Planning A Visit to Uruguay

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This laidback country isn’t often a popular choice for travelers. It’s a shame because it’s one of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in the world. Here are the top five reasons why you should visit Uruguay this year.

The Sleepy Little Towns

There are a lot of sleepy little town in Uruguay that seem as if they are from a different era. Carmelo is filled with many vineyards (and great wine!), as well sports such as polo and golf. What’s surprising about this area is that there are a lot of upscale accommodations available. If you are looking to see some of Uruguay’s former charm, Colonia Del Sacramento is the place to visit. It’s filled with cobbled streets a drawbridge and even a lighthouse.

The Beaches

There are quite a few beaches here that are not only easily accessible, but have plenty of lodging nearby. If you are looking for a glamourous place to go, be sure to visit Rio De La Plata. For a relaxed beach experience, check Jose Ignacio. Other popular beach towns for tourists to visit include La Barra and Punta Del Este.

The Capital

It’s not often that we recommend visiting a city just for its capital. Montevideo is a relaxed place to go and great for vacationers. The city is pretty much walkable which makes it easy to get around to view the market, low-rise skyscrapers, beautiful beaches and wherever you want to go. There is no need to rent a car as your feet can take you to just about anywhere in Montevideo.

A Much Different Carnaval

Brazilians aren’t the only ones that know how to party. In Uruguay, their version of Carnaval that lasts for two months. It features a lot of dancing to drums and partying. Every evening there seems to be a street party and the overall experience is a lot different than the one that takes place in Rio De Janeiro. Each year the festivities start around Mid-January and go through about the middle of March.

Unique Opportunities

There’s plenty to do in Uruguay so you don’t have to worry about ever getting bored. Travelers can go on a hot air balloon ride, kitesurf or visit a vineyard. Because there are so many beaches here, this country really caters to those that love watersports or just being outdoors.

If you are looking for a country that isn’t that crowded and allows you the opportunity to really enjoy the landscape and beauty of it, Uruguay won’t disappoint.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.