What to See in Uruguay: The Ultimate Escapist Getaway

23 May 2026

You will feel an imminent, rugged, and pristine peace even before you ask yourself what to see in Uruguay, what to do, where to stay, and what to eat there. A horde of calm, an escapist journey, and even a place where, perhaps, you might want to stay for a while, travel every summer, or perhaps retire; that is what this Latin American country located in the southern part of the neighboring continent offers.

With a population of 3.5 million people and must-see places such as José Ignacio, Montevideo, Punta del Este, Cabo Polonio and Colonia del Sacramento, its gastronomy, its postcards, its people, its sea and its wineries are what make Uruguay a pleasant surprise if you decide to embark on a journey to the eastern lands.

To one of the countries that for a long stretch had remained shrouded in secrecy, hidden beneath a mantle of supremacy, or whose beauty had been relegated by that of other territories such as Argentina or Brazil, there too lie majestic and idyllic landscapes.

Plaza Independencia, Montevideo.

Until you decide to turn the helm of your travels and begin exploring a different territory, one that overflows with serenity at its peak and an unmistakable charm that resides in its stillness.

Don’t limit yourself to visiting only one destination in Uruguay; that would be a total waste. Rent a car and set out to travel it in its entirety, from north to south, from east to west, and through all its nooks and crannies. You’ll encounter an unimaginable gastronomic scene, historic quarters, wineries, beaches with crystal-clear waters, and sunsets that could rival the famed Greek island sunsets.

What to See in Colonia del Sacramento

There is nothing like starting by immersing yourself in this picturesque town perched on the banks of the Río de La Plata, teeming with cobblestone lanes, old lampposts, small inns, and a supremely romantic atmosphere. Its historic quarter, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, stands as one of the must-see stops on a visit to Colonia del Sacramento.

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.

Aoife Brennan

I write about culture, gastronomy, and lifestyle with a deep interest in the places, people, and traditions that shape how we live. I am drawn to stories that feel thoughtful, vivid, and rooted in real experience, whether they begin in a gallery, around a table, or in the rhythm of everyday life.