carnival The famous Llamadas (calls) or the stage murgas disputed on Carnival nights are appreciated by visitors from all round the world during January and February. Thousands of men and women celebrating one of the most attractive popular festivals in Montevideo: the Carnivals. « Watch our videos of Montevideo Carnival on YouTube » See info on the Montevideo Carnival Topics SEE Carnivals The typical color and rhythm of the Uruguayan carnivals. Topics SEE Museums Uruguay`s past and present on a tour around its museological institutions. Welcome Argentina Inter Patagonia Welcome Chile Welcome Uruguay - Touristic Information about Uruguay © 2003-2017 Total or partial reproduction forbidden. Derechos de Autor 675246 Ley 11723