Uruguay Travel Facts

The Basics

Country: Uruguay

Where is it?: Uruguay is in s southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil.

Why do people go here?: According to the CIA fact book, Uruguay is South America’s second smallest country and draws more visitors per capita than any other South American state. Its 500 km coastline is one long, white sandy beach, occasionally interrupted by dunes, pine, acacia and eucalyptus trees.

What are the main entry points?: There are regular flights into Montevideo, otherwise, there should be no problem overlanding from Brazil or Argentina.

Currency used: Peso

Country Code for Phones: 598

Area codes for Major Cities: Montevideo 2

Religion: Roman Catholic 66% (less than half of the adult population attends church regularly), Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, nonprofessing or other 31%

Population: 3.4 million

Ethnic Breakdown: 88% European, 6% Mestizo, 4% West African, 2% Asian

Government: Presidential Republic

Languages: Spanish, Portunol, or Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)

Travel Information

Major Cities: Montevideo

Attractions: Uruguayan Riviera

Accomodation: Uruguay Hostels

Tourism Office locations and links: Uruguay Tourist Office

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Tacuaremba, Aguas Dulces

Health Issues: No major health concerns.

Tips for Visiting

When to go: Generally speaking, Uruguay can be visited most of the year.

Common Phrases: Chao = Goodbye. Cuanto cuesta? = How much?. Donde esta? = Where is?. Como se llama? = What is your name?. Me llamo = My name is

Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Uruguay is the Carrasco International Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the Uruguay travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.