Uruguay ranks third among the smallest states in South America. However, a European country like Belgium fits six times in its territory and Portugal, two.
If you travel beyond the cities of Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento, you’ll discover beautiful beaches, breathtaking countryside and wildlife in their natural habitat. It is a fantastic destination for couples as well as family with kids.
Below you will find the most beautiful places that you should take into account on your trip to Uruguay.
Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and it is located only 1 hour by plane from Buenos Aires. It is very common for both Argentines and foreigners to fly to Montevideo from Buenos Aires and spend a full day touring the city.
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, combines modernity and tradition. La Rambla (River Walk), which gives access to more than 30 km of coastline, is one of the main attractions of Montevideo and an unforgettable walk for its inhabitants who frequently come to drink mate and go for long walks. In addition, the large number of green spaces, parks and gardens also provide numerous outdoor options. Montevideo also has an extensive cultural scene. For example, its theatrical productions are remarkably extensive and varied, including classic, modern, and alternative shows. In its museums, cultural centers and exhibition halls it is possible to appreciate the art of a wide range of internationally recognized artists.
Montevideo also has some excellent open-air markets selling everything from books to jewelry and the occasional antique. The capital also has some excellent art stores displaying the country's vibrant art scene.
TIP: For lunch, head to Mercado del Puerto, (old maket opened in 1868), which is full of restaurants specializing in meats and fish. Try Uruguay’s national sandwich Chivito (Anthony Bourdain’s favorite sandwich). At its core, the chivito contains cheese, a thin steak, and ham on toasted bread. But the sandwich can include all sorts of ingredients, like bacon, lettuce, tomato, and olives. It can now also be ordered without the bun or even without meat.
Punta del Este (The Uruguayan Riviera)
Punta del Este is the epicenter of Uruguay’s beach scene. The city comprises 40 kilometers of coastline, from Portezuelo to Jose Ignacio. The main attraction of Punta del Este are the beautiful beaches, upscale resorts and restaurants with a laid-back vibe and locally sourced menus.
Gorlero Avenue is a shopping street famous for designer label and haute couture fashion. One of the most interesting attractions in Punta del Este is the sculpture in the shape of a hand. It is a landmark in the town and is a mandatory stop to take a selfie and meet friendly locals.
If you seek pristine beaches and good surfing conditions, head to Playa Brava, one of Punta de Este's finest shoreline attractions.
Jose Ignacio
The town of José Ignacio is a sleepy fishing enclave reborn as South American Hamptons. It only has around 200 permanent residents, however, during the summer months (December to early March) this small town comes alive. People come from far and wide to organize parties, enjoy the carnival and see concerts in the lighthouse. However, relaxation is always a priority and many argue that there is no better place in Uruguay to relax.
The most popular restaurant in the area is La Huella. Designed to look and feel like a boathouse, it’s also the hardest table to score in the busy months of January and February. And the best beachfront resort and spa to stay in Jose Ignacio is Playa Vik.
Time magazine chose Jose Ignacio as one of the 100 best destinations of 2021.
Laguna Garzon
On the Uruguayan Atlantic coast and on the border between the departments of Rocha and Maldonado is Laguna Garzón. A place with sandy beaches, wetlands, native forests, minor lagoons and grasslands.
In the past, Uruguay’s interior meant sheep, cows, and very little else. In recent years, however, wealthy Argentines and Brazilians, along with the odd Uruguayan and American, have hired local and international architectural firms to build boxy, Brutalist-inspired dachas with panoramic views overlooking Garzon Lagoon.
You can enjoy good surfing and even kitesurfing at Laguna Garzon. It is also an attractive place to visit during the winter months between July and the end of October, as the weather remains mild. You will share this little paradise with a lot less people and also right whales, which rest on the way to the peninsula of Valdes in Argentina.
Colonia del Sacramento
Just an hour from Buenos Aires by ferry, and two hours from Montevideo by road, the charming Colonia del Sacramento makes for a perfect day trip.
