last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Uruguay
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Location Map of Uruguay
Uruguay
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Uruguay is home to two sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Historic Centre of Colonia (1995)
It’s a remarkable architectural blend of Portuguese and Spanish colonial styles. This is what earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
It’s a remarkable architectural blend of Portuguese and Spanish colonial styles. This is what earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Fray Bentos (2015)
This riverside port facing Argentina, along the Uruguay River, is nationally recognized for its industrial heritage. Its industrial legacy is UNESCO-listed.
This riverside port facing Argentina, along the Uruguay River, is nationally recognized for its industrial heritage. Its industrial legacy is UNESCO-listed.
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Cabo Polonio
A charming small seaside resort in northern Uruguay, known for its large dunes and seal colonies.
A charming small seaside resort in northern Uruguay, known for its large dunes and seal colonies.
Carmelo
This is the departure point for boats to the Paraná Delta or crossing to Buenos Aires/Tigre.
This is the departure point for boats to the Paraná Delta or crossing to Buenos Aires/Tigre.
Chamanga
In the heart of the country, near the city of Durazno, Guarani rock art sites dating from the pre-Columbian era.
In the heart of the country, near the city of Durazno, Guarani rock art sites dating from the pre-Columbian era.
Colonia
Officially called Colonia del Sacramento. Located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata, it is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in South America.
Officially called Colonia del Sacramento. Located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata, it is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in South America.
Fray Bentos
This riverside port facing Argentina, along the Uruguay River, is nationally recognized for its industrial heritage. Its industrial legacy is UNESCO-listed.
This riverside port facing Argentina, along the Uruguay River, is nationally recognized for its industrial heritage. Its industrial legacy is UNESCO-listed.
Mercedes
It's a port city on the Rio Negro, not far from the mouth of the Rio de la Plata. It's not very touristy, even though its riverside ramblas are well-known.
It's a port city on the Rio Negro, not far from the mouth of the Rio de la Plata. It's not very touristy, even though its riverside ramblas are well-known.
Montevideo
A pleasant capital city with historic neighbourhoods, Art Deco buildings, museums, and beaches.
A pleasant capital city with historic neighbourhoods, Art Deco buildings, museums, and beaches.
Nueva Helvecia
This small town was founded by Swiss emigrants in the late 19th century. A modest tourism industry has developed locally around this theme.
This small town was founded by Swiss emigrants in the late 19th century. A modest tourism industry has developed locally around this theme.
Paysandú
It is the third-largest city in Uruguay. Located in the west of the country on the border with Argentina, it is separated from its neighbor by the Uruguay River.
It is the third-largest city in Uruguay. Located in the west of the country on the border with Argentina, it is separated from its neighbor by the Uruguay River.
Piriápolis
A seaside resort between Montevideo and Punta del Este with some beautiful mansions, a pleasant waterfront, and a lively atmosphere.
A seaside resort between Montevideo and Punta del Este with some beautiful mansions, a pleasant waterfront, and a lively atmosphere.
Salto
Uruguay’s second-largest city is located in the west of the country. There are plenty of hot springs and thermal baths around Salto.
Uruguay’s second-largest city is located in the west of the country. There are plenty of hot springs and thermal baths around Salto.
Natural Heritage
Esteros de Farrapos
National park encompassing several islands on the Rio Uruguay in the west of the country. It is home to a few pumas and wolves, as well as numerous bird species.
National park encompassing several islands on the Rio Uruguay in the west of the country. It is home to a few pumas and wolves, as well as numerous bird species.
Laguna de Rocha
This body of water flowing into the Atlantic is a birdwatching spot. You can explore it by boat.
This body of water flowing into the Atlantic is a birdwatching spot. You can explore it by boat.
Rio de la Plata
This is the estuary separating Uruguay and Argentina. Crossing between Carmelo (Uruguay) and Tigre (Argentina) offers a pleasant trip through the many small islands on the Argentine side.
This is the estuary separating Uruguay and Argentina. Crossing between Carmelo (Uruguay) and Tigre (Argentina) offers a pleasant trip through the many small islands on the Argentine side.
Quebrada de los Cuervos
A rather pretty canyon in the forest in the central-eastern part of the country.
A rather pretty canyon in the forest in the central-eastern part of the country.
Must-see & highly recommended
Historic Centre of Colonia
★★★★ It’s a remarkable architectural blend of Portuguese and Spanish colonial styles. This is what earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Colonia
★★★★ Officially called Colonia del Sacramento. Located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata, it is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in…
Worth a look / Other
Cabo Polonio
★★ A charming small seaside resort in northern Uruguay, known for its large dunes and seal colonies.
Laguna de Rocha
★★ This body of water flowing into the Atlantic is a birdwatching spot. You can explore it by boat.
Montevideo
★★ A pleasant capital city with historic neighbourhoods, Art Deco buildings, museums, and beaches.
Piriápolis
★★ A seaside resort between Montevideo and Punta del Este with some beautiful mansions, a pleasant waterfront, and a lively atmosphere.
Punta del Este
★★ It’s "the" upscale and well-known seaside resort in Uruguay on the Atlantic coast.
Quebrada de los Cuervos
★★ A rather pretty canyon in the forest in the central-eastern part of the country.
Rio de la Plata
★★ This is the estuary separating Uruguay and Argentina. Crossing between Carmelo (Uruguay) and Tigre (Argentina) offers a pleasant trip…
Carmelo
★ This is the departure point for boats to the Paraná Delta or crossing to Buenos Aires/Tigre.
Chamanga
★ In the heart of the country, near the city of Durazno, Guarani rock art sites dating from the pre-Columbian era.
Esteros de Farrapos
★ National park encompassing several islands on the Rio Uruguay in the west of the country. It is home to a few pumas and wolves, as well as…
Fray Bentos
★ This riverside port facing Argentina, along the Uruguay River, is nationally recognized for its industrial heritage. Its industrial legacy…
La Paloma
★ A renowned seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, La Paloma is a popular spot for surfing.
Mercedes
★ It's a port city on the Rio Negro, not far from the mouth of the Rio de la Plata. It's not very touristy, even though its riverside ramblas…
Nueva Helvecia
★ This small town was founded by Swiss emigrants in the late 19th century. A modest tourism industry has developed locally around this theme.
Paysandú
★ It is the third-largest city in Uruguay. Located in the west of the country on the border with Argentina, it is separated from its neighbor…
Punta del Diablo
★ A small resort near Brazil, especially popular for surfing.
Salto
★ Uruguay’s second-largest city is located in the west of the country. There are plenty of hot springs and thermal baths around Salto.
Tacuarembó
★ In the north of the country, it's the city of gauchos and (perhaps) of Carlos Gardel.