Travel to Uruguay

Travel Guide, Tourism Information, History, Geography, Government and Culture

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TRAVEL BY AIR

Carrasco International Airport. Most of the main commercial airlines of the world reach this airport. It has connections to Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and San Paulo, and direct flights to the United States and Europe.
Punta del Este also has an international airport.
Montevideo is only 20 minutes flight from Buenos Aires.

TRAVEL BY ROAD

From Paraguay
From Asunción or Ciudad del Este, southwards passing by Resistencia - Corrientes – Argentina (Highway 123) or through Encarnación - Posadas (Highway 14), to reach Uruguayana (Brazil) and Bella Unión. From this location, Highway 3 crosses Uruguay from north to south.


From Argentina
Puerto Unzué is the point where Highways 9, 12 and 14, meet and here the General San Martín International bridge should be crossed to Fray Bentos, in the Department of Río Negro (Uruguay). From there, Highway 2 crosses the Departments of Soriano and Colonia,, where it joins Highway 1, leading directly to Montevideo.
Argentina Highway 14 provides access to the city of Colon, linked to Paysandú ( Uruguay) by the General Artigas international bridge.
To the south, Highway 3 also joins Highway 1 . The route is the same if entry in made through Concordia, taking Argentine Highway 14, crossing the Salto Grande dam at the Uruguayan city of Salto.


From Brazil
Entry through the cities of Rivera ( in the north) or Chuy ( in the east).
BR 158 ends in the twin cities of Rivera – Livramento, 512 km to the north of Montevideo and it is directly connected to the Highway 5 of Uruguay.
Brazilian highway BR471 reaches Chuy and connects with Highway 9 straight to Montevideo, driving along the eastern coast of the country.


TRAVEL BY RIVER OR SEA
Private boats and vessels may reach the ports of Montevideo, Colonia, Carmelo, Piriápolis or Punta del Este directly. There are also ferry lines that make it possible to ship automobiles.



Rent a Car in Uruguay

Rent a Car in Uruguay

Cars and Vans

Category Comodidades
x day (U$S)
A
.VW Gol 2 Puertas Standard sin aire
25,oo
.Hyundai Atos 4 Puertas sin aire
B
.VW GOL 2 Puertas Aire Acondicionado
30,oo
.VW GOL 4 Puertas Standard
.Hyundai Atos Aire Acondicionado
.Fiat Palio Diesel
C
.VW GOL 4 Puertas Semifull
40,oo
.VW GOL ParaTi Semifull
.Hyundai Accent Standard
.Fiat Siena Diesel
D
.Hyundai Elantra Full Equipe
50,oo
.Chevrolet Astra Standard
.VW Polo Full
E
.Chevrolet Vectra Full
60,oo
.Hyundai Elantra Wagon
F
.Hyundai Sonata Full Automatico
80,oo
.Chevrolet Astra Full Equipe
.Hyundai Minibus 11 Pasajeros
Incluye: Kilometraje libre - seguros con cobertura total, con deducible desde:
u$s 1000 para CAT A, B, C
u$s 1600 para CAT D y E
u$s 2000 para CAT F
Silla de bebé cuando la precise
Tanque lleno si así se solicita

Others

.Horses
.Bikes



Uruguay Hotels

Uruguay Hotels

Hotels

.Montevideo
.Punta del Este
.Colonia

(for more information contact us > click here )


Touristic Estancias

Wonderfultour with multiple options, from a complete day with “Asado criollo” and paseos by the fields, to a stay colonial cascos of Estancias of the 18th century with all the services included.
Trip in volanta, carretas or horses and the oportuinity of see and participate of the traditional rural duties, depending of the year time.
Know a beautifull natural landscape enjoying the kindless and cordiality of a uruguayan, and espacialy of the campo men.