Originally founded by the Portuguese in the 1600s, the city passed between Portuguese and Spanish rule for decades, and the influence of both nations is apparent in the resulting colonial architecture and vibrant streetscapes. Today, visitors come to explore the cobblestone streets of the historic district which is now under UNESCO protection, ensuring it retains its old-world charm.
La Paloma
For its beauty and popularity La Paloma is one of the most emblematic seaside resorts in the department of Rocha. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, its main attractions are its magnificent beaches.
The reason is that beaches in La Paloma cater to all tastes, from the calm waters of the small bay, to the great waves of La Balconada, La Aguada or La Pedrera beaches. Inlets, rocky tips, large extensions of white and fine sand, high dunes, plain or deep waters and an endless natural diversity provide a place of preference for everyone in La Paloma.
Piriapolis
It is a seaside town, its main characteristic is that it was founded by an Italo-Uruguayan, the entrepreneur Francesco Piria, in fact it is precisely from this that its name derives. In addition to having founded it, Piria has been able to manage it with great success, for example by building the huge Hotel de los Argentinos with 1,200 beds and the railway that connects Piriápolis to Montevideo, thus making it the best seaside getaway.
There are basically two beaches, Playa San Francisco and Playa de Piriápolis. Both long, white and very lively, flanked by the Rambla, or the promenade, great for walking or cycling.
Also, there are hills that can be reached by panoramic chairlift to admire the entire coastline. Not to be missed in Piriápolis, is the home of Francesco Piria, a majestic Renaissance castle in which the museum dedicated to him has been built.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs in Uruguay are very popular among lovers of relaxation and well-being who can pamper themselves in large natural pools. The most popular thermal springs are the hot springs of Salto, Dayman, Arapey and the Horacio Quiroga Water Park.
As for precious stones, on the other hand, they can be found in every shape and color even walking through the streets of Salto, from amethyst to rose quartz.
National Park Cabo Polonio (Protected Area)
Cabo Polonio National Park is an area of great natural beauty which still retains typical features of the Uruguayan Atlantic coast from prior to the transformation process that began in the mid-twentieth century due to the expansion of the traditional urban tourism model.
This coastal marine area possesses a great diversity of natural environments that include sandy beaches, dunes, native coastal forest, small wetlands and islands. The most prominent feature –for its uniqueness- is the Cabo Polonio dune system, which is the most extensive remainder of a sandy strip that once stretched along our coast.
The Cabo Polonio National Park is home to several species which are priorities for the National System of Protected Areas, including endangered and threatened species.
It also includes sites which are key for the annual cycle of crustaceans of commercial interest (such as pink shrimp, marine shrimp and prawns), and for the breeding and feeding of over 47 species of fish. On its islands you can find almost half of the fur seal and sea lion populations of Uruguay, and its areas are used for the breeding of these species. The rocky area of Cabo Polonio is home to the country’s only continental settlement of fur seal and presents a unique opportunity to observe these animals up close.
Punta del Diablo (Protected Area)
This beach spot in Rocha is ideal for family holidays. Its beaches cater both for relaxation and recreation, as well as fishing or the most varied water sports.
Its main beach is usually known as the Desplayado and is a great center of attraction during the summer months. On the south beach, visitors can see the last vestiges of the fishing vessel Cathay, stranded in 1971. Further south the Barrancas de la Pedrera offers the walker an amazing combination of nature’s textures and colors.
La Rambla is the perfect place to share a fascinating full moon landscape or to observe the incredible procession of the whales in the winter months.
Laguna de Rocha
This lagoon is an extraordinary ecosystem that is home to fish, birds and mammals in a beautiful natural setting.
It is located along the northern stretch of the Uruguayan coast where it extends for 70 kilometers separated from the sea by a one kilometer wide strip of sand, but its peculiarity is the low depth of the seabed. It has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
The lagoon is always open and the visit is free, unless you want to buy a guided tour which is still preferable if you want to know more about what you are visiting. One of the most popular activities to practice in the Laguna de Rocha is bird watching!
Bear in mind that If you are thinking of traveling during the high season, you need to start booking your trip with at least 10-8 months in advance.
