The Complete Uruguay Travel Guide for Couples: Where to Stay & Things to Do

South America's second smallest country, Uruguay, is often overshadowed by its neighbors, Brazil and Argentina, but it deserves more attention. Uruguay travel promises incredible experiences ranging from relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Punta del Este and José Ignacio to wine tasting in the hills and attending a traditional asado, a kind of barbecue also common in Argentina.

Sometimes dubbed "the Switzerland of South America," Uruguay is known for being stable, both politically and economically, and is one of Latin America's more progressive societies. The best places to visit in Uruguay include Punta del Este and the nearby beach town of José Ignacio, and the tiny town of Garzón, which is home to a restaurant by one of the world's best chefs. Use this guide to plan your own Uruguay honeymoon, romantic couples trip, or anniversary trip.

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Uruguay Travel Tips in this Article:

• The Best Time to Travel to Uruguay
• Uruguay Travel Tips
• Best Places to Visit in Uruguay
• Things to Do in Uruguay
• The Best Uruguay Resorts and Hotels
• What to Pack for a Uruguay Vacation

The Best Time to Travel to Uruguay

Spring and summer in the southern hemisphere, which runs roughly from October through March, is the ideal time to visit Uruguay, especially if you're looking to escape the cold northern hemisphere's winter. Uruguay also has the world's longest-running Carnival season, extending from January through March. Expect a festive atmosphere during this period, but also higher prices for flights and accommodations.

Uruguay Travel Tips

Uruguay is generally a safe destination, especially in coastal resort areas. You should exercise a reasonable amount of caution in urban areas like Montevideo. There are direct flights from Miami to Montevideo, but if you're coming from another U.S. city, you'll probably have a stopover in Miami or somewhere in Latin America.

Depending on where you plan to go, you might want to rent a car. In Montevideo, public buses, taxis, and Uber make it easy to get around. In Punta del Este, buses run less frequently and don't stop at all attractions, so Uber is your best bet if you don't want to drive.

Locals generally drink tap water, but the country is currently experiencing a water crisis following three years of drought, resulting in tap water with a repulsive taste and possible health consequences, so it's best to stick to bottled water.

The official language is Spanish and the currency is the Uruguayan peso. Uruguay is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. The country does not observe daylight savings time.

Best Places to Visit in Uruguay

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The perfect Uruguay travel itinerary includes the beach of the Atlantic Coast and a bit of the countryside, where you can go wine tasting and enjoy spectacular cuisine.

Punta Del Este

Sometimes called the Hamptons of South America, Punta Del Este is an important beach town on the Uruguayan coast. In the summer, it draws crowds of people, especially Uruguayans and Argentinians.

José Ignacio

As Punta Del Este has developed over the last few decades, savvy jetsetters are heading to the little beach town of José Ignacio instead. A bit more bohemian, it has beaches protected by sand dunes, low-slung modern homes owned by the rich and famous, buzzy restaurants, some very design-forward shops, and sleek art-filled hotels.

Garzón

The tiny town of Garzón, about half an hour north of José Ignacio, is a must-visit destination for foodies and oenophiles. The town is home to a restaurant by famed Argentine chef Francis Mallmann and an award-winning winery. It's also beginning to attract artists and art collectors, who are setting up galleries and organizing festivals.

Things to Do in Uruguay

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Whether you and your spouse are art lovers, foodies, beach bums, or love sports like golf and polo, there are lots of things to do in Uruguay. Couples will find plenty of bonding experiences and excursions like wine tasting, horseback riding, and admiring contemporary art.

Casapueblo (Museo Taller de Casapueblo)

Looking at this fantastical building, you might think it looks like something dreamt up by the famed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí after a visit to the Greek islands. But actually, it was created as the home and studio of Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, who had a unique vision. Head inside to see the artist's work and admire the beautiful ocean views from the terrace.

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The Hand of Punta Del Este (Mano de Punta del Este)

A giant set of fingers poking up from the sand of Playa Brava is a must-see spot for photos in Punta Del Este. The sculpture was made by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal in 1982 and has become a symbol of the city.