Tours and Circuits

Uruguay Tours and Circuits

.City tour Montevideo
Beautiful trip visiting in 3 hours the most atractives points of the city. Passing by the old city, of rich colonial architecture, the “Mercado del puerto”, the microcenter, the independence plaza, the law palace (World Heritage), the romantic neigbourhood knowed as “El Prado” with the rosarium, green parks and beautifull monuments, the elegantes recidenciales neigbourhoods of Carrasco, Punta gorda and Pocitos recorriendo the excepcional rambla que acompaña a panoramico line of beautifull beaches.
.City Tour + Punta del Este
Beautifull trip for the whole day for know one of the four more importants beach resorts of the world, visiting Atlántida city and Piriápolis, the San Antonio cerro, Rambla de los Argentinos and a complete trip in Punta de Este, with Casapueblo the famous sculture house of the uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, the residencials neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills, San Rafael, Cantegril, Golf, the courious wavy bridge of the “La Barra de Maldonado”, traveling also by the the center of the peninsula for take un paseo for Gorlero, its main avenue of Punta del Este.
.Historic cultural circuit
This is an interesting trip that will allow to you know the secrets of a incredible epoch, of fine arquitetonic taste and will open a window to the past between beautifull big houses and curios acnecdotas of the old city of San Felipe and Santiago of Montevideo, the colonial city is witness of explendourous times. A charm for the senses. We gonna visit the more important museums, plazas, with free time for a cup en el mundanal “Mercado del Puerto” wich is one of the main gastronomic axes and cultural of Montevideo.
.Night City Tour
This is a divertido trip for know the night life of Montevideo and some singulars activities. We will visit the Casino, beautiful buildings of soberbia arquitecture very cuidadosamente iluminados, the old center and the modern to reach a singular place where there is a mix of the chord of the tipical uruguayan candombe and the river plate tango.
.Art tour
This is a divertido trip for know the night life of Montevideo and some singulars activities. We will visit the Casino, beautiful buildings of soberbia arquitecture very cuidadosamente iluminados, the old center and the modern to reach a singular place where there is a mix of the chord of the tipical uruguayan candombe and the river plate tango.
.The paths of the wines
A nice trip for know the stablishment where the prized uruguayn wine is made. Guided trip by the pintoresca campiña near Montevideo with visit and degustation, proffesional hosts and open boutiques for the lover of the good wine.
.Colonia Día Entero + Anchorena
This antique portugues city of the 17th century is a world heritage by UNESCO for his very good conservated and richness arquitecture. we going to stay the whole day visiting his stones streets, antiques contstructions, fort rest and the portuges and spanish museums. We will also visit the center, the port area, the ferrand beach, and the forest reserve. The coast line till the “Real de San Carlos” wich is the spanish “Plaza de toros”, the old harbour and the hipodrome.
.Dinner + Show + Transfer
This service include the transfer directly to the choosed place with live music, dinner and drinks.
.Golf circuits
This service include the transfer directly to the choosed place with live music, dinner and drinks.


Planned Vacation B

Planned Vacation B

Vacation B

Natural charming
08 days/ 07 Nights
Day 01 Montevideo

You arrive in Montevideo and you will go to your Hotel as choosen (at the bottom).
You will have the rest of the day off.
We suggest you to visit “Museo del Gaucho y la Moneda” and walk on the main shopping street “18 de julio”.
Also take a stroll along the beautifull rambla of the river plate. In the night you can visit a Tango show.

Day 02 Montevideo

Breakfast.


You have the morning free to go and visit antiqueshops in “Tristan Narvaja” (we can arrange an scheduleu for you). In the afternoon you will complete your visit of Montevideo by visiting “Plaza Independencia”, “La ciudad vieja“, and his old architecture. The area of the port with his famous ‘Mercado del Puerto’, the Micro center, the romantic “El Prado” with his green park with beautifull monuments and the rosarium, “El cerro de Montevideo” and “La Fortaleza” (Colonial fortress) and his beautifull bay, enjoy an incredible silence. The park “José Batlle y Ordoñez” with the monument of “La Carreta”, the elegant neigbourhoods of Carrasco & Punta Gorda, and then Pocitos traveling through the “Rambla” that is within a panoramic view of beautifull beaches.
In the night diner with a typical uruguayan live show.

