Day Trips from Montevideo | Uruguay

If you are staying in Montevideo for a few days and looking to explore more of Uruguay, here are some of the best day trips you can do!

I will propose the best day trips from Montevideo for chill beach days to historically important cities. I will also share with you some of the best surfing spots in Uruguay.

1. Colonia del Sacramento

2. Punta del Este

3. Piriápolis

4. Canelones Wine Region

5. Santa Lucía

6. Atlantida

7. Best Surfing Spots

   
   

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia's historic charm makes it one of the most popular day trips from Montevideo. Its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and serene riverside vibe are perfect for a leisurely day. Walk through the Barrio Histórico, where you’ll find colorful houses, bougainvillea-lined streets, and cozy cafes. Climb the Lighthouse for panoramic views of the town and the Rio de la Plata. Visit the Portuguese Museum and the Tile Museum for a glimpse into Colonia's history. Stroll along the Rambla for views of the river.

Getting There: Take a direct bus (2–2.5 hours) or rent a car. The ferry from Buenos Aires also docks here, so it can be combined with a trip to Argentina.

Punta del Este

Known as the “St. Tropez of South America,” Punta del Este offers a mix of upscale luxury and beautiful natural surroundings. Apart from having a chill beach day there, you can also see the iconic La Mano sculpture at Playa Brava and explore Casapueblo, a whimsical, whitewashed building created by artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. It serves as a museum, art gallery, and hotel. You can also stroll along Gorlero Avenue for shopping and dining.

Some of the best beaches include: Playa Mansa & Playa Brava. Relax on Playa Mansa for calm waters or head to Playa Brava for stronger waves.

If you decide to stay in Punta del Este for a longer period of time, you can also visit the nearby Isla Gorriti or Isla de Lobos for a boat trip and sea lion sightings.

Getting There: Drive or take a bus (about 2 hours).

Piriápolis

Piriápolis offers a more laid-back vibe compared to Punta del Este, with hills, beaches, and historic sites to explore. The most iconic thing to do there is to ride the Aerosilla (chairlift) to Cerro San Antonio for panoramic views of the town and coast. You can also visit Castillo de Piria, the former residence of Francisco Piria, the town’s founder.

The best beach spots include: Playa Hermosa & Playa Grande.

And like in many places in Uruguay, also Piriápolis has a scenic beachfront promenade - Rambla de los Argentinos.

If you are into hiking combine Piriápolis with a stop at Pan de Azúcar, a hill offering hiking trails.

Getting There: Drive or take a bus (1.5 hours).

Canelones Wine Region

For wine enthusiasts, this is a must-visit. The region is Uruguay’s main wine-producing area, especially known for Tannat, the country’s flagship grape variety.

Canelones’ wine culture gained international attention in the 21st century due to Uruguay’s commitment to quality over quantity. The region’s focus on producing distinctive wines, especially Tannat, positioned it as a hidden gem in the global wine market. Canelones is synonymous with Tannat, Uruguay’s flagship grape. Introduced by Basque immigrants in the 19th century, Tannat thrives in the region and produces bold, rich wines with high tannins. Besides Tannat, Canelones produces Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Albariño, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Some of the best and most popular wineries are:

• Bodega Bouza, a family-run vineyard offering guided tours, tastings, and a gourmet restaurant.

• Juanicó Winery, one of Uruguay’s largest and most prestigious wineries.

• Explore smaller boutique wineries like Viña Edén for a more intimate experience.

Getting There: A short drive from Montevideo (30–60 minutes). Many wineries require advance reservations. And some of them offer transfer options.

Santa Lucía

Santa Lucía is a great option for nature lovers, offering a tranquil riverside escape close to Montevideo.

Some of the best activities in Santa Lucía include renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the Santa Lucía River. Visit the Museo del Río for insights into the region’s history and ecology. Enjoy a picnic or BBQ at Parque Nacional Santa Lucía, a peaceful park with picnic areas.

Getting There: Drive or take a train (about 1 hour).

Atlantida

Atlantida is a small beach town with a relaxed vibe and unique attractions. Atlantida is a smaller, less crowded alternative to Punta del Este, making it ideal for a peaceful beach day.

The best beaches in Atlantida are: Playa Brava & Playa Mansa. But apart from relaxing on the beaches, you can also visit El Águila, a quirky eagle-shaped stone structure that’s a favorite for photos and stroll through the town and stop at local cafes for fresh seafood.

Getting There: Drive or take a bus (45 minutes).

Best Surfing Spots in Uruguay

La Paloma is the best overall destination for surfing in Uruguay, thanks to its variety of waves, consistent conditions, and vibrant surf culture. The best beaches are: Playa La Aguada & Playa Los Botes. These 2 beaches cater to both beginners and experienced surfers, with Playa La Aguada offering gentler waves and Playa Los Botes providing stronger breaks. The best conditions conditions are in winter (April to September) when swells are stronger.

Known for its consistent waves and laid-back atmosphere, Playa del Barco in La Pedrera is a favorite for intermediate and advanced surfers. Winter months bring bigger swells, but it’s surfable year-round.

Another great spot to consider is Punta del Diablo. This picturesque fishing village has two excellent surf beaches. Playa La Viuda offers bigger waves, while Playa del Rivero is suitable for all levels. The best time is from December to April, the waves are consistent, and the weather is warm.

If you are planning to spend some time in Montevideo, make sure to check out my 'Ultimate Montevideo Travel Guide'!