1. Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and is the liveliest destination of Uruguay, it is termed as the sister of Bueno Aires of South America. It shows a touch of European culture mixed with Porteno culture. Some of the most popular tourist destinations of the country are in Montevideo. You’ll witness many Spanish-Italian style churches, museums, and theaters over here.
2. The Rocha Coast
The Rocha Coast is home to some of the beautiful beaches in Uruguay. La Pedara is a famous spot for surfers. Rocha is a cheaper alternative to the Punta del Este beach but it is equally beautiful. It depicts the classic countryside appeal of Uruguay by maintaining its down to earth society and not developing it as a full fledged tourist destination.
3. Colonia del Sacramento
Various attractions in Colonia del Sacramento are part of UNESCO world heritage sites. With its churches, museums, old houses, cobbled streets, rivers, it becomes an amazing tourist destination. You can visit Colonia through a boat ride from Bruno Ares. Colonia is not just about history, with its bars, nightlife, and restaurants, it is enough to attract a flock of tourists towards itself.
4. Punta del Este
Punta del Este is one of those spots that is frequently visited by Brazilians on cruise ships. It’s a luxurious resort town and the reason of its immense popularity are its beaches, nightlife and sun. Its beaches are some of the most well-known in South America. In the Christmas holidays to the month of February, this town becomes jam packed with tourists making it difficult to book a room or even a table at a restaurant
5. Punta del Diablo
Punta del Diablo takes you on a journey which involves a small town and an awesome beach. It’s a town with no more than 100 people living here, with no fancy buildings and brands, yet it blooms with 1000s of tourists in the summer time. This fishing village is a fabulous destination for the young and old alike because it remains to this day untouched by consumerism.
6. Plaza Independencia
Plaza Independencia is one of the monumental landmarks of Uruguay. It possesses immense architectural creativity which makes a person searching for words to describe it. The statue of General Artigas who is considered the father of the nation in it further adds to its splendor. It gives a glance of the old and the new Uruguay.
7. Ciudad Vieja
Enter a city where you’ll find iron gates and street lamps which will remind you of archaic colonial architecture. This city is located in Montevideo. It’s bustling with people in the daytime however you should exercise some caution at nighttime. The art galleries in this city have a lot to say about Uruguay’s past and culture. Ciudad Vieja actually means the ‘old city’.
Have you been to Uruguay? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.
Photo Credits: Montevideo by Avodrocc/ Punta del Diablo by Vince Alongi/ Colonia del Sacramento by pviojo/ Punta del Este by ilkerender/ Plaza Independencia by j.o.h.n. walker/ Ciudad Vieja by Avodrocc