Day 03 Montevideo - Piriápolis - Punta del Este


Breakfast.
You leave your hotel with your luguage together with a guide for all the trip toget to know Atlántida y Piriápolis, two important beach resorts in the east of Uruguay
After this you arrive in Punta del Este, where you go to your hotel.

In the afternoon you will bring a visit to the light house, the artisans plaza, “La brava” one side of Punta del este with the calm beaches, the residencial neigbourhoods like San Rafael, Beverly Hills, Golf, Rincón del Indio and their Mansions.
“La Barra de Maldonado and his beaches, his wavy bridges, “El Jagüel”, the capital city of Maldonado and his history, the Cathedral, Pinares, Punta Ballena, Casa Pueblo that is the Sculpture of the artits Carlos Páesz Vilaró, with the option to go to his atelier, where you can enjoy the ceremony of the sunset.
After this trip you return to your hotel.
In the night you are free to the nightlife…

Día 04 Punta del Este


Breakfast.
you have the whole day free for your personal activities, go to the beach !



Day 05 Punta del Este - Minas - San Pedro de Timote


Breakfast.
You leave with your luguage to continue the trip to enjoy beautifull scenaries between Mountains and farms.
We arrive in Minas for a short visit and have a lunch in “San Francisco de las sierras”, a beautifull place surrounded by pure nature.
After lunch, you continue the journey to San Pedro de Timote.
Here you check in to your hotel.
In the afternoon you can choose to go horsbackriding, visit places to see some authentic animals, have conversation with Gauchos around a fireplace and drink mate. Or just relax and enjoy the beautifull and calm nature of Uruguay.


Day 06 San Pedro de Timote


Breakfast.
A day of activitiies in the countryside as you wish to do.


Day 07. San Pedro de Timote - Colonia del Sacramento


Breakfast.
You leave with your luguage for Colonia del Sacramento, a city of the 17-th century, from the colonial age. The city is on the Unesco heretige list.
You will go yo your hotel as choosen.
In the afternoon you pay a visit to, “Parque de Ferrando” and “Canteras de Piedra“, “Real de San Carlos”, Capilla de San Benito y Complejo Mihanovich.
You will bring a visit to the bay and the beach of Colonia and then go to to the old city of Colonia.
You go back to your hotel.
In the night you have a farewell diner.

Day 08 Colonia del Sacramento - Buenos Aires (optional)


Colonia del Sacramento / Buenos Aires (optional)
Breakfast.
Then you go with your luguage on the boat to Buenos Aires. End of the trip

Inclusive

• Transport to come and go during the trip.
• 02 nights hotel in Montevideo.
• 02 nights hotel in Punta del Este.
• 02 nights hotel in San Pedro de Timote.
• 01 night hotel in Colonia del Sacramento.
• 07 breakfast’s.
• 06 meals (01 in Montevideo, 01 in Minas, 03 in San Pedro, 01 in Colonia del Sacramento).
• 02 snacks.
• Service on board during the trip.
• Transportscar with airconditioning.
• A guide during the whole trip.
• A visit to to the city of Montevideo.
• A visit to the city of Punta del Este.
• A visit to the city of Colonia del Sacramento.
• luguage carriers.

Hotels
Categoria Montevideo Punta del Este Colonia del Sacramento
Tourist Cristal Palace Hotel Hotel Ajax La Misión
4 Stars Balmoral Plaza Hotel Remanso Golden Beach
Barceló
Colonia del Sacramento (Standard room)
5 Stars Radisson Sheraton Conrad Resort & Casino Barceló Colonia del Sacramento
San Pedro de Timote (Campo Hotel 5 stars)

contact us !

