Uruguay is a relatively small country sandwiched between two giants. Due to its lack of major tourist sights it means it can often be overlooked by backpackers. However, in a continent known for its political instability, Uruguay’s progressive liberal stance is making it stand out on its own. In the past few years the government has legalized marijuana and it is now the only country in the world where the whole process, from farming to distribution, is managed by the government. They have also legalised abortion and same sex marriage as well as provided internet-ready laptops to every student in the country. With rugged coastlines and historic towns we decided this was one country we didn’t want to miss out.
Average Cost per Day for a Couple – UP$3,000 (Uruguayan Peso)
Our average cost includes;
- Transport
- Hotels/Hostels
- Daily spends
In total we spent 11 days in Uruguay over the Christmas and New Year period.
Typical Costs
Hotels/Hostels
We booked in advance to ensure we had accommodation during the holiday period and managed to get most places for around UP$900-1500. Over Christmas we rented a beautiful apartment in Punta del Diablo called Los Pecados de la Viuda and in Montevideo the Chic Boutique Hostel has excellent value private rooms.
Food
We didn’t eat out a lot in Uruguay and saved a lot of money by cooking for ourselves. At weekends and during holidays it’s traditional to have a barbeque and most hostels will organise this but the costs can vary.
Beer
A large litre bottle of beer can found for around UP$70-100 in restaurants.
Entrance Fees and Activities
Travelling over Christmas and New Year meant our activities mainly consisted of eating and drinking.
Transport
It is very easy to get a ferry from Buenos Aires to Uruguay. The two major companies are Buque Bus and Colonia Express, we found Colonia Express to be the most cost effective. Buses are also an easy way to travel around the country.
- Ferry Buenos Aires to Montevideo - UP$1370pp
- Bus Montevideo to Punta del Diablo – UP$565pp
- Bus Montevideo to Colonia – UP$330pp
Highlights
We visited three of the country’s most touristic areas each offering a completely different experience of the country. For beaches head to Punta del Diablo or Punta del Este, for a romantic colonial town head to Colonia del Sacramento, and for museums and shopping head to the capital Montevideo.