Smack in the southeastern corner of South America lies little Uruguay with a giant personality. From its windswept coastline to bustling cities, Uruguay is full of authentic experiences just dying to be uncovered.
Being a ‘broke-backpacker,’ I wanted to grasp some attractive vibes of Uruguay that are laid-back and reasonably priced. Thus, I decided to set my aim and explore this less-visited gem on a broke budget with an enthusiastic heart.
From the charming colonial city Colonia del Sacramento to the bohemian streets of Montevideo, I stumbled upon a country full of surprises. The warm hospitality of Uruguayans, the mouth-watering asado dishes, and breathtaking natural beauty next left me spellbound.
In this blog, I will share with you my experiences of budget backpacking in Uruguay-from affordable accommodation and transport to hidden gems and places well off the tourist trail. I’ll let you in on all my secrets for seeing this amazing country for cheap.
Come with me to the heart of Uruguay and the discovery of its peculiar culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures.
How to get there:
From Argentina
Uruguay and Argentina share a long border, making travel between the two countries relatively easy.
- Buenos Aires to Montevideo: Take the Buquebus ferry from Buenos Aires’ Puerto Madero to Montevideo’s Terminal Tres Cruces (approx. 3 hours, $20-$50 USD).
- Other border towns: Regular buses connect Argentine cities like Concordia, Chajarí, and Gualeguaychú to Uruguayan towns like Salto, Paysandú, and Fray Bentos.
From Brazil
Uruguay’s northern border with Brazil offers several entry points.
- Rio Grande do Sul to Rivera: Take a bus from Porto Alegre or other Rio Grande do Sul cities to Rivera, Uruguay (approx. 4-6 hours, $20-$40 USD).
- Other border towns: Buses connect Brazilian cities like Santana do Livramento and Quaraí to Uruguayan towns like Rivera and Artigas.
From Paraguay
Although less frequent, public transportation from Paraguay to Uruguay is still available.
Asunción to Montevideo: Take a bus from Asunción to Montevideo via the Argentine city of Posadas (approx. 24 hours, $50-$100 USD).
When to go:
Summer (December to February)
- Pros:
- Warm weather (average high 28°C/82°F)
- Vibrant festivals like Carnaval and Fiesta de la Patria
- Long days for exploring
- Cons:
- Peak tourist season, higher prices
- Crowded beaches and popular destinations
Autumn (March to May)
- Pros:
- Mild temperatures (average high 22°C/72°F)
- Fewer tourists, lower prices
- Harvest season, wine tastings
- Cons:
- Some attractions may be closed
Winter (June to August)
- Pros:
- Low prices, fewer tourists
- Cozy atmosphere, perfect for cultural exploration
- Whale watching (June to September)
- Cons:
- Cooler temperatures (average high 15°C/59°F)
- Some beaches may be closed
Spring (September to November)
- Pros:
- Pleasant temperatures (average high 20°C/68°F)
- Beautiful blooming flowers
- Outdoor activities, hiking, and cycling
- Cons:
- Some attractions may still be closed
Shoulder Season (April to May and September to November)
The shoulder season offers a balance between prices, weather, and tourist numbers.
Best Time for Broke Backpackers
Considering budget constraints and smaller crowds, autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are ideal for broke backpackers.