Hotels & Touristic Estancias

Hotels.Montevideo
.Punta del Este
.Colonia



Touristic EstanciasWonderfull tour with multiple options, from a complete day with “Asado criollo” and paseos by the fields, to a stay colonial cascos of Estancias of the 18th century with all the services included.
Trip in volanta, carretas or horses and the oportuinity of see and participate of the traditional rural duties, depending of the year time.
Know a beautifull natural landscape enjoying the kindless and cordiality of a uruguayan, and espacialy of the campo men.




Planned Vacation A

Planned Vacation A

Vacation A

Natural charming
08 days/ 07 Nights
Day 01 Montevideo

You arrive in Montevideo and you will go to your Hotel as choosen (at the bottom).
You will have the rest of the day off.
We suggest you to visit “Museo del Gaucho y la Moneda” and walk on the main shopping street “18 de julio”.
Also take a stroll along the beautifull rambla of the river plate. In the night you can visit a Tango show.

Day 02 Montevideo

Breakfast.


You have the morning free to go and visit antiqueshops in “Tristan Narvaja” (we can arrange an scheduleu for you). In the afternoon you will complete your visit of Montevideo by visiting “Plaza Independencia”, “La ciudad vieja“, and his old architecture. The area of the port with his famous ‘Mercado del Puerto’, the Micro center, the romantic “El Prado” with his green park with beautifull monuments and the rosarium, “El cerro de Montevideo” and “La Fortaleza” (Colonial fortress) and his beautifull bay, enjoy an incredible silence. The park “José Batlle y Ordoñez” with the monument of “La Carreta”, the elegant neigbourhoods of Carrasco & Punta Gorda, and then Pocitos traveling through the “Rambla” that is within a panoramic view of beautifull beaches.
In the night diner with a typical uruguayan live show.

Day 03 Montevideo - Piriápolis - Punta del Este


Breakfast.
You leave your hotel with your luguage together with a guide for all the trip toget to know Atlántida y Piriápolis, two important beach resorts in the east of Uruguay
After this you arrive in Punta del Este, where you go to your hotel.

In the afternoon you will bring a visit to the light house, the artisans plaza, “La brava” one side of Punta del este with the calm beaches, the residencial neigbourhoods like San Rafael, Beverly Hills, Golf, Rincón del Indio and their Mansions.
“La Barra de Maldonado and his beaches, his wavy bridges, “El Jagüel”, the capital city of Maldonado and his history, the Cathedral, Pinares, Punta Ballena, Casa Pueblo that is the Sculpture of the artits Carlos Páesz Vilaró, with the option to go to his atelier, where you can enjoy the ceremony of the sunset.
After this trip you return to your hotel.
In the night you are free to the nightlife…

Día 04 Punta del Este


Breakfast.
you have the whole day free for your personal activities, go to the beach !



Day 05 Punta del Este - Minas - San Pedro de Timote


Breakfast.
You leave with your luguage to continue the trip to enjoy beautifull scenaries between Mountains and farms.
We arrive in Minas for a short visit and have a lunch in “San Francisco de las sierras”, a beautifull place surrounded by pure nature.
After lunch, you continue the journey to San Pedro de Timote.
Here you check in to your hotel.
In the afternoon you can choose to go horsbackriding, visit places to see some authentic animals, have conversation with Gauchos around a fireplace and drink mate. Or just relax and enjoy the beautifull and calm nature of Uruguay.


Day 06 San Pedro de Timote


Breakfast.
A day of activitiies in the countryside as you wish to do.


Day 07. San Pedro de Timote - Colonia del Sacramento


Breakfast.
You leave with your luguage for Colonia del Sacramento, a city of the 17-th century, from the colonial age. The city is on the Unesco heretige list.
You will go yo your hotel as choosen.
In the afternoon you pay a visit to, “Parque de Ferrando” and “Canteras de Piedra“, “Real de San Carlos”, Capilla de San Benito y Complejo Mihanovich.
You will bring a visit to the bay and the beach of Colonia and then go to to the old city of Colonia.
You go back to your hotel.
In the night you have a farewell diner.