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Have Lunch on the Beach at Parador La Huella

Set on wooden decks right on the beach in José Ignacio, this restaurant is the laid-back yet chic beachside restaurant of your dreams. The menu prominently features grilled seafood and meat, but you'll also find ceviche and sushi. Be sure to book a table in advance as this place is extremely popular in the summer.

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Visit the Lighthouse of José Ignacio

After lunch at La Huella, take a walk down the beach toward the lighthouse built in 1877. Nearby you'll find boho-chic shops selling beach clothes and other artisanal goods.

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Wine Tasting at Bodega Garzón

About a half hour inland, this award-winning winery produces wines made with local varietals like Tannat as well as international varietals like Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Albariño, and Sauvignon Blanc. You can tour the vineyards and learn all about this visionary, sustainable winery on a guided tour and tasting.

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Have a Romantic Dinner at Restaurante Garzón

After running a restaurant in José Ignacio for 30 years, Argentine chef Francis Mallmann, of Chef's Table fame, thought the town was getting too crowded, so he decided to set up shop in the little village of Garzón instead. Located on a quiet street where you might spot horses grazing, the restaurant is housed in a former general store and has a cozy, romantic atmosphere, with antique wooden furniture, copper pots hanging in the kitchen, and candles flickering in the evenings.

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Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Atchugarry (MACA)

Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry recently opened Uruguay's first true contemporary art museum near Punta Del Este. Spread out over more than 100 acres and designed by renowned Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, the museum and sculpture park exhibits work by groundbreaking artists like Frank Stella, Louise Nevelson, and Gonzalo Fonseca.

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The Best Uruguay Resorts and Hotels

Bahia Vik

Bahia Vik, José Ignacio

At this intimate boutique hotel, art is everywhere. Owners Alex and Carrie Vik collaborate with contemporary artists for all the hotels in their Vik Retreats collection, so each of the 49 rooms is completely unique and the main building features an epic ceiling mural by Uruguayan artist Carlos Musso. For extra privacy, book one of the beach bungalows and you can walk over the dunes to reach the beach, which is especially enchanting at sunset.

Ruta 10, 20402 Faro de José Ignacio, Uruguay

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Playa Vik, José Ignacio

The Viks' first hotel is still as striking as ever. Housed in a modernist glass building by Carlos Ott, it offers fantastic views of the beach outside and contemporary art inside. It's the perfect place to relax by the pool during the day and enjoy a drink by the fireplace in the evening.

Calle los Cisnes esq. Los Horneros s/n, José Ignacio, Uruguay

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Restaurante & Hotel Garzón

For a full immersion into Francis Mallmann's world, you can check into one of just five rooms above his restaurant in Garzón. Each room is decorated in a charming old-world style and features a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Breakfast is included and guests can enjoy the garden and swimming pool and borrow bicycles to explore the area.

Costa José Ignacio y, 20401 Garzón, Uruguay

Estancia Vik, José Ignacio

Located about a 15-minute drive from the beach, this member of Vik Retreats was inspired by Uruguay's traditional gaucho culture. It sits on 4,000 acres of land, where guests can go horseback riding or take a polo lesson. The restaurant, El Asador, is the place to experience a traditional asado with all kinds of grilled meats paired with chimichurri and sides like roasted potatoes.

Cam. Eugenio Saiz Martinez Km 8, 20402 Faro de José Ignacio, Uruguay

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Posada Ayana, José Ignacio

Opened in 2021 by Austrian art collectors Robert and Edda Koffler, this buzzy resort made headlines for having Uruguay's first skyspace by legendary artist James Turrell. Guests staying here get exclusive access to the installation's sunrise light show. But that's not the only reason to stay here—there's also the green marble infinity pool, the chic design, excellent service, and delicious food and drinks.

Paseo del Marinero, 20402 José Ignacio, Uruguay

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What to Pack for a Uruguay Vacation

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Even if you're traveling to Uruguay in summer, you should pack some layers because the temperature cools off at night and the breeze coming off the Atlantic can make evenings feel especially chilly. Other than that, pack the swimsuits and chic beach attire you would bring on a trip to the Hamptons. Be sure to also bring comfortable sneakers and athletic attire if you plan to go horseback riding, hiking, or take a polo lesson.