With one of the most diverse landscapes on the planet, Chile has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years, especially among nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here in this long and narrow nation on the west coast of South America, travelers will find a variety of impressive travel opportunities, from the high peaks of the Andes and endless beaches to lush temperate forests, ancient volcanoes and a spectacular coastline such as that. found at Cape Horn.
Chile also has magnificent national parks and conservation areas, which are ideal destinations for those who love hiking and trekking, as well as those who enjoy adventurous activities such as climbing, rafting, biking. mountain and horseback riding. .
To make sure you see the best points of interest in this incredible South American country, be sure to read our list of the best things to do in Chile.
Torres del Paine National Park
In this moment, Torres del Paine National park is an extremely popular destination. Located more than 62 miles north of the city of Puerto Natales in southern Patagonia, this area of incredible beauty encompasses mountains, glaciers and countless lakes and rivers.
The most important region of the park is the Cordillera del Paine, an area that marks the transition from the Patagonian steppe to the northern subpolar forests. Perhaps most notable of its many wonderful features are the 9,350 feet-high granite peaks of the Macizo Paine, which dominate this already impressive landscape.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with numerous well-marked trails, many of which offer overnight shelters with the basics needed for longer walks around the mountains. If you are planning more than just a day of hiking, professional guides are recommended and in some areas are a must.
One of the best guided treks of the park is the five-day W Trek, one of the best treks in Patagonia. This 45-mile route includes some of Patagonia's main landmarks, including the massive Gray Glacier and the Paine Grande Mountains.
The Atacama Desert and the Moon Valley
Some notable features of the Atacama Desert are the numerous caverns in the region, some with evidence of pictographs created by primitive man and where some of the oldest mummies in the world were found, preserved by the aridity of the area. The most famous of them, the Chinchorro mummies, are now exhibited in the archaeological museum of San Miguel de Azapa.
Also of interest is the Laguna Cejar sinkhole, famous for its turquoise waters.
The Valley of the Moon is located 8 miles west of San Pedro de Atacama in the extreme north of the country, near the border with Bolivia.
This rugged and inhospitable landscape in the heart of the Atacama Desert draws many visitors for its uncanny resemblance to the surface of the moon, an effect caused by the erosion of its sand and stone features by wind and water over countless millennia. Yet despite its remoteness, this strikingly beautiful landscape has sustained life for centuries, both human and numerous species of flora and fauna.
Among its most interesting features are the dry lake beds which are dazzling white from deposited salt and prone to producing fascinating natural saline outcrops.
Easter Island and Rapa Nui National Park
Despite being more than 2,174 miles from mainland Chile, this fascinating island with its remarkable stone sculptures remains the most recognizable attraction in the country.
Over 880 of these statues have been identified, known as Moai, created by the island's first Rapa Nui population, most of them now protected by the National Park National Park. The Island was declared an Unesco World Heritage Site.
In Rapa Nui there are the country’s best beaches including Anakena, a beautiful yet short stretch of white coral sand that's the perfect spot for a break from hiking.
Santiago: Chile's Cultural Capital
Santiago is not only the financial and business capital of Chile, it also serves as the country's cultural and entertainment center and is home to endless fun things to do, including its museums and art galleries, along with excellent shopping and dining.
Centrally located and the country's main transportation hub, Santiago is where most visitors begin their Chilean travels before heading to the Andes or other areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as Easter Island. The smartest travelers, though, will make time in their Chile travel itinerary to get to know Santiago.
Chilean Lake district
Stretching over 330 kilometers from Temuco to Puerto Montt, Chile's Lake District is worth exploring. This beautiful region of the Andean foothills boasts rich farmland at the base of its many snow-capped volcanoes, surrounded by thick forests and pristine lakes.
For adventure lovers, a typical Chilean Lake District itinerary includes endless possibilities for hiking and biking, fishing along with other fun activities like climbing a volcano; whitewater rafting; kayaking, canoeing; horse trips; and, if you visit during winter, skiing. Road trips to the region are also very popular and spectacular.