Event-Based Travel
Plan your trip around Uruguay’s unique events:
- Carnaval (January to March)
- Fiesta de la Patria (August)
- Uruguay Jazz Festival (January)
- Punta del Este Film Festival (January)
Best Itineraries:
3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Montevideo
- Explore Old Town (Ciudad Vieja)
- Visit Plaza Independencia and Palacio Salvo
- Enjoy traditional Uruguayan cuisine (Chivito, Choripan)
- Day 2: Colonia del Sacramento
- Take a bus to Colonia (approx. 3 hours)
- Wander through colonial streets and fortifications
- Watch sunset at the Rio de la Plata
- Day 3: Montevideo Coast
- Visit Pocitos Beach and coastal promenade
- Explore Mercado del Puerto (port market)
- Return to Buenos Aires or continue to other destinations
1-Week Itinerary
- Day 1-2: Montevideo
- Explore Old Town, Plaza Independencia, and Palacio Salvo
- Visit Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and Teatro Solís
- Enjoy Uruguayan cuisine and nightlife
- Day 3-4: Colonia del Sacramento
- Explore colonial streets, fortifications, and museums
- Take a ferry to Buenos Aires (optional)
- Day 5: Punta del Este
- Take a bus to Punta del Este (approx. 4 hours)
- Visit the famous Hand of Dando sculpture
- Relax on Brava Beach
- Day 6-7: Return to Montevideo or explore nearby Cabo Polonio
2-Week Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Montevideo
- Explore Old Town, museums, and cultural attractions
- Visit nearby coastal towns (Pocitos, Buceo, Carrasco)
- Day 4-6: Colonia del Sacramento
- Explore colonial streets, fortifications, and museums
- Take a ferry to Buenos Aires (optional)
- Day 7-8: Punta del Este
- Relax on Brava Beach and explore coastal promenade
- Visit nearby towns (La Barra, Manantiales)
- Day 9-10: Cabo Polonio
- Take a bus to Cabo Polonio (approx. 4 hours)
- Explore scenic coastline, beaches, and nature reserves
- Day 11-14: Return to Montevideo, explore nearby towns (Las Cumbres, San José)
1-Month Itinerary
Visit nearby nature reserves and scenic coastline
Week 1: Montevideo and surrounding areas
Explore Old Town, museums, and cultural attractions
Visit nearby coastal towns and nature reserves
Week 2: Colonia del Sacramento and western Uruguay
Explore colonial streets, fortifications, and museums
Visit nearby towns (Fray Bentos, Salto)
Week 3: Punta del Este and coastal towns
Relax on Brava Beach and explore coastal promenade
Visit nearby towns (La Barra, Manantiales)
Week 4: Northern Uruguay (Rivera, Artigas)
Explore border towns and cultural attractions
Transportation:
Uruguay’s public transportation system is efficient, affordable, and convenient. Whether you’re traveling within cities or between towns.
Urban Transportation
- Montevideo: Bus network (STM) with 64 lines, covering most neighborhoods.
- Other cities: Local bus systems, often with fewer lines.
- Fares: Approximately $1-$2 USD per ride.
Interurban Transportation
- Bus companies: Tres Cruces, Turil, COT, and Chadre.
- Routes: Connecting major cities, coastal towns, and border crossings.
- Fares: $5-$30 USD per trip.
Long-Distance Bus Travel
- Companies: Ormeño, Expreso Brasilia, and Ñasainé.
- Routes: Connecting Uruguay to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
- Fares: $20-$100 USD per trip.
Ferries
- Buquebus: Connecting Montevideo to Buenos Aires and Colonia.
- Ferry lines: Also connecting coastal towns.
- Fares: $10-$50 USD per trip.
Trains
Tourist trains: Scenic routes, like the Ferrocarril Central.
Uruguayan Railways (AFE): Limited services, mostly cargo.
