🇺🇾 Uruguay
I spent a month in Uruguay in August 2025, mainly in Montevideo, with visits to Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento. I enjoyed the relaxed pace, café culture and feeling of safety, but found it expensive and less exciting than Brazil or Argentina. This guide draws on my five dedicated Uruguay videos, with relevant cross-country experiences kept in context.
Country overview
Entry & Visas+
Money & Currency+
Travel Insurance+
- I recommend travel insurance even where it is not an entry requirement. Uruguay's Health Ministry says the earlier compulsory health-cover requirement was removed on 16 June 2023; I found no verified reinstatement to report.
- Check your policy's medical treatment, evacuation, activities, exclusions and eligibility before buying. The SafetyWing link below is my affiliate link.
Transport Overview+
Culture & Etiquette+
Safety Overview+
My Source Videos+
Destinations
Montevideo›
I enjoyed Montevideo's historic streets, cafés, markets, football history and coastal walks. It felt calm and comfortable in the areas I explored, though I would choose Buenos Aires if I had time for only one of the two capitals.
Highlights+
Getting There+
Getting Around+
Where to Stay+
Food & Drink+
Nightlife+
Money & Costs+
Practical Tips+
Safety Notes+
My Videos+
Punta del Este›
The 'Miami of South America' felt very quiet when I visited in August 2025. I liked the clear winter days and walkability, but this is a seasonal resort: prices and atmosphere can change dramatically in summer.
Highlights+
Getting There+
Getting Around+
Where to Stay+
Food & Drink+
Nightlife+
Practical Tips+
Safety Notes+
My Videos+
Colonia del Sacramento›
I stayed two nights in Colonia del Sacramento after travelling from Montevideo. Its old town is pretty, but I found it too small and expensive to justify the popular Buenos Aires day trip. This destination comes from my cross-country videos, not a dedicated Colonia script.