Best Cities to Visit in Uruguay (Besides Montevideo)

Punta del Este Maldonado, Uruguai
Punta del Este Maldonado, Uruguay. Photo by Carlyson Oliveira on Unsplash

Most tourists come to Uruguay to check out its stunning capital Montevideo. But why stop there? This South American country has plenty of other cities that are worth checking out. If you are interested in taking the roads less traveled, here are the best cities to visit in Uruguay besides Montevideo.

Colonia del Sacramento

One of the oldest cities in Uruguay, Colonia del Sacramento, is known for its historic quarter that UNESCO recognized as a World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find cobblestone streets built by the Portuguese back in the 17th century, colonial ruins, and impressive buildings in a variety of architectural styles. 

Punta del Este

For those looking to have some fun and enjoy water sports, Punta del Este is the place to be. This coastal city is a popular resort with picturesque beaches and great nightlife. There are other things to check out here, including the giant sculpture La Mano and the Museum of Sea.

Salto

Salto, the country’s second-most populated city, is becoming an increasingly popular tourist location for foreign visitors and people from other parts of Uruguay. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities for water sports, quite a lot of green spaces, and thermal pools. The latter is perhaps Salto’s biggest attraction, with several public and private hot spring resorts in operation.