Hidden Gems in Uruguay: Offbeat Places Beyond Montevideo

Jafar ahmad Abdul
Aug 27
5 min read

So, you’re planning a trip to Uruguay, huh? Most people stop at Montevideo, sip some mate, take a couple of beach selfies, and then bounce. But if that’s your whole plan—spoiler alert—you’re missing out big time. Uruguay has way more to offer than its capital, and honestly, some of the most unforgettable experiences happen in those little towns and remote corners no one talks about.

Let me walk you through some hidden gems in Uruguay that will make you wonder why more people aren’t already flooding these spots. And trust me, if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to say “I’ve been there before it was cool,” this list is basically your starter pack.

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Colonia del Sacramento: Where Time Slows Down

Colonia isn’t exactly “unknown,” but it definitely gets overshadowed by Montevideo. Picture cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses, and sunsets that’ll have you questioning if you accidentally stepped into a painting.

Why you’ll love it:

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you’re literally walking through history.
The sunsets from the Río de la Plata are unreal. Seriously, bring your camera—or don’t, and just flex on your friends later.
Cafés and restaurants here serve some of the best empanadas and seafood.

Pro tip: Rent a golf cart or scooter to explore the Old Town. Cars feel out of place, and honestly, scooters just make you look cooler.

Cabo Polonio: The Village with No Electricity

Yes, you read that right—no electricity, no roads, no problem. To get here, you need to take a 4x4 truck through sand dunes that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. Once you arrive, it’s pure magic.

What makes Cabo Polonio special?

Stargazing: With zero light pollution, the night sky here is a whole galaxy party.
Sea lions: Thousands of them lounging by the lighthouse like they own the place. (And, to be fair, they kinda do.)
Unplugging: You’ll finally have an excuse to “lose Wi-Fi” when your boss emails. ;)

Ever wondered what it feels like to time-travel back to a simpler life? This is it.

Carmelo: Wine, Boats, and Pure Relaxation

If Colonia feels like Europe, then Carmelo feels like Napa Valley and Venice had a baby. Small but ridiculously charming, this town is perfect if you like good wine and lazy river vibes.

Things to do in Carmelo:

Wine tours: Boutique wineries here serve tannat (Uruguay’s signature red grape). Even if you’re not a wine nerd, you’ll appreciate how smooth it tastes.
Río Uruguay: Chill boat rides or kayaking at sunset—either way, 10/10 Instagram content.
Beaches: Yup, Carmelo has sandy riverside beaches that are perfect for an afternoon nap.

IMO, Carmelo is the place where you realize that Uruguay isn’t just about beaches—it’s about slowing down and actually enjoying the ride.

Punta del Diablo: The Bohemian Escape

Forget glitzy Punta del Este (which is amazing but packed). Punta del Diablo is its cooler, laid-back cousin who shows up barefoot, carrying a surfboard.

Why Punta del Diablo rocks:

It’s a surfer’s paradise with strong Atlantic waves.
Backpacker vibes make it super friendly—think bonfires, hostels, and guitar music in the background.
Seafood? Out of this world. If you don’t try the fresh fish at a local shack, you’re doing life wrong.

Question for you: Have you ever eaten grilled fish, barefoot on the sand, while listening to live music? If not, Punta del Diablo is calling.

Tacuarembó: Gaucho Country

Welcome to cowboy land. Tacuarembó is where you’ll find Uruguay’s gaucho culture alive and well. Think rodeos, folk music, and barbecue that will ruin all other barbecues for you.

Highlights in Tacuarembó:

Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha: A massive festival celebrating gaucho traditions. Bring stretchy pants—you’ll eat a lot.
Museo del Indio y del Gaucho: Learn about Uruguay’s indigenous and cowboy past in one go.
Countryside tours: Horseback riding through open plains is basically the Uruguayan version of therapy.

And yes, the steaks here? Unreal. If you thought Argentine beef was top-tier, Uruguay is like, “hold my chimichurri.”

Rocha: The Wild Coastline

Rocha is all about raw, untouched beauty. Endless beaches, lagoons, and wildlife reserves make this a paradise for nature lovers.

Why Rocha is a must:

Laguna de Rocha: Perfect for birdwatchers—you’ll spot flamingos, herons, and more.
Santa Teresa National Park: A mix of beaches, forests, and historic forts. Basically, it’s a nature buffet.
Secluded beaches: You might walk for hours without seeing another soul. Kinda creepy? Maybe. But also amazing.

If you ever wanted to “escape civilization” without actually going off the map, Rocha is your spot.

Minas: The Overlooked Highland Gem

Now let’s talk hills. Uruguay isn’t exactly known for mountains, but Minas proves it has some scenic surprises.

Top things in Minas:

Salto del Penitente: A stunning waterfall where you can hike, swim, or just stare in awe.
Cerro Artigas: A giant hill with a statue of national hero José Artigas at the top. Bring water—climbing it in flip-flops is a rookie mistake.
Villa Serrana: A rustic mountain village perfect for renting a cabin and pretending you’re in a cozy Netflix movie.

Rivera: The Border Shopping Haven

If you love shopping (or just “accidentally” buy too much), Rivera is heaven. Located right on the Brazil border, it’s famous for duty-free shopping.

Why travelers love Rivera:

Duty-free malls sell everything from perfumes to electronics at way lower prices.
You get a fun cultural mash-up: half the people speak Spanish, half speak Portuguese, and everyone somehow understands each other.
It’s the perfect stop to grab souvenirs before heading home.

Pro tip: Don’t show up with an empty wallet. This place will tempt you hard.

Travel Tips

Okay, let’s pause for some real talk. Before you start plotting your Uruguay adventure, you’ll want to make sure your paperwork is in order. Depending on your passport, you may need a Uruguay travel visa. FYI, the process isn’t complicated, but it’s always smarter to double-check requirements in advance. A lot of travelers look up “Uruguay Visa” info right before their trip—don’t be that last-minute person scrambling at the airport.

And if all this planning feels like a headache? Well, let me just say, sometimes booking through The Best Travel Agency in Oman (or wherever you’re based) makes life way easier. They’ll handle the boring paperwork, so you can focus on the fun stuff, like which beach hammock has the best sunset view

Final Thoughts

So, next time someone asks, “Where are you going in Uruguay?” don’t just say Montevideo. Drop names like Punta del Diablo or Rocha and watch their eyebrows raise.

Uruguay might not scream “bucket list” like Italy or Thailand, but IMO, that’s exactly why you should go. It’s calm, authentic, and full of surprises. Plus, when your friends brag about Paris, you can casually say, “Oh yeah? Well, I camped with sea lions in Cabo Polonio.” Mic drop.

So, pack your bags, grab your mate (the tea, not your buddy—though bring them too), and get ready for an adventure that’ll stick with you long after you’ve left.