Valparaíso
Chile's third largest city, Valparaíso, sits between the sea and the coastal mountain range. It is a perfect city to visit from Santiago de Chile since they are 1 hour-drive away from each other. Valparaiso is popular due to its cobble stone streets, colorful houses, colonial architecture, its harbor and beaches.
Lauca National Park
Located in the extreme north of Chile, just 140 kilometers east of the city of Arica, Lauca National Park (Parque Nacional Lauca) covers an area of 1,300 square kilometers and made of of high plains and mountain ranges with an important presence of volcanoes.
Highlights include hikes around its many unspoiled mountain lakes, such as Cotacotani and Chungara, which reflect the surrounding landscape to stunning effect.
The park also features several important archaeological sites, as well as evidence of early European settlers who left their mark on the many old colonial buildings and churches in the region.
This national park is a dream destination for people who enjoy bird watching.
Pumalín Park
Pumalín Park has become one of the most important and popular conservation areas in Chile. Covering a vast area of more than 988,000 acres stretching from the Andes to the Pacific, the area boasts some of the most pristine coastlines and forests in the country and stands out for being almost entirely untouched by human development.
In addition to protecting the area's rich flora and fauna, including the Larch, the world's oldest tree species, the park, owned and operated by the US-based Conservation Land Trust, is easily accessible to visitors and offers one of the best experiences in the nature of the country.
Thanks to its extensive network of trails, campgrounds, and visitor facilities, Pumalín Park is a pleasure to explore, whether for a short nature hike or as part of a longer ecotourism adventure that includes a stay in cabin-style accommodations.
Los Pingüinos Natural Monument
As its name suggests, the monument is home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Chile, consisting of some 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins. Accessible only by guided boat tours, the islands of Marta and Magdalena are also home to large colonies of seals and sea lions. Another of Chile's important natural monuments is El Morado, an easy drive from Santiago and the site of the San Francisco Glacier and the 4,674-meter-high Cerro El Morado mountain.
The Humberstone and Santa Laura nitrate works
Situated near the northern port city of Iquique in the remote Pampa desert and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, this fascinating ghost town was once home to a bustling community.
For more than 60 years beginning in 1880, thousands of Chilean, Bolivian, and Peruvian workers worked in the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeters (Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeters), a hostile environment that included some 200 saltpeter mines. In the process, these workers formed a distinct culture and way of life that has been preserved here.
Although abandoned since 1960, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the harsh conditions these "pampinos" face, with many of the site's largest structures still standing and ready to be explored. Professional guides are recommended given the remoteness of the area and the severe climate.
Chiloé Island and Chiloé National Park
Located on the island of Chiloé, the second largest island in the country, the Chiloé National Park is worth adding to your travel itinerary. While not as rugged as most of the country's most impressive landscapes, the island of Chiloé is quite unique.
Chiloé National Park itself has become increasingly popular with tourists in recent years. The highlight of a visit to this area of exceptional natural beauty is the opportunity to observe wildlife as diverse as blue whales and dolphins (tourist excursions are available), and the large penguin farms at the nearby Islotes de Puñihuil Natural Monument. Available adventures include sea kayaking, hiking, and ecotourism.
Valle Nevado
Once a well-kept secret, the fact that Chile is home to some of the best skiing in the world is now common knowledge among skiers. By far the most popular ski area in South America, the tourist region of Valle Nevado (Valle Nevado) in the foothills of El Plomo de los Andes is well served by public transportation from the country's capital, Santiago, located just 46 kilometers west of the slopes. .
With mostly clear skies and heavy snow thanks to its high elevation (it's 3,000 meters above sea level and you can ski 112 days a year), the resort has 37 trails and 11 lifts, and is so popular with families as well as experienced skiers and snowboarders.
In addition to its three hotels, a variety of rental chalets and condos are available, suitable for short and long stays, and the resort also has eight restaurants. There is a snow school on-site, along with a ski shop and a tour company offering heli-skiing adventures. Other notable Chilean ski resorts close to Santiago include La Parva and El Colorado.
Mylodon Cave Natural Monument
As popular with tourists as with nature lovers, the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument (Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument) is located in the heart of Chile's Patagonia area, a short distance from Puerto Natales.