Top things to do:
Montevideo
- Explore Old Town (Ciudad Vieja)
- Visit Plaza Independencia and Palacio Salvo
- Walk along the coastal promenade (Rambla)
- Visit Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
- Enjoy traditional Uruguayan cuisine (Chivito, Choripan)
- Experience Carnival celebrations (January-February)
- Visit Mercado del Puerto (port market)
- Explore Feria de Tristán Narvaja (street market)
- Attend free outdoor concerts and festivals
- Visit Parque Central and Parque Rodó
Colonia del Sacramento
- Wander through colonial streets and fortifications
- Visit Portón de San Gabriel (city gate)
- Explore Museo Portuguese
- Watch sunset at the Rio de la Plata
- Take a ferry to Buenos Aires (optional)
- Visit Colonia del Sacramento’s beach
- Explore nearby wineries
Punta del Este
- Relax on Brava Beach
- Visit the Hand of Dando sculpture
- Explore coastal promenade
- Visit nearby towns (La Barra, Manantiales)
- Attend Punta del Este Film Festival (January)
- Visit Punta Ballena’s scenic viewpoint
- Enjoy water sports (surfing, kayaking)
Cabo Polonio
- Explore scenic coastline and beaches
- Visit Cabo Polonio Lighthouse
- Hike to nearby nature reserves
- Enjoy seafood and local cuisine
- Attend Cabo Polonio Music Festival (February)
Northern Uruguay
- Visit Rivera and its thermal springs
- Explore Artigas and its historic center
- Visit nearby nature reserves (Cerro Batoví)
- Attend Fiesta de la Patria (August)
- Visit Tacuarembó’s scenic countryside and waterfalls
Eastern Uruguay
- Visit Punta del Diablo and its scenic coastline
- Explore Cabo Polonio National Park
- Visit nearby towns (Las Cumbres, San José)
- Attend Fiesta de la Cruz (September)
- Visit Rocha’s scenic coastline and beaches
Western Uruguay
- Visit Fray Bentos and its historic port
- Explore Salto and its thermal springs
- Visit nearby nature reserves (Rio Negro)
- Attend Fiesta de la Vendimia (March)
- Visit Paysandú’s scenic coastline and beaches
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
- Melo: Visit nearby nature reserves and historic sites
- San Carlos: Relax on scenic beaches
- Minas: Explore nearby nature reserves and historic sites
- Durazno: Visit nearby nature reserves and historic sites
Free or Low-Cost Activities
- Visit local markets
- Attend free outdoor concerts and festivals
- Explore street art in Montevideo’s Old Town
- Hike in nearby nature reserves
- Visit scenic viewpoints
- Attend local football (soccer) matches
Festivals and Events
Fiesta de la Cruz (September)
Carnaval (January-February)
Fiesta de la Patria (August)
Punta del Este Film Festival (January)
Cabo Polonio Music Festival (February)
Fiesta de la Vendimia (March)
Food:
The most emblematic at the core of Uruguayan cuisine is the Chivito-a mouth-watering sandwich with a heap of tender steak, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy mayonnaise. This dish is available during the family reunion and in street food stalls, making the air full of the savored smell of well-grilled meat.
Meat is, of course, Uruguay’s love affair-particularly when asado comes into the picture. As images are set with warm light from the setting sun across rolling hills, these social gatherings bring people together, sharing stories and laughs.
But Uruguayan food is not only about meat; the sea plays a huge role in it, too. Besides, fresh seafood forms part of the staple in all coastal towns, where local fishermen haul in the day’s catch of delectable fish, mussels, and shrimp. Have a plate of fried merluza-mero or hake-or a stew with seafood-and taste the bounty of the ocean.
From the creamiest Queso de Colonia to the tangiest Queso de Cabra, some of the best cheeses in the world are made on Uruguay’s dairy farms. Team them with a glass of wine made from Tannat grapes, and it’s a marriage made in heaven.
Vendors in Mercado del Puerto or Feria de Tristán Narvaja, two of the busiest markets in Montevideo, sell everything from homemade pasta to artisanal cheeses. Traditional pastries include Bizcochitos and Tortas Fritas, but if you have a sweet tooth, there’s Chajá cake.
European roots such as Italian and Spanish define the culinary identity of Uruguay. This actually reflects both in dishes like Ñoquis-gnocchi or Tortellini-served with rich ragù on the side.
During your programa de alimentos in Uruguay, you notice that each meal is a time for coming together and a bonding of the family to continue tradition. From rural estancias to city streets teeming with life, the flavors of Uruguay call out to you, inviting you to savor the simple things of life.
Culture:
Venezuelan culture is a dynamic and multifaceted blend of traditions, influences, and expressions. Shaped by its indigenous, European, and African heritage, this South American nation boasts a unique identity that resonates through its music, art, literature, and everyday life.
