7 places to visit in Uruguay that are not Montevideo or Punta del Este

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The summer season is approaching. Many Argentines, Europeans, and Americans will visit Uruguay and its beaches: these are the places you must see, apart from the most popular destinations.

After more than a year of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the country governed by Luis Lacalle Pou reopened its borders for tourists worldwide: the Uruguayan government made the measuring official through a decree that enables the second stage of openings in the country.

CLASSIC DESTINATIONS IN URUGUAY

Now that the borders have been opened, thousands of tourists set their sights on Uruguay to enjoy the next summer season. The most sought-after destinations, as usual, are Montevideo and Punta del Este.

Everyday life at the beach can become a bit monotonous, and it is a good idea to know which hidden destinations can be visited in the surroundings.

1. BARRA DE CHUY

El Chuy is a classic Uruguayan seaside resort born in 1914 and for a long time was the place that communicated, through the installation of an English telephone booth, the cities of Montevideo and Porto Alegre. Today it is a beautiful tourist destination with gigantic beaches perfect for long walks at sunset or even horseback riding along the seashore. It is also an ideal plan for those who want to have an afternoon fishing on the bridge that joins Uruguay with Brazil.

2. CANELONES

Canelones is, without a doubt, the perfect Uruguayan destination for those who like to travel with their palate and get to know the typical gastronomy of the area. It is known as the most no touristic area of Uruguay, with tourism focused on wine production areas, for its countless farms, farms, and vineyards of family tradition that are ready to receive visitors eager for a different plan.

3. COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO

Colonia del Sacramento is the capital of Colonia, Uruguay, and is one of the country’s most traditional, quiet, and beautiful areas. In its streets, time seems to have stopped, and it is evident that there is no hurry or madness in this town, but rather a serene and friendly sea.

For its part, the historic center of Cologne has declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995 and chosen as a set for some period films thanks to its excellent state of preservation. Honestly a must-see destination and perfect for spending a different summer afternoon.

4. LA PEDRERA

Small and trendy, La Pedrera is a seaside resort located on a rocky cliff where the beaches are perfect to practice water sports, enjoy long walks or horseback riding and even go fishing. The relaxed family atmosphere is accompanied by a lovely night scene were bonfires on the beach and bars on the coast.

5. GRUTAS DEL PALACIO

The caves are located within the Grutas del Palacio Geopark, located on Route 14, less than 50 kilometers from the city of Trinidad, capital of the department of Flores. These caves are unmissable: they are natural excavations in the rocks that were formed by the erosion of the water, it is a hidden place that has no waste.

6. TERMAS DEL DAYMAN

Just 10 km from the city of Salto, Uruguay, in front of its Argentine sister city of Concordia, Entre Rios, are the Termas del Dayman, a perfect and ideal destination for those looking to relax and have a different afternoon. The hot springs found their genesis in 1957 due to a failed attempt to find oil on the shores of the Dayman River.

7. PUNTA DEL DIABLO

Within the department of Rocha, Punta del Diablo is a small fishing village that has won the hearts of hundreds of tourists for its tranquility and beautiful beaches, ideal for surfing or kitesurfing. Its curious name [“Devil’s Point”] comes from the thousands of shipwrecks that occurred in the place and the fact that, in 1942, its coasts attracted many shark fishing enthusiasts.