Why visit
Uruguay is calm, coastal, and easy to travel: Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento, Atlantic beaches, wine country, and gaucho estancia stays. It works especially well as a slower counterpoint to Argentina or southern Brazil.
Country - South America
Uruguay
beachfoodculture
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Uruguay works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Montevideo as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Uruguay.
At a glance
Location
-33.0°, -56.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
181,034 km²
69,898 mi²
Country population
3.4 million
19/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
Uruguayan peso ($)
UYU
Dial
+598
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Uruguayan
Internet
.uy
UN
Member state
ISO code
UY / URY
Where in the world
-33.0° - -56.0°
Uruguay
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Uruguay was the first country to legalize marijuana nationwide (2013) and has one of the world's most liberal abortion laws.
- Uruguayans drink more mate (yerba mate infusion) per capita than anywhere else: about 8 kg per person per year.
- Uruguay hosted and won the first FIFA World Cup in 1930.
Bordering Uruguay
Traveler notes
- Colonia del Sacramento is UNESCO-listed and an easy ferry trip from Buenos Aires
- Punta del Este is the summer resort flagship
- Tannat is Uruguay's signature red wine grape
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Montevideo, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Uruguay
What is the capital of Uruguay?
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay.
What currency does Uruguay use?
Uruguay uses the Uruguayan peso ($), ISO code UYU.
What languages are spoken in Uruguay?
The primary language is Spanish.
Is Uruguay landlocked?
No, Uruguay has a coastline.
What countries border Uruguay?
Uruguay borders Argentina, Brazil.
What is the international calling code for Uruguay?
The calling code is +598.
When is the best time to visit Uruguay?
Nov–Mar. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other South America destinations
Peru
Peru is Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco's Inca + colonial layers, Amazon jungle at Puerto Maldonado, Lima's Michelin-listed food, and the Nazca Lines.
Suriname
Suriname combines Paramaribo's wooden architecture, rainforest rivers, former plantation routes, and Maroon, Javanese, Hindustani, Indigenous, Dutch, and Creole cultures. It is one of South America's most culturally distinctive small countries.
Venezuela
Venezuela has some of South America's greatest landscapes: Angel Falls, Canaima, Los Roques, the Andes, Llanos wetlands, and Caribbean coast. Current access and services vary widely, so planning needs up-to-date local guidance.
Cartagena
Cartagena is a UNESCO Spanish colonial walled city on the Caribbean. Ciudad Amurallada's plazas, Getsemaní's street art, Rosario Islands day-trips, and Colombian-Caribbean food.
Cusco
Cusco is the former Inca capital at 3,400 m. San Blas artisan district, Sacsayhuamán ruins above the city, Sacred Valley below, and the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Arequipa
Arequipa is the White City carved from volcanic stone, Santa Catalina Monastery (a city within a city), and the Colca Canyon condor viewpoints two hours out.