At the heart of Venezuelan culture lies the concept of family and community. Close-knit relationships and social bonds are deeply valued, often centered around traditional gatherings and celebrations. The vibrant festivals, such as the Feria de la Chinita in Maracaibo or the Diablos Danzantes in San Francisco, showcase the country’s infectious energy and joy.
Music and dance play an integral role in Venezuelan culture. The iconic Joropo, a lively style combining Andalusian and African rhythms, is characterized by intricate footwork and heartfelt lyrics. The Cuatro, a small, four-stringed instrument, is an indispensable companion to Joropo musicians. Other popular genres, like Salsa and Punto, keep Venezuelans moving to the beat.
Venezuelan art is a testament to the country’s rich cultural diversity. The works of renowned artists like Armando Reverón, Carlos Cruz-Diez, and Jesús Rafael Soto reflect the nation’s bold creativity and innovative spirit. The country’s stunning architecture, from colonial towns like Mérida to modern metropolises like Caracas, showcases a blend of styles and influences.
Literature has long been a cornerstone of Venezuelan culture. Acclaimed writers like Rómulo Gallegos, Teresa Carreño, and Miguel Otero Silva have contributed to the nation’s literary heritage, exploring themes of identity, history, and social justice.
Cuisine is another vital aspect of Venezuelan culture. Traditional dishes like Pabellón Criollo, Arepas, and Cachapas reflect the country’s indigenous, African, and European roots. The fragrant aroma of freshly cooked meals wafts through homes and street food stalls, bringing people together.
Venezuelan culture is also deeply tied to its stunning natural environment. The majestic Andes Mountains, the Orinoco River, and the Caribbean coastline have inspired countless artistic expressions and spiritual traditions. The indigenous communities’ reverence for the land and its resources is a powerful reminder of the country’s ecological wealth.
Despite facing challenges, Venezuelan culture remains resilient and vibrant. The nation’s warm hospitality, creativity, and unwavering optimism continue to captivate visitors and inspire future generations.
In Venezuela, culture is not just a heritage but a living, breathing entity that permeates every aspect of life. From the rhythmic beats of Joropo to the flavors of traditional cuisine, Venezuelan culture is an unforgettable experience waiting to be discovered
Accommodations:
Uruguay can boast many things: it is a country with claims to fame, a place of laid-back vibe and warm receptiveness to outsiders. There are many options for accommodation, differing to suit various tastes. Among them, hostels are the ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers who hunt for authentic experiences.
Just like in any country, the best hostels of Uruguay are often the cheapest. These little hidden treasures can provide so much more than a place to lay one’s head down: they are doorways to cultural immersion, ways to meet fellow travelers, find insider tips, and sometimes even home-cooked meals.
In the capital, hostels are peppered throughout both the historic Old Town and trendy neighborhoods like Pocitos and Punta Carretas, often occupying exquisitely restored colonial buildings that merge old-world charm with modern comforts. But a different story unfolds in the picturesque colonial town of Colonia del Sacramento, filled as it is with hostels offering dynamic views of the Rio de la Plata. These family-run establishments greet guests with warmth, managing to make guests feel right at home.
In the coastal towns like Punta del Este and Cabo Polonio, there are hostels where surfers, beach lovers, and fans of nature stay. Rustic, not overcomplicated, ecological-these features designate how these hostels fit into the landscape.
The really peculiar thing about hostels in Uruguay is that great attention is paid to the social factor and the cultural exchange side of things. Many of them run events every week; for example, asado cookouts, wine tastings, and live music nights make this place one big family among the guests.
Many of them are often locals, too, full of insider knowledge on everything from secret beaches to quirky, off-the-beaten-track attractions, and authentic eateries. It might bring travelers to some pretty cool, unexpected discoveries and make the experience all the more memorable.
While luxury hostels do exist with their fancy amenities, the real treasures of hostels are those that are humble and family-run. Typically, hostels are modest, sans frills, but they make up for it in genuine warmth, character, and unbeatable value.
