Uruguay is usually associated with summer, the sea and the high season of January. But when the temperature drops, the country offers another way of traveling: calmer, more creative and open to discovering its hidden charms. In July, the wineries, olive trees, cafes, museums, theaters, landscapes, stoves and shared tables become a good excuse to discover a different Uruguay.
Montevideo: culture, cafes and urban avant-garde
The capital stands out for the rise of its specialty coffees and bookstores in neighborhoods such as Cordón and Ciudad Vieja, converted into cultural meeting points. Its appearance combines art deco architecture, modernism and old port buildings. The emblematic Salvo Palace and the 30 kilometer rambla in front of the Río de la Plata are mandatory stops.
Gastronomy is renewed with signature restaurants, wine bars and urban wine tourism. Wineries stand out such as Santa Rosawith one of the largest underground cellars in South America, and City Winerywhich allows you to taste the main strains of the country.
The second half of 2026 arrives with an intense opera, ballet and theater agenda in the iconic Solis Theater and the Sodre Auditorium. At the same time, candombe, the Afro beat and everyday tango continue to be one of the great cultural differentials.
Cologne: history and boutique gastronomy
Declared World Heritage by UNESCOColonia combines innovation, hotel comfort and a unique historic center in the Río de la Plata. Its cobbled streets and the renovated Wooden Dock They invite you to walk.
The Cheese Route proposes visiting small rural establishments and artisanal cheese factories. There are also historic wineries and award-winning distilleries such as The Hills of San Juan o On 34 Ginwhich offer immersive and gastronomic experiences. Rural areas allow you to enjoy the starry sky, far from light pollution.
Maldonado: art, fashion, views and “slow travel”
In Punta del Este, a mature artistic route unfolds, ideal for those seeking to combine rest with art without the summer crowds. He Atchugarry Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) he Ralli Museum (with works by Dalí and Latin American art) and the Japanese Garden are some of the exponents.
15 kilometers away is Casapueblothe habitable sculpture by Carlos Páez Vilaró, whose terraces offer the best sunset on the continent. The Calle 20the “Fashion Road” of the East, was reinvented with concept stores and specialty coffees.
The region of Waiternicknamed the “Tuscany of the South”, offers lunches among olive groves with the imprint of the fires of Francis Mallmannor flying over the vineyards in a balloon at dawn, the new standard of slow travel.
Lavalleja: nature that captivates
For those looking for a getaway more connected to nature, the region of Serrano Springs was declared UNESCO World Geopark. It offers walks, horseback riding and outdoor experiences in a landscape that combines mountains, waterways and local life.
Rocha: the coast and other charms
Rocha, with his 180 kilometers of coastis ideal for wildlife watching. In it Cabo Polonio National Park one of the largest colonies of sea lions in South America is observed. In Rocha Lagoon More than 220 species of birds can be seen. Winter is also high season for the arrival of the Southern Right Whale.
La Pedrera y The Dove They are ideal for family trips. Cape Polonio offers an experience of absolute digital disconnection.
In the Sierras de Rocha You can enjoy horseback riding, rural tasks and Creole food. He Santa Teresa National Park It has a wildlife refuge with endangered birds. Rocha also has 4 National Historic Monumentssuch as the Santa Teresa Fortress and the Cabo Polonio Lighthouse.
The north: rocky treasure
On the border with Brazil, the “Mining Safari” tours offer visits to the quarries of the region The Catalans, Artigas (UNESCO Geological Heritage of Humanity), where rock formations of international interest are extracted.
He Lunarejo Valley in Rivera is a protected area with slopes, ravines, waterfalls and a unique ecosystem, ideal for hiking and bird watching.
Three itineraries for travelers by car
For those entering via the international bridges, three thematic corridors are available:
a) Time and traditions: Visit the former Anglo Refrigerator in Fray Bentos (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Mercedes heritage, the Esteros de Farrapos National Park and the Guaviyú hot springs.
b) Relax and nature: Focused on disconnection, it promotes the Montes del Queguay, the Almirón Hot Springs (the only thermal waters of marine origin) and astrotourism proposals.
c) Luxury of proximity: It combines thermal resorts in Salto (Arapey and Daymán) with gastronomic tourism, olive oil tasting and experiences in rural ranches and golf courses.
Read also: Car route through Uruguay: the best tourist corridors
Economic benefits for tourists
To make vacations accessible, Uruguay offers:
- 0% VAT in hotels when presenting a foreign identity document.
- Refund of 9 VAT points in restaurants, bars and car rentals paying with international cards.
- Tax Free Regime for purchases in participating stores.
- 24% discount on fuel at service stations near border crossings.
With this initiative, Uruguay reinforces its position as a family destination for winter holidays. A close, versatile country with proposals for different interests.
Official tourism site of Uruguay
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