- Montevideo: Explore the vibrant capital city of Uruguay, known for its beautiful coastline, historic architecture, and lively cultural scene.
- Punta del Este: Visit this glamorous seaside resort town, famous for its stunning beaches, upscale resorts, and vibrant nightlife.
- Colonia del Sacramento: Discover the charming colonial town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and picturesque waterfront.
- La Paloma: Relax on the pristine beaches of La Paloma, a popular coastal town known for its surfing spots, sand dunes, and laid-back atmosphere.
- Cabo Polonio: Experience the unique and secluded village of Cabo Polonio, located in a nature reserve. Enjoy its rustic charm, sandy beaches, and the opportunity to spot sea lions and other wildlife.
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Backpacking Uruguay in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Uruguay with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Uruguay
Welcome to Uruguay, a charming blend of colonial history, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities. Pros? Explore historic cobblestone streets, indulge in beachside tranquility, and experience the welcoming culture. Uruguay offers safety, excellent public transportation, and a more relaxed pace. However, compared to other South American destinations, it might be slightly more expensive. For the backpacker seeking a peaceful escape with a touch of adventure, Uruguay's unique mix of history, natural beauty, and laid-back atmosphere make it a distinctive choice, promising an authentic experience in the heart of South America.
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Uruguay
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Uruguay
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Uruguay
The best time to visit Uruguay for backpacking is during the spring and autumn seasons, which are from September to November and March to May, respectively. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This makes it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural beauty.
Additionally, visiting during these shoulder seasons allows you to avoid the peak tourist crowds and higher prices that are common during the summer months (December to February). It also provides a great opportunity to experience local festivals and cultural events that take place during these times.
Additionally, visiting during these shoulder seasons allows you to avoid the peak tourist crowds and higher prices that are common during the summer months (December to February). It also provides a great opportunity to experience local festivals and cultural events that take place during these times.
Risk level: low (17%)Safety advice for Uruguay
- Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs in Uruguay, especially in Montevideo. Avoid using ATMs on the street.
- Thieves often target cars stopped at traffic lights. Lock doors and keep windows up, even when moving. Don't leave valuables in your vehicle.
- During summer (December to March), thieves target resort areas such as Punta del Este. Crime hotspots in Montevideo include Plaza Independencia, La Ciudad Vieja and Avenida 18 de Julio. Avoid the Cerro neighbourhood. Don't walk alone in the downtown and port areas.
- Avoid lower socioeconomic urban areas where crime is more likely to occur and foreigners could be targeted.
- Protests can turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings.
- Floods may cause transport disruptions. Check weather forecasts before you travel.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
UruguayMy tips to get you on the way!Does Uruguay sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Uruguay. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Uruguay may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Uruguay. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Uruguay may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Uruguay, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Uruguay, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024