Uruguay 4 Day Itinerary

Here’s a 4-day itinerary for traveling in Uruguay:

Day 1: Arrival in Montevideo

  • Morning: Arrive at Carrasco International Airport. After clearing immigration and customs, take a taxi or bus (a 30-minute ride) to your hotel in the city.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Old City (Ciudad Vieja), a historic neighborhood with beautiful architecture that reflects Uruguay’s European heritage. It includes the Independence Square, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo building.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of Montevideo’s many restaurants. The Port Market (Mercado del Puerto) is a good place to find a variety of food options.

Day 2: Punta del Este

  • Morning: Take a day trip from Montevideo to Punta del Este, Uruguay’s most popular beach resort town. It offers beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Visit the scenic coastal walkway that runs along the coast of Punta del Este and enjoy some swimming or sunbathing on the beach.
  • Evening: Return to Montevideo.

Day 3: Colonia del Sacramento

  • Morning: Take a ferry from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento, one of Uruguay’s most picturesque towns. The old town is known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic neighborhood on foot or by bike.
  • Evening: Return to Montevideo.

Day 4: Montevideo

  • Morning: Visit the Museum of Modern Art, one of Uruguay’s leading art museums. It features a collection of modern Uruguayan and international art.
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll through the Parque Prado, which is located adjacent to the museum and offers beautiful gardens and lakeside walks.

Visa Requirements

Uruguay has an open immigration policy, making it relatively easy for tourists from most countries to enter. However, some nationalities are exempt from visa requirements due to Uruguay’s participation in a group of South American nations known as MERCOSUR. These include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Venezuela.

Transportation

  • By Air: The most convenient way to get into Montevideo is by flying directly into Carrasco International Airport (MVD).
  • By Bus: Several bus companies operate daily services between cities in Uruguay.
  • By Car: Rent a car if you want to explore the countryside or visit places not easily reached by public transport.

Safety

Uruguay is generally considered one of the safest countries in South America. However, as with any travel destination, it’s advisable to take normal precautions against petty theft and street crime.

Currency

The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). The US dollar is widely accepted, especially among tourists, but you might find some businesses that only accept pesos.

Weather

Uruguay has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summer runs from December to February, while winter runs from June to August. Spring and autumn are mild periods in between the two main seasons of the year.

This itinerary should provide a good overview of Uruguay’s capital city and one of its most popular tourist destinations. Enjoy your trip!