Uruguay Beaches

Uruguay beaches are among the hidden gems of South America. Tourists flock to the famous beaches north and south of Rio de Janeiro and to the long Caribbean coast of Venezuela. However, few people are aware of the spectacular stretches of sand in this small country. The residents of Buenos Aires, just across the Rio de la Plata, long ago discovered the best beaches in Uruguay because there are no good beaches in their own city.

The little country has more attractions than its Atlantic beaches, not the least of which is the stable democracy that has earned it the nickname “Switzerland of South America.” Head inland, and you will discover that Uruguay has a cattle ranching and gaucho (cowboy) tradition like the one found in the Pampas region of Argentina. Some of the ranches are open to the public for tours, barbecue feasts, and demonstrations of the gaucho’s incredible horsemanship. The capital city of Montevideo has a picturesque Old Quarter full of Spanish colonial architecture. This is a cosmopolitan city with a number of fine museums, excellent shops and galleries, and an elegant Rambla promenade similar to the one found in Barcelona, Spain. The city also boasts a number of excellent Uruguay beaches in an urban environment. Not far away is the historic city of Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1680 by the Portuguese. It is beautifully preserved and showcases a wonderful fusion of Portuguese and Spanish colonial architecture. Some of the best beaches in Uruguay will be found in this region, including the beaches of Punta del Este, with beaches facing the Rio del Plata (calmer waters) and beaches facing the Atlantic (more waves).