The highlights of this fascinating natural wonder, part of the popular End of the World Scenic Walk, include a series of easily accessible caves located around a formidable rock formation known as the Silla del Diablo (Devil's Chair).
The main cave, known as the Cave of the Milodon, was where, in 1895, the well-preserved remains of a prehistoric Mylodon were discovered (a tall statue of this extinct creature marks the site where the discovery was made), along with the remains of other ancient animals and even human bones.
This impressive cave is about 200 meters deep and is fun to explore. If you have time, take the signposted path that leads to the top of the cave, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the nearby Eberhard Fjord.
Other fun things to do include exploring the park's many other hiking trails, which include a series of raised tree-lined sections that are fun to hike.
Cochamó Valley
Known as the "Yosemite of Chile", Chile's beautiful Cochamó Valley region is a delightful area to explore. Located in the Los Lagos de los Andes region and named after the Cochamó River, is a region that, like Yosemite, has become extremely popular with hikers and climbers, the latter drawn here by the opportunity to tackle its many 1,000-meter granite walls.
Hikers, meanwhile, can choose from a variety of trails of varying degrees of difficulty, most of which lead directly to popular tourist spots, including the beautiful waterfalls that dot the region.
Besides the varied flora and fauna here, people are also drawn to great fly fishing.
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park
Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park sits in the heart of Chile's Lake District. Easily accessible from the city of Puerto Montt, the great tourist attraction here is the spectacular Saltos del Petrohué (Petrohué Falls).
Here, the fast-flowing Petrohué River plummets down a volcanic rock slide into Todos los Santos Lake, an especially impressive sight during the rainy season. After descending the falls and rapids, the water is deposited into the crystal clear lake, a popular spot for fishing and bird watching.
The area is also known for its diverse wildlife, including deer and cougars, as well as its hot springs. Add to this picture-perfect location a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes, and you've got the perfect selfie spot for that memory of your Chile vacation.
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Buenos Aires is a walking city and it’s great to explore on foot. The places to visit in Buenos Aires that we mention below are adored by adults and children alike. Let’s venture into Buenos Aires' diverse neighborhoods and its essential attractions.
Monserrat
The oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Monserrat was the site of the first Spanish settlers in 1580. Around the Plaza de Mayo lies important public buildings, churches, museums and the headquarters of the National government, Casa Rosada. Its famous balcony is where Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the masses during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
A must-visit is the Casa Rosada Museum which stands on the spot occupied by the original colonial fort of Buenos Aires. It explores the history of Argentina, from colonial times to the present, and houses the remains of the original walls of the former customs house, as well as an acclaimed mural created by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siquieros. The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday, and on public holidays, 10am - 6pm (last entry at 5,30pm). Free Entry.
A definite must is a visit to the famous “Grand Café Tortoni” on Avenida de Mayo. Order the churros and hot chocolate or just coffee.
La Boca
In the mid-nineteenth century, port activity grew and La Boca became a maritime district. Later, artists and bohemians came to live here, giving rise to this picturesque neighborhood, immortalized in the works of the artist Benito Quinquela Martín. The places to visit in La Boca are:
Caminito Street: Take a stroll through Buenos Aires' famously colorful street museum.
Fundacion Proa: a contemporary art gallery which puts on exhibitions, concerts and seminars. On Proa’s terrace there is a very nice cafe (breakfast and lunch every day) with a panoramic view of the neighborhood.
Club Atletico Boca Juniors Stadium. Boca Juniors Museum invites visitors to relive the passion and success of the historic club through a multimedia tour, together with souvenirs and trophies.
San Telmo
San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon admiring its colonial architecture, visiting art galleries, digging for treasures in an antique shop or watching locals dance tango.
Every Sunday, hundreds of stalls are set up along Calle Defensa and Plaza Dorrego. You can find bargains such as costume jewelry, handmade lace or copper pots. The stands spill out onto neighboring streets, so keep an eye out for a souvenir or two to take home.
