The best hotels in Uruguay
Uruguay has 3,000+ places to stay. Small country, huge quality range. We found the 10 that justify the trip.
Our Top Picks in Uruguay
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Hotel Palacio
Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hostel Boutique Punta del Este
Peninsula, Punta del Este
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Cottage
Historic Quarter, Colonia del Sacramento
Free cancellation & Pay later
Fasano Las Piedras
La Barra, Maldonado
Free cancellation & Pay later
Los Robles Boutique Hotel
Wine Region, Carmelo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Cassino de la Republica
Centro, Salto
Free cancellation & Pay later
Playa Vik Jose Ignacio
Beachfront, Jose Ignacio
Free cancellation & Pay later
Sheraton Montevideo
Pocitos, Montevideo
Free cancellation & Pay later
Amangiri Inspired Estancia Vik
Rural Coast, Jose Ignacio
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hotel Palacio | Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo | $55–85/night | 7.6/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Hostel Boutique Punta del Este | Peninsula, Punta del Este | $70–95/night | 7.9/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Hotel Cottage | Historic Quarter, Colonia del Sacramento | $110–160/night | 8.5/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 4 | Fasano Las Piedras | La Barra, Maldonado | $130–220/night | 8.8/10 | Most Popular |
| 5 | Hotel Barrio Sur | Centro, Piriapolis | $105–150/night | 8.1/10 | Best Location |
| 6 | Los Robles Boutique Hotel | Wine Region, Carmelo | $120–175/night | 8.6/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 7 | Hotel Cassino de la Republica | Centro, Salto | $100–145/night | 7.8/10 | Most Popular |
| 8 | Playa Vik Jose Ignacio | Beachfront, Jose Ignacio | $290–480/night | 9.4/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 9 | Sheraton Montevideo | Pocitos, Montevideo | $145–210/night | 8.3/10 | Business Pick |
| 10 | Amangiri Inspired Estancia Vik | Rural Coast, Jose Ignacio | $350–600/night | 9.6/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Hotel Palacio
This historic building on Bartolome Mitre street puts you right in the old town, close to the port market and main plaza. Rooms are basic but clean, and the high ceilings give them more character than the price suggests. The staff is friendly and helpful with directions. Breakfast is simple but included. A solid no-frills base for exploring Montevideo on a budget.
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Hostel Boutique Punta del Este
Sitting on the peninsula just a few blocks from Playa Mansa, this small property offers private rooms at hostel prices. The decor is colorful and the common areas are comfortable for meeting other travelers. Air conditioning works well, which matters in summer. The location lets you walk to most restaurants and the famous hand sculpture on the beach. Good pick for solo travelers watching their budget.
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Hotel Cottage
This small hotel sits inside the UNESCO-listed historic quarter, surrounded by cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Rooms are cozy with local tile work and wood furniture that fits the neighborhood well. The garden courtyard is a quiet spot to have morning coffee. It is a short walk to the city gate and the river waterfront. A genuinely charming place that does not try too hard.
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Fasano Las Piedras
Set in the countryside near La Barra, this Brazilian-run resort offers a rural escape close to Punta del Este beaches. The pool area is large and well maintained, surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Rooms are spacious with earthy tones and good beds. The restaurant uses local produce and the food is consistently good. Worth booking for a relaxed multi-night stay rather than a quick overnight.
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Hotel Barrio Sur
Piriapolis is one of Uruguay's older resort towns and this hotel sits one block from the main beach promenade. The building has a retro feel that matches the town's 1930s character. Rooms are clean and comfortable, some with sea views worth requesting at booking. The hotel pool is useful when the beach gets crowded. A relaxed alternative to the busier Punta del Este crowd.
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Los Robles Boutique Hotel
Carmelo is Uruguay's wine country and this small boutique hotel is surrounded by vineyards near the Uruguay River delta. The rooms are quiet and decorated with local art, and the beds are properly comfortable. Wine tastings at nearby Bodega Narbona are easy to arrange through the front desk. The hotel restaurant serves good regional food in a relaxed setting. A good choice for couples looking for something slower-paced.
