Uruguay
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- South America
- Capital
- Montevideo
- Population
- 3.4 million (2025)
- Area
- 181,034 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Uruguayan peso (UYU)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +598
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
Uruguay is a small country between Argentina and Brazil, known for its beaches, rolling grasslands and liberal politics.
History
Uruguay won independence in 1825 after struggles involving Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Brazil.
Food & culture
Chivito (a steak sandwich), asado and mate tea are national institutions.
Wildlife
Southern right whales pass the coast between July and November, and sea lions live on Isla de Lobos.
Festivals & events
Uruguay's Carnival lasts around 40 days, making it one of the longest in the world.
Things to see
Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, Punta del Este and Cabo Polonio.
Interesting facts
Uruguay hosted and won the first FIFA World Cup in 1930.
City guides
- MontevideoCapital city
- Colonia del SacramentoCobbled colonial town on the river
- Punta del EsteUruguay's glamorous beach resort
Cities & towns I’ve visited
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uruguay
1 of 3 visited. See every site I've been to.
- Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento 1995
- Church of Cristo Obrero y Nuestra Señora de Lourdes 2021
- Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape 2015
My photos from Uruguay
January 2016 Overlanding South America - Tucan
Whole trip gallery
Plan your trip to Uruguay
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
