URUGUAY
Information for tourists
How to get to Uruguay
By air
The country's international airports are served by the world's major airlines, with regional flights from Buenos Aires, Porto Alegre, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Asunción, Panama, Santiago de Chile and Lima. In addition, international flights arrive from the United States and Europe. The main airports are Carrasco International Airport (18 kilometers from downtown Montevideo), Laguna del Sauce International Airport, in Punta del Este (Maldonado), and the airport of Montevideo.
The new Carrasco International Airport was inaugurated in 2009 and is considered one of the most modern and attractive in the world. From there you have easy access to downtown Montevideo and the east coast destinations, with direct buses (*) to both points. It is also possible to hire a transfer, take a cab (**) or rent a car at some of the car rental companies located at the airport.
(*) BUS LINES
COT / COPSA Companies
Approximate cost (Carrasco Airport to Punta del Este: USD 12)
COT https://www.cot.com.uy/horarios-y-tarifas
COPSA https://www.copsa.com.uy/es/
(**) Private transfer / cab: Carrasco Airport to Punta del Este: USD 300
USEFUL DATA
https://uruguaynatural.com/en/datos-utiles/
OFFICIAL SITE OF URUGUAY
https://www.uruguay.uy/
Waterway
Numerous ship and ferry frequencies link Buenos Aires with Colonia, Carmelo and Montevideo and include the possibility of transferring automobiles. Numerous marinas also allow access to private boats. The companies Buquebus and Colonia Express arrive at the port of Colonia and offer packages with transfer by bus to Montevideo or Punta del Este. The former also arrives at Montevideo directly.
Buquebus: https://www.buquebus.com/
Colonia Express: https://coloniaexpress.com/uy
Land / Inland Transportation
Numerous bus frequencies connect all cities and tourist destinations in Uruguay. We provide access to the URUBUS platform that displays the official schedules of all companies and routes in the country allowing the online purchase of tickets easily, quickly and safely. And access to the schedules of the bus terminal of reference -Tres Cruces- in Montevideo, the capital city.
Climate
The climate in Uruguay is temperate and humid (average 17 °C), with warm summers and more or less homogeneous rainfall throughout the year. Due to its latitude, between 30ºS and 35ºS, the four seasons are clearly differentiated. However, there is a clear difference between the north and south of the territory. The area located in the extreme northwest of the country (Artigas, Salto, Rivera) is considerably warmer with an average of 18-19 °C and an average rainfall of about 1400 mm per year (the area in the extreme north has a typical "temperate subtropical" behavior). The South and East (Montevideo, Maldonado, Rocha, Lavalleja) on the other hand are cooler with an average of around 16 °C and 1000 mm annual rainfall (these areas have characteristics more similar to "maritime temperate").
November: Average maximum temperature during the month: +22°C. Average minimum temperature for the month: +15°C.
Money and Exchange
The Uruguayan peso is the legal tender used for all types of commercial transactions. Personal checks are also used as a means of payment and it is compulsory to present identification to use it. The U.S. dollar is generally accepted in stores, supermarkets and restaurants. At the same time, there are many accessible exchange houses throughout the country with similar rates. The most commonly accepted credit cards are VISA and MasterCard.
1 U.S. dollar is equivalent to 40 Uruguayan pesos.
Tips
Although there is no pre-established fee, it is common to leave 10% of the total bill, as long as it does not include the cost of the service. It is also an urban norm to tip cab drivers.
Electricity
The common voltage is 230V, the frequency is 50Hz and the plugs are C/I/F/L type.
Visas
All persons entering the Oriental Republic of Uruguay must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival or a valid Identity Card (MERCOSUR countries).
Some people, according to their nationality, must apply for a visa to enter Uruguay.
If you are a foreigner and wish to know if you need a visa to enter Uruguay, the website of the National Direction of Migration maintains an updated list of the countries that require a visa. Click here: Visa Admission Regime
Contact the Embassy or Consulate of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay nearest you. For more information: Click here: Visa Application
Punta del Este
International destination, peninsular city, exclusive seaside resort with top tourist infrastructure: season after season Punta del Este demonstrates, by dint of its natural beauty and unmatched distinction, why it has consolidated its position as the queen of the continent.
The most famous peninsular city in Latin America opens its doors every year to thousands of visitors who enjoy its exclusive seaside resorts and its renowned beaches: some with calm waters, others with surfing waves. The forest, an island, a charming port and the most beautiful sunsets of the entire Atlantic coast round off a proposal that never falters. At 140 kilometers -an hour and a half- from Montevideo, Punta del Este has more and more permanent residents, although it is during the summer season when the Uruguayan town does what it does best: shine.
Punta del Este boasts a privilege that not many tourist destinations can boast: the possibility of witnessing sunrises and sunsets over the sea, greeting the sun early in the morning from Brava Beach and saying goodbye to it in the afternoon at Mansa Beach.
It is wide, quiet, its sand is between white and golden and the wooden walkway that surrounds it, an unbeatable way to walk to the pier and watch the sunset. Playa Mansa is a family favorite in Punta del Este, its serene and shallow waters are perfect for swimming, practicing quiet sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding or even snorkeling, or having fun (at Parada 11) at the Splash Aqua water park: guaranteed fun for children and adults.
Playa Brava is one of the favorite places in the peninsula to enjoy the sea. With services such as parking, umbrellas for rent, and beach stands with a varied gastronomic offer, this beach is not far behind. Playa Brava, La Olla, ideal for surfers, Papa Charlie and La Plage, a favorite for fashionistas, are already classics.
The sculpture of "the fingers" emerging from the sand is a landmark of Punta del Este and Playa Brava, the result of the first international sculpture meeting in the region. True to its name, the sea is rough here although there are a large number of bathers who take their chances in the salt water, and it is an extremely good beach for surfing.
It is a perfect place to watch the sunset and enjoy a magical landscape.
Casapuebo, this fantastic construction was carried out by Carlos Paez Vilaró and is an emblem of Punta del Este. It is a magnificent construction that took 36 years to be completed. It has a unique architecture and you can tour and visit its museum and shopping stores. Undoubtedly a must visit Punta del Este.