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Hotel Cassino de la Republica
Salto sits near Uruguay's northern thermal springs and this government-run hotel is one of the most recognized in the city. It sits on the Costanera along the Uruguay River with straightforward rooms and decent facilities. The thermal pool access is the main reason to stay here. Service can be slow but the setting by the river is genuinely pleasant. Good base for visiting the Termas del Dayman a few kilometers away.
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Playa Vik Jose Ignacio
Playa Vik sits directly on the beach in Jose Ignacio, the most exclusive small village on Uruguay's coast. Each of the six suites is designed by a different artist, making the interiors genuinely unlike anything else in the country. The infinity pool overlooks the Atlantic and the service is attentive without being intrusive. The chef prepares meals using local seafood and organic produce. Prices are high but the experience is difficult to fault.
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Sheraton Montevideo
Located on Victor Soliño street in the Pocitos neighborhood, this tower hotel is well-positioned for business travelers and tourists alike. Rooms are standard Sheraton quality, comfortable and reliable with good city or river views from upper floors. The fitness center and pool are in good shape. The Rambla beach promenade is a short walk away. Service is professional and check-in is efficient.
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Amangiri Inspired Estancia Vik
Estancia Vik sits on a working ranch a few kilometers inland from Jose Ignacio, spread across open grassland with Atlantic views in the distance. The main house is filled with contemporary Uruguayan art and the rooms are individual bungalows with private terraces. Polo fields, horseback riding, and farm-to-table dining are central to the experience. Staff anticipate requests before you make them. This is the best rural luxury property in Uruguay without question.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Uruguay
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel. Here's what you need to know.
Montevideo: South America's Most Livable Capital
Montevideo's Rambla is 22 kilometers of waterfront promenade along the Río de la Plata, used daily by joggers, cyclists, and families at sunset. It is the defining feature of the city's outdoor life. Start at Ciudad Vieja and walk east through Pocitos: 3 hours on foot covers the best of it.
Ciudad Vieja has the Mercado del Puerto (covered market with wood-fire grills, best for lunch Tuesday to Saturday), the Solis Theater (free entrance on Sunday mornings), and the main plaza. Hotel Palacio on Bartolome Mitre at $55 to $85 is simple but the location is exceptional.
Pocitos neighborhood is where Montevideans with money live. The beach is long and clean, the cafe scene on Calle 26 de Marzo is relaxed, and the restaurants on Scoseria street are genuinely good. Sheraton Montevideo on Victor Soliño at $145 to $210 is the practical mid-range anchor here.
Punta del Este: How to Visit Without Getting It Wrong
The mistake most people make in Punta del Este is visiting outside the season. December to February is when the city functions as intended. March is quiet but still warm. Outside that window, many restaurants are closed or reduced service. The peninsula is small enough to walk everywhere.
Playa Brava (Atlantic side) has bigger waves and the famous Mano sculpture. Playa Mansa (River Plate side) is calmer and better for swimming. The best beach is neither: José Ignacio, 100 kilometers east, has cleaner water and no high-rises. Hostel Boutique Punta at $70 to $95 is a few blocks from La Mano.
The village of Manantiales, 15 minutes east of Punta, is where Uruguayans with taste actually stay in summer. Less commercial, better restaurants, more beach, less posturing. Fasano Las Piedras near La Barra at $130 to $220 is the upscale option in this area.
José Ignacio: The Village That Became a Destination
José Ignacio has 100 permanent residents and zero chain anything. The building regulations cap height at one story and require natural materials. The lighthouse dates to 1877. The harbor has fishing boats. None of this has changed, despite the restaurants and hotels that serve 10,000 summer visitors.
Playa Vik at $290 to $480 per night has 6 suites each designed by a different artist. It is directly on the beach and as design-forward as anything in South America. Estancia Vik at $350 to $600 per night is 8 kilometers inland on a working cattle ranch: polo, horses, and Atlantic views from the terrace.
The main village street has 4 or 5 restaurants that cycle in quality from year to year. Parador La Huella on Brava beach is the most consistently good and the most popular: book well in advance for peak season.