Day 08 Colonia del Sacramento - Buenos Aires (optional)


Colonia del Sacramento / Buenos Aires (optional)
Breakfast.
Then you go with your luguage on the boat to Buenos Aires. End of the trip

Inclusive

• Transport to come and go during the trip.
• 02 nights hotel in Montevideo.
• 02 nights hotel in Punta del Este.
• 02 nights hotel in San Pedro de Timote.
• 01 night hotel in Colonia del Sacramento.
• 07 breakfast’s.
• 06 meals (01 in Montevideo, 01 in Minas, 03 in San Pedro, 01 in Colonia del Sacramento).
• 02 snacks.
• Service on board during the trip.
• Transportscar with airconditioning.
• A guide during the whole trip.
• A visit to to the city of Montevideo.
• A visit to the city of Punta del Este.
• A visit to the city of Colonia del Sacramento.
• luguage carriers.

Hotels
Categoria Montevideo Punta del Este Colonia del Sacramento
Tourist Cristal Palace Hotel Hotel Ajax La Misión
4 Stars Balmoral Plaza Hotel Remanso Golden Beach
Barceló
Colonia del Sacramento (Standard room)
5 Stars Radisson Sheraton Conrad Resort & Casino Barceló Colonia del Sacramento
San Pedro de Timote (Campo Hotel 5 stars)

contact us !

Hotels & Touristic Estancias

Hotels.Montevideo
.Punta del Este
.Colonia


Touristic EstanciasWonderfull tour with multiple options, from a complete day with “Asado criollo” and paseos by the fields, to a stay colonial cascos of Estancias of the 18th century with all the services included.
Trip in volanta, carretas or horses and the oportuinity of see and participate of the traditional rural duties, depending of the year time.
Know a beautifull natural landscape enjoying the kindless and cordiality of a uruguayan, and espacialy of the campo men.





Holiday Services

Holiday Services

Planed Vacations

.Vacation A : Uruguay natural charming
.Vacation B : Uruguayan wonders


Tours & Circuits

.City tour Montevideo

.City Tour + Punta del Este
.Historic cultural circuit
.Night City Tour
.Art tour
.The paths of the wine
.Colonia Día Entero + Anchorena
.Dinner + Show + Transfer
.Dinner + Show + Transfer
.Golf circuits


Your Holidays

Your Vacation, Your Holidays with Travel to Uruguay

Your
Vacations
Lets us help you !
From the airport to downtown in just 30 minutes


Bungalows in San Gregorio de polanco, information online soon

Radisson Uruguay.
Radisson Uruguay

>> BANKING AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE


Banking hours: 1:00 to 5:00 pm

“Pesos Uruguayos” are our official currency; American dollars are available in hotels, rental cars companies and also malls.

Currency exchange services are available for the following foreign currencies: American dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Chilean pesos, Argentinean pesos, Reales, Swiss franc, and in some bureau offices you could exchange Bolivar and Mexican pesos.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) or cash flow machines are available throughout the city.

At the moment (September, 2004) one Uruguayan peso was equivalent to the following:


American dollars    29,59
Argentinian peso      9,50
Real                           9,80
Euro                         36,90

>> GOODS & SERVICES TAX

Goods and services in Uruguay are subject to a 14% (i.e., hotels) to 23% (i.e., restaurants) tax denominated “I.V.A.”.

This tax is included in the prices and it is clearly stated. This tax cannot be claimed back when leaving the country.

>> TIPPING

Tipping is not required but is offered for good service. If you liked the service, we recommend a 10%.

