The capital
Almost every trip begins in Montevideo, a relaxed capital wrapped around a long waterfront promenade, the rambla. Give it two or three days: the Ciudad Vieja, the Mercado del Puerto, the Teatro Solís, the beaches of Pocitos and a candombe drum procession in Barrio Sur or Palermo.
The colonial old town
Colonia del Sacramento sits on the Río de la Plata facing Buenos Aires. Its cobbled Barrio Histórico is a UNESCO World Heritage site, best enjoyed overnight once the day trippers have left. Nearby Carmelo and the vineyards around it make a gentle add on.
The summer coast
East of Montevideo, Punta del Este is the country's most famous resort, with calm bay beaches on one side and Atlantic surf on the other. Close by, José Ignacio and the hills around Garzón offer a quieter, more design minded take on summer.
The wild east
Further along, the Rocha coast is Uruguay at its most untamed: the roadless village of Cabo Polonio, surf town Punta del Diablo, lagoons, dunes, sea lions and, in spring, whales offshore.
The interior and the north
Inland, Uruguay is rolling grassland, cattle ranches and small towns. Salto on the Río Uruguay is the base for the country's hot springs, which make a fine winter escape.
Putting it together
A week works for Montevideo, Colonia and Punta del Este. With ten days, add the Rocha coast. With two weeks, add Salto or a night on an estancia. Our places to visit list and the free trip planner will help you shape the route.