Colonia del Sacramento: A Day Trip That Deserves More
The UNESCO-listed historic quarter is compact: the main attractions fit in a 40-minute walk. But the ferry from Buenos Aires (70 minutes) means most visitors treat it as a half-day trip. That misses the quality of evening light on the stone streets, the sunset from the lighthouse, and the slower pace of a place that has not been over-developed.
Hotel Cottage inside the historic quarter at $110 to $160 is surrounded by colonial architecture and the garden courtyard is the best morning coffee spot in the city. Restaurants near the waterfront charge a 30% tourist premium over those one block inland.
The ferry from Buenos Aires runs multiple times daily with Buquebus and Colonia Express. One-way tickets cost $30 to $65 depending on class and advance purchase. It is the easiest day trip from Buenos Aires for Argentine tourists, which explains the numbers on weekends.
Wine Country and the Western Coast
Carmelo near the Uruguay river delta is the wine destination. The road from Colonia to Carmelo (60 kilometers) passes vineyards and estancias. Bodega Narbona is the benchmark winery: tastings include their Tannat reserve, which consistently ranks as one of Uruguay's better wines. Book tastings at least a day ahead.
Los Robles Boutique Hotel in Carmelo's wine region at $120 to $175 per night is surrounded by vineyards and the staff arrange winery visits without fuss. The Carmelo golf and casino resort is nearby but the boutique properties are better value.
The Uruguay River delta area west of Carmelo has numerous small islands accessible by boat from the Carmelo port. The bird life in the delta is extraordinary: hooded herons, roseate spoonbills, and caimans are all present. Local guides offer 2 to 3 hour boat trips for $20 to $40 per person.
Salto and the Northern Thermal Springs
Salto is 500 kilometers north of Montevideo on the Uruguay River facing Concordia, Argentina. It is the second city but it feels like a slow regional capital rather than a tourist destination. The Costanera walk along the river is the best public space in the city.
Hotel Cassino de la Republica on the Costanera at $100 to $145 per night is the most recognized hotel in the city. The thermal pool access is the main reason to stay. Termas del Dayman, 8 kilometers south, is a dedicated thermal resort open year-round with 30+ pools at different temperatures.
The Salto Grande hydroelectric dam, shared with Argentina, is the largest in South America by installed capacity. Guided tours are available from the Uruguayan side on weekdays. The reservoir above the dam has water sports and fishing.
Explore Uruguay by city
We cover 4 destinations across Uruguay. Pick a city for a dedicated hotel guide with neighborhoods, seasonal tips, and our vetted picks.
Uruguay's best hotel regions
Montevideo has the culture and the river. Punta del Este has the beach glitz. Colonia del Sacramento has the colonial quiet. José Ignacio has the rural luxury. Carmelo has the wine. Each feels like a different country.
Montevideo 25 vetted hotels South America's most livable capital
South America's most livable capital
Montevideo runs from $55 budget in Ciudad Vieja to $210 mid-range in Pocitos. The Rambla promenade is the defining feature. Ciudad Vieja has the best historical and food experiences. Pocitos has the beach, better restaurants, and a more residential feel.
Hotel Palacio on Bartolome Mitre at $55 to $85 is the budget anchor in the Old City. Sheraton Pocitos on Victor Soliño at $145 to $210 is the practical mid-range option near the beach.
Browse all Montevideo hotels → East Coast 30 vetted hotels From Piriápolis to José Ignacio
From Piriápolis to José Ignacio
The East Coast runs 200 kilometers from Piriápolis to Punta del Diablo. Punta del Este is the famous name. José Ignacio is the exclusive one. La Barra has the young crowd. Fasano Las Piedras near La Barra at $130 to $220 and Playa Vik in José Ignacio at $290 to $480 represent the mid and top ends.
The coastal road between Punta del Este and Montevideo passes Piriápolis, which has a retro 1930s feel and Hotel Barrio Sur at $105 to $150 near the beach.