Indeed, Uruguay’s hostel scene testifies to the warm hospitality and the attitude for community that this country has. Choosing the cheapest and most authentic options, travelers should be able to plunge into this culture, forge lasting connections, and come up with unforgettable memories. The best hostels in Uruguay are not just places to lay your head but actually gates to enter the very soul of the country.
Nightlife:
When the sun sets in the Rio de la Plata, Uruguay takes on a new aspect-a brightly lit playground that invites all night owls to their infectious energy. This Uruguayan nightlife is incredibly charming in its laid-back way, full of infectious rhythms and warm hospitality.
Montevideo is the capital city, and the pace for a dynamic night is set here. Soft lanterns light the streets of the Old Town, beckoning revelers into bars hidden from sight, small clubs, and cozy spots of live music. The air is filled with whiffs of tango, salsa, and candombe sounds; the overcrowded dance floors spill over.
Coastal cities, such as Punta del Este and Cabo Polonio, give nightlife the casualness of unrestrained fun by the beach. The beach bars and discos throw impromptu parties, while surfers and travelers join the locals under starry skies. This is a rather easygoing atmosphere, more in communion with others than anything else under the bright view of the ocean.
The nightlife in Uruguay also has a rich cultural heritage. Traditional peñas folklóricas are folk music clubs that allow the patron to immerse themselves in the establishment by offering showcases of the country’s rich musical legacy. In such an intimate setup, one finds a perfect opportunity to connect with locals and experience the authentic rhythms of Uruguay.
As night wears on, action shifts to hot dance clubs featuring a mix of DJs playing Latin music, electronica, and international pop. The crowds are diverse-locals, travelers, and expats-all coming together in the quest for a memorable night.
Then, there is the nightlife of Uruguay, which is warm and welcoming by nature. Strangers are found becoming fast friends, and locals make it very easy for any foreigner to share their favorite haunts and hidden gems. This is a nightlife that reflects the laid-back and inclusive spirit of the country-one where visitors should feel right at home.
Nights in Uruguay are languid, extended well into the early hours of the morning. At that hour of the morning when the first light of dawn would have started peeking over the horizon, revelers spill out of the clubs, arms around newfound friends, and memories etched in the mind.
Backpacking costs:
Daily Budget
- Accommodation: $10-$15 USD (hostel dorm)
- Food: $5-$10 USD (street food, markets, cooking own meals)
- Transportation: $2-$5 USD (local buses, walking)
- Attractions and Miscellaneous: $5-$10 USD (free walking tours, parks, beaches)
- Total: $22-$40 USD per day
Weekly Budget
- Accommodation: $70-$105 USD (avg. $10-$15 per night)
- Food: $35-$70 USD (avg. $5-$10 per day)
- Transportation: $14-$35 USD (avg. $2-$5 per day)
- Attractions and Miscellaneous: $35-$70 USD (avg. $5-$10 per day)
- Total: $154-$280 USD per week
Uruguay is a country full of rich culture, pristine landscapes, and warm hospitality. This is truly a destination that’s going to tempt all your senses and leave you wanting more. For the prices not being too steep, vibrant cities, and sights off the beaten path, Uruguay can be very appealing to a backpacker on a tight budget.
From the charming colonial streets of Montevideo to the stunning beaches in Punta del Este, there really is a unique contrast of city arousal and natural beauty. On a daily budget of just $22-$40 USD, you’re able to soak up the local culture, enjoy delicious cuisine, and live for its infectious energy.
Either you are a seasoned traveler or just starting to see the world, Uruguay is very friendly and reasonably priced, which creates an urge in every traveler’s mind to visit at least once in their lifetime on a broke budget to travel around South America.
So pack your bags, take your rucksack, and find out the magic of Uruguay. This small Southern American country has a lot to offer, from its historic heritage to beautiful sceneries and friendly hosts. The historical feel, breathtaking views, and hospitable inhabitants-this little Southern American nation will make your heart stop and provide you with one of those moments you could never forget.
Happy travels!