MACBA ( Museum of Contemporary Art of Buenos Aires)
Opened in 2012, this is one of the newest museums in the city. It has an important collection of works from national and international contemporary artists. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum organizes special exhibitions, events and educational workshops.
San Nicolas
Often known as El Centro, San Nicolás is home to a large part of Buenos Aires' financial district. With important streets such as Avenida 9 de Julio, Avenida Corrientes and Florida running through it, San Nicolas is a constantly lively neighborhood and offers many interesting attractions for visitors.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THIS NEIGBORHOOD:
Colon Opera House: It is considered one of the best opera houses in the world and is renowned for its acoustics and architecture. There are daily tours and you need the tickets in advance.
Corrientes Avenue
Along this avenue are the largest number of bookstores, theaters, pizzerias and cafes in the city. Many of the cafés have been officially named ‘notable bars’, given their history, architecture or local significance, forming part of the city’s cultural heritage.
Come to Calle Corrientes and order a slice of pizza at Pizzeria Guerrin. It is regarded as one of the best traditional Pizzerias in Buenos Aires, and definitely lives up to its reputation.
Other great pizzerias of the neighborhood are Las Cuartetas, Los Inmortales, El Cuartito and Pizza Piola.
TIP: If you have time, visit both sides of the National Park. Over the Brazilian side you will enjoy jaw-dropping panoramic views of the falls. While on the Argentine side, you can literally walk into the heart of the falls and have the best frontal view of the “Devil’s Throat”, the largest jump in the Iguazu Falls.
Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is the revived warehouse district and one of the most popular and expensive neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Its red-brick docks, formerly warehouses, are now modern offices, hotel and residences which contrast to the architecture of the angular and fluid high-rise buildings across the waterway. Running the entire length of the four docks, this is one of the most exclusive dining scenes, in a unique setting along the city’s waterfront.
Te best place in Puerto Madero to visit is the 864-acre ecological reserve that sits between the high rises in Puerto Madero and the Rio de la Plata. It’s a very popular weekend spot for birdwatchers, walkers and cyclists. Very well-maintained trails wend their way through the reserve and lead eventually to the waterfront.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PUERTO MADERO ARE:
• Puente de la Mujer ( Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava)
• Micaela Bastidas Park • Ecological Reserve • Fortabat Art Collection
Visit Kayla restaurant located on the 31st floor of the exclusive Alvear Icon Hotel for contemporary Argentine cuisine and for dazzling views of the capital’s skyline.
Palermo
Palermo is the largest neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Informally it is divided into several areas and for this reason you will hear about Palermo Soho, Hollywood, Palermo Chico, Palermo Parks or others. Two good ways to get around them are on foot or by bicycle.
Parks you should not miss are: “3 de Febrero Park” and “the Rose Garden”, “the Botanical Garden”, “the Japanese Garden” and “the Ecopark”. There is no better place in the city for lovers of the green and the outdoors. All the parks can be covered in one day and are very close to each other.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN PALERMO ARE:
• MALBA Museum (Large collection of Modern Latin American Art) • Evita Museum
• Galileo Galilei Planetarium
• Plaza Cortazar
• Palermo Soho: for street art, murals, graffitis and shopping.
• Palermo Polo Fields: Polo lovers will be instantly delighted when they arrive at The Cathedral of Polo which hosts the best polo in the world. The highlight of the year is the annual Argentine Open polo tournament, which takes place in late spring (November - December).
Recoleta
Recoleta is my favorite neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Recoleta concentrates large palaces and mansions of European styles, historic buildings, luxury hotels, restaurants and beautiful parks that make this area one of the most sophisticated and beautiful districts in the city. Architecture lovers, particularly of neoclassicism and Art Nouveau, will not want to miss this neighborhood.
PLACES TO VISIT IN RECOLETA
• Alvear Avenue
• National Museum of Fine Arts
• Plaza Francia
• Recoleta Cemetery
Enjoy lunch or just a coffee at La Biela café, the favorite meeting place for Portenos (Buenos Aires citizens). The outdoor cafe fills with locals and tourists alike, and it a great place to enjoy the good weather and watch the people go by. A must!!