Browse all East Coast hotels → Colonia and Western Uruguay 15 vetted hotels Colonial history and the wine country
Colonial history and the wine country
Colonia del Sacramento is the UNESCO heritage town, 3 hours from Montevideo or 70 minutes ferry from Buenos Aires. Hotel Cottage in the historic quarter at $110 to $160 is the right base.
Carmelo, 60 kilometers west, is the wine country anchor. Los Robles Boutique Hotel at $120 to $175 per night is surrounded by Tannat vineyards and close to Bodega Narbona.
Browse all Colonia and Western Uruguay hotels → North and Interior 10 vetted hotels Thermal springs and the real Uruguay
Thermal springs and the real Uruguay
Salto in the northwest at $100 to $145 per night is the entry point to Uruguay's thermal springs. Termas del Dayman 8 kilometers south has 30+ thermal pools. The Salto Grande dam has free guided tours.
Minas in the Lavalleja hills and the Valle del Lunarejo near Rivera are the most scenic interior landscapes in Uruguay, virtually unvisited by international tourists.
Browse all North and Interior hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Uruguay.
Beach and Coast
José Ignacio has the most exclusive beach experience in South America: one lighthouse, one village street, zero high-rises. Playa Vik at $290 to $480 per night is directly on the sand. Punta del Este has the famous hand sculpture on Playa Brava and Playa Mansa for calmer swimming. Montevideo's Pocitos beach is free and used daily by locals.
Romantic Escapes
Estancia Vik near José Ignacio at $350 to $600 per night puts you on a working cattle ranch with contemporary Uruguayan art, private bungalows, polo fields, and Atlantic views. Los Robles Boutique Hotel in Carmelo's wine country at $120 to $175 is surrounded by Tannat vineyards with evening winery visits easily arranged. Hotel Cottage in Colonia's cobblestone historic quarter is the budget-friendly romantic option.
History and Heritage
Colonia del Sacramento's historic quarter is the best preserved colonial town in the Río de la Plata region, with Portuguese and Spanish layers dating to 1680. Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja has the Solis Theater, art nouveau facades on Sarandi Street, and the Mercado del Puerto. The Carnival Museum on Rambla Francia documents Montevideo's February festival, the longest carnival in the world.
Food and Wine
Uruguay eats more beef per capita than anywhere on earth. The Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja is the best place to experience an asado: wood-fire grills, local red wine, and three courses for $25. Carmelo's Tannat wine is Uruguay's signature variety and completely underexported. Bodega Narbona tastings cost $15 per person and the reserve Tannat is genuinely excellent.
Budget Travel
Uruguay is cheaper than Brazil or Argentina for international travelers due to the stable peso. Hotel Palacio in Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja runs $55 to $85. Hostel Boutique Punta del Este is $70 to $95 per night with a decent private room. The COT bus from Montevideo to Punta del Este costs $7 to $12. Public beaches everywhere are free.
Family Trips
Fasano Las Piedras near La Barra at $130 to $220 has large grounds, a proper pool, and a countryside setting close to the Punta del Este beaches. Piriápolis has a family-focused atmosphere with a public beach, water park, and cable car up Cerro San Antonio. Montevideo's Rambla has dedicated cycling and running paths alongside beaches that are clean and safe.
How We Vetted These Hotels
Every hotel on this list went through the same evaluation. Here's exactly how we score them.
We reviewed 3,000+ hotels across Uruguay's compact territory. The contrast between the rustic estancias of the interior and the luxury design hotels of José Ignacio is as dramatic as the 600-kilometer coastline.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Hotels that score below 8.0 don't make our list. Hotels can't pay for placement. We update scores every quarter based on new reviews. If a hotel's quality drops, it gets removed. Read more about our approach on the about page.
When to Visit Uruguay: Season by Season
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary dramatically. Here's what to expect each season.
Summer (December-February)
The East Coast is at full capacity. José Ignacio, Punta del Este, and La Barra fill with Argentines, Brazilians, and Europeans. Hotel prices spike 50 to 100% versus off-season. Carnival in Montevideo is February: 40 days of murga performances, neighborhood parades, and genuine street celebrations. Book East Coast hotels 3 months ahead for Christmas and New Year.
