Popular Destinations in Uruguay
Montevideo
The capital city of Uruguay, Montevideo is home to almost half of its
population. Located along the Montevideo Bay, the city is famous for its
40-day Carnival, the longest in the world. Montevideo has some incredible
beaches, Pocitos Beach, and Carretas Beach are popular among sunbathers,
swimmers, kayakers, and windsurfers during the high season. The city’s
historic city center Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) boasts several colonial era
homes, art deco buildings, and landmarks such as Palacio Salvo, Palacio
Taranco, Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, and Solis Theatre. Beauty of
contemporary blends seamlessly with colonial heritage in Montevideo. To get
a feel of the street life of Montevideo, visitors can explore many parks
and public spaces, and walk along the extensive La Rambla promenade. The
waterfront La Rambla offers excellent views and is ideal for biking and
fishing. Some of the major attractions in Montevideo are Palacio
Legislativo, National History Museum, Plaza Independencia, Gateway of the
Citadel, Fortaleza del Cerro, Mausoleo de Artigas, Pittamiglio Castle,
Museum of Indigenous Art, and National Museum of Visual Arts.
Punta del Este
Punta del Este is a resort city located on the Atlantic Coast in the
Maldonado Department of southeastern Uruguay. The upscale beach town is one
of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and known for its
casinos and wide variety of beaches. Casino Nogaro is the top casino in
Punta del Este. Visitors come here in swarms to enjoy beautiful beaches,
the city is perfect for those who are in quest of woodlands, sunshine,
clear waters, white sand, and much glamour. On the western side of the
city, the beaches are overflowing with nightclubs and restaurants. La Barra
and Bikini beaches are frequented by party enthusiasts while Pinares and
Las Delicias beaches are quiet. On the eastern side, waves and currents are
rougher and the beaches on this side remain flocked with surfers. Brava
Beach with its big waves is ideal for surfing, while Mansa Beach’s calm
waters invite swimmers. Popular attractions in Punta del Este are La Mano
en la Arena, Casa Pueblo, Museum Ralli, Church of Our Lady of Candelaria,
Aqua Splash Park, Museum of the Sea, Cathedral of Saint Ferdinand of
Maldonado, and Museum of American Art.
Salto
Located on the banks of the Río Uruguay, on the border with Argentina,
Salto is known for its amazing hot springs. The Salto Grande Hot Springs
and the Horacio Quiroga Complex, Dayman Hot Springs, and Arapey Thermal
Park are not to be missed while here. Other than hot springs, the Salto Zoo
is also a major tourist attraction, enthralling visitors with over 150
different species of animals and birds. Other notable points of interest in
Salto are Salto Grande Dam, Las Cavas Beach, Salto Shopping Center, Lake
Salto Grande, Museo del Hombre y la Tecnologia, Plaza Artigas, and Parque
Harriague.