>> EXAMPLES OF AVERAGE COSTS
At a Restaurant

Dinner (bistec with potatoes or salad): $140 (U$S5 - American dollars)
Hamburguer with lettuce, tomatoes and chips: $60 (U$S2 - American dollars)
Bottle of soft drink (500 ml Coke or Pepsi): $30 (U$S1 - American dollars)
Bottle of wine (750 ml): $120 (U$S4 - American dollars)
Beer (500 ml): $40 (U$S1,30 - American dollars)

Petrol/gas (1 lt): $29 (U$S1 - American dollars)

At a supermarket

Bottle of soft drink (500 ml Cocke or Pepsi): $15 (U$S0,50 - American dollars)
Bottle of wine (750 ml): $80 (U$S2,70 - American dollars)
Bottle of beer (1 lt): $30 (U$S1 - American dollars).

>> SHOPPING MALLS Hours

Opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM for major department stores, every day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays.

>> ELECTRICITY

Uruguay has electricity in 95 per cent of households and we uses a 220-Volt system with 3 pin on line plugs or 3 pin flat plugs. Adapters for USA and European plugs are readily available at the hotels and conference rooms.

>> HEALTH

There is no malaria, yellow fever or other parasitic diseases in the country.
At certain times there are a few horseflies, mosquitoes and other nuisances in the countryside.

Uruguay has drinking water supplied to 85 per cent of the population which include the countryside (all water in Montevideo is drinkable).

>> TIME

In the winter months, Uruguay time is 3 hours behind GMT.<<

Service

Planned Vacations
Tours & Circuits

> more info here

Hotels & Touristic Estancias
Hotels
Touristic Estancias

> more info here

Transport for rent
Cars
Minibuses
Motorbikes

> more info here

>> VISA REQUIREMENTS

Valid passports are required for all delegates not members of the Mercosur
(Southern Common Market).

Visa are required for the following countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Egypt, Eslovaquia, Guyana, India, Morocco, Popular Replublic of Corea, South Corea and Russia.

Other countries will not requiere visas, but it is advisable to make enquiries at the nearest Uruguayan diplomatic offices.

>> Arrivals and departures from Montevideo Airport

Montevideo has a small airport, which is served by connections or direct flights from around the world.

A special Tourism Information desk will operate at the Airport to assist you on your arrival from Mondays to Fridays from 8.00 AM to 8.00 PM, in front of the arrival door.

>> TRANSPORT


Taxis, always recomended

>> Transport to and from Montevideo Airport

The time from the airport to the centre of
Montevideo is less than 45 minutes by bus or
20 minutes by taxis.

>> Local Transport Options
The most convenient transportation for foreign visitors are:

Option 1: The airport has taxis into Montevideo
for approximately $500 (Uruguayan pesos)
or U$S18 (American dollars).

Option 2:
a)
there is a national bus service named “Bus del Atlántico” which takes you to Montevideo at “Terminal Tres Cruces”. The bus ticket from the airport to “Tres Cruces Terminal” costs around U$S2 (American dollars) and it is possible to by a ticket in the office at the airport. From “Tres Cruces” you should take a taxi to your hotel from around U$S3 (American dollars).

b) There is an economical bus named “COPSA”, which takes you to Montevideo centre for about $20 (only Uruguayan pesos). For this you wait in the bus stop in front of the arrivals door.

>>Transport in the city

The city of Montevideo has an excellent system of urban and sub-urban transport, administered by different BUS COMPANIES: CUTCSA, UCOT,
COME, whose charge is $13,5 (U$S0,5 - American dollars).

TAXIS transport is noticeably more expensive but can also be recommended.

There is no transport for passengers by train or underground.

The short distances and the security of the city encourage walking.

>> RENTAL CARS

All major international rental car hire companies are located in Montevideo.

You could also rent one at the airport but we are offering a discounted rate on standard rental cars for traveltouruguay.com visitors.

If you need to rent a car, please fill this item in the registration form and we will make the arrangements.