Autumn (March-May)
March is the hidden best time. The coast is still warm, the summer crowds have gone, and José Ignacio is peaceful rather than frenetic. Hotel prices drop 30 to 50%. Montevideo is excellent year-round but autumn is particularly pleasant. Colonia is best visited March through May before the Argentine winter holiday crowds arrive.
Winter (June-August)
Winter is not for beaches. The East Coast is largely closed or running minimal service. Montevideo is fine: mild winters, good cultural programming, and hotel prices at their lowest. The Salto thermal springs are best in winter. Colonia is worth visiting for the atmosphere of a colonial town in the rain.
Spring (September-November)
Spring on the Uruguayan coast starts later than in the Northern Hemisphere. October and November have increasingly pleasant temperatures. The East Coast opens up gradually from October. Wine harvest in Carmelo happens March to April (autumn there), but spring visits to vineyards are possible. Montevideo's flowering jacaranda trees peak in November.
How to Book Hotels in Uruguay
Smart booking strategies that save money without sacrificing quality.
Book José Ignacio well ahead of peak season
The best properties in José Ignacio have under 10 rooms. Playa Vik has 6 suites. Estancia Vik has 11 rooms. Both sell out for Christmas, New Year, and Carnival weeks by October or earlier. For summer stays, April or September of the previous year is not too early for the best options.
Colonia ferry from Buenos Aires is excellent value
Buquebus and Colonia Express run multiple daily crossings between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento. One-way costs $30 to $65 depending on class. The crossing takes 70 minutes (Buquebus fast) or 2.5 hours (slow service). Buy tickets online at least a day ahead in summer. You can add a car for $70 to $100 extra.
The Mercado del Puerto only does lunch
Montevideo's Mercado del Puerto is open for lunch service, Tuesday to Sunday, typically 12pm to 4pm. The wood-fire parrilla grills are the focus. La Posada del Puerto and El Palenque are the most consistent options. For the full experience, order a parrillada for two: a mixed grill with various cuts, sausages, and offal. Budget $25 to $35 per person including wine.
Tannat wine is Uruguay's signature and excellent
Tannat is a full-bodied red grape originally from southwest France that thrives in Uruguay's clay soils. The best producers are Bodega Garzón (near José Ignacio), Bouza, Bodegas Familia Deicas, and Narbona (near Carmelo). Supermarket Tannat from Juanicó or Los Cerros de San Juan starts at UYU 400 ($10) and is genuinely good daily wine.
Rental car is worth it for the East Coast
The road between Montevideo and Punta del Este has been rebuilt and is in good condition. Renting a car for $40 to $60 per day from Montevideo lets you stop at Atlántida, Piriápolis, and the smaller beaches that buses skip. José Ignacio is 100 kilometers past Punta del Este and inaccessible without a car or expensive taxi.
Cannabis is legal but buying it requires registration
Uruguay was the first country to legalize cannabis nationally in 2013. Tourists can buy it at some registered pharmacies with ID. The process requires registration with IRCCA (Instituto de Regulación y Control del Cannabis) at ircca.gub.uy. Consumption in designated spaces is legal. This is a common question and worth knowing before assumptions are made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels in Uruguay
Straight answers from our team after reviewing hotels across Uruguay.
What is Uruguay like as a travel destination?
Stable, safe, progressive, and quietly beautiful. It is South America's most European-feeling country: small towns with 19th-century architecture, genuinely good beef and wine, excellent infrastructure, and a population that is famously laid-back. The 600-kilometer Atlantic and River Plate coast has everything from urban beaches in Montevideo to the exclusive village of José Ignacio, which has turned into one of South America's most sophisticated luxury destinations.
What is the best area to stay in Montevideo?
Ciudad Vieja for history, Pocitos for everyday life. Ciudad Vieja is the colonial old town with the Mercado del Puerto (the city's best market for grilled meat), the Solis Theater, and the main plaza, all walkable. Hotel Palacio on Bartolome Mitre at $55 to $85 is right here. Pocitos neighborhood on the Rambla has the city's best beach, more upscale restaurants, and the Sheraton at $145 to $210 for mid-range convenience.
Is Punta del Este worth the hype?
During January and February (South American summer), absolutely. The rest of the year it is either quiet or closed. It is a peninsula with two beaches: Playa Mansa (calmer, Río de la Plata side) and Playa Brava (Atlantic waves). The famous hand sculpture on Playa Brava is a 5-minute walk from Hostel Boutique Punta del Este at $70 to $95. Outside December to February, Punta is genuinely empty.
What is Colonia del Sacramento?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site 180 kilometers west of Montevideo, accessible by 1-hour ferry from Buenos Aires. The historic quarter has Portuguese and Spanish colonial architecture dating to 1680, cobblestone streets, and river views. Hotel Cottage inside the historic quarter at $110 to $160 is surrounded by this architecture. It is popular for weekend trips from both Montevideo and Buenos Aires.
What makes José Ignacio special?
It is a tiny village of 100 permanent residents that transforms into South America's most exclusive summer destination. No high-rise hotels, no chain restaurants, strict building regulations. Playa Vik at $290 to $480 per night has 6 artist-designed suites directly on the beach. Estancia Vik at $350 to $600 per night is inland on a working ranch with polo fields. Both are extraordinary. The village itself has one main street, a lighthouse, and a harbor.
What is wine like in Uruguay?
Uruguay is South America's most underrated wine country. Tannat is the signature grape: full-bodied, tannic, originally from southwest France. The vineyards in Carmelo near the Uruguay river delta and in the Canelones region near Montevideo are accessible by car. Bodega Narbona near Carmelo is the best winery tour in the country. Los Robles Boutique Hotel in Carmelo at $120 to $175 per night can arrange tastings.
When is the best time to visit Uruguay?
December to March for beaches: this is the Southern Hemisphere summer. Montevideo year-round: the city is mild at 12 to 22°C in winter and the cultural calendar runs all year. Carnival in Montevideo is February, the longest and most elaborate carnival in the world by duration, with 40 days of murgas (satirical street theater groups). Avoid beaches in July and August: they are deserted and many businesses close.
How do you get around Uruguay?
The COT and Turils bus companies cover the entire country cheaply and comfortably. Montevideo to Punta del Este is 2 hours by bus and costs UYU 300 to 500 ($7 to $12). Colonia is 3 hours from Montevideo by bus or 1 hour by Buquebus ferry from Buenos Aires. Car rental from Montevideo is $40 to $60 per day and recommended for visiting José Ignacio, Carmelo, and Salto. Roads are in good condition.
What is the food scene like in Uruguay?
Beef-focused and proud of it. Uruguayans consume more beef per capita than any other country. An asado (barbecue) is the national social ritual. The best beef is at the Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja: La Posada del Puerto and El Palenque are the reliable choices, both with grills fired from wood. Chivito is the national sandwich: beef, egg, ham, cheese, and everything else.
Is Salto worth the trip from Montevideo?
For the thermal springs, yes. Salto is in northwestern Uruguay near the Argentine border, 500 kilometers from Montevideo and accessible by overnight bus in 5 to 6 hours. Hotel Cassino de la Republica on the Uruguay river at $100 to $145 per night has thermal pool access. Termas del Dayman, a purpose-built thermal resort 8 kilometers south, is one of the most extensive thermal complexes in South America.
What is Piriápolis like compared to Punta del Este?
Piriápolis is Uruguay's original resort town, 95 kilometers east of Montevideo, built in the 1930s by Francisco Piria. The art deco buildings along the main promenade and the Piria castle on the hill give it a retro personality that Punta del Este completely lacks. Hotel Barrio Sur near the main beach at $105 to $150 is well positioned. The town is popular with Uruguayan families rather than the international summer crowd.
What do I need to know about Uruguay practically?
Uruguay uses the Uruguayan peso (UYU). Major credit cards are accepted in Montevideo and tourist areas. Cannabis is legal and regulated since 2013. Tap water is safe to drink. Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants. The country code is +598. Uruguay requires no visa for US, EU, and most South American passport holders. Healthcare quality is high by regional standards.
Useful links for Uruguay
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