Uruguay: Traveling

Means of Transport Recommended in Town

Recommendation

A very efficient bus network covers the whole country, which is an inexpensive mode of transport. Furthermore, taxis are widely available in most big cities, but it is important to stress a point. In Montevideo, the price of a journey depends on the distance covered in Km. A kilometric counter is in charge of computing the price, and the driver can show you a number of connections with the price list. In the countryside, the price of a journey might be computed on the amount of kilometers covered or on a set price method, either or. It is therefore important to ask for the price of a journey before getting in a cab.

Maps of Urban Networks

Mapred
Maporama
Mapblast
UT Library on line

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Montevideo - Carrasco Intl (MVD)	15 km / 10 miles	USD 20-25 / 20-30 min	USD 2.50 / 30 min	-	Available

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Recommendation

Plane: There are few national airlines but they are for rather exclusive use and have a relatively uncertain schedule.
Bus:Very good way of travelling in Uruguay. Bus travel is cheap and rather comfortable.
Car: On-site rental is possible. The road network is efficient.
Ship: There is a shuttle between Montevideo and Colonia.

Rail Companies

State railway office.

Airlines

You Can Consult the List of Airlines Banned Within the EU. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling By Yourself

Recommendation

The road network is well-developed and in relatively good condition. There are numerous non-paved roads. The road Montevideo-Punta Del Este on the coast counts many gas stations. Inside the country, it is better to stock up with gas in stations around cities. It is advised to be very cautious since drivers only partially respect the highway code and cars are quite old. Numerous private bus companies ensure regular connections between cities from the bus station of Montevideo and with confortable transport conditions.

Road Maps

Google Maps
Road network map

Find an Itinerary

Ministry of Tourism

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and also the biggest city. It gathers the cultural, business and economic activities of the country. It is a modern and animated city with some interesting architectural buildings, especially along the avenida 18 de Julio.

Cultural

There are lots of museums worth visiting in Montevideo. You shouldn't miss the "Museo del Gaucho". Two other museums will also attract visitors: the historical houses of Casa Lavalleja (National Historical Museum) and Casa Rivera. The visit of the Mercado del Puerto (harbour market) is a must. It is located in the old town, at the crossing of Piedras and Castellanos. Build under an old train station from the beginning of the XXth century, it still holds the original central clock. It is one of the popular centers of gastronomy in Uruguay and a great place to gather friends on weekends toi enjoy an excellent asado.

Nature

Punta del Este is one of the most select seaside resorts in all of south America.

Religious

At Paysandu, you can see the cathedral, whose walls have kept the bullets of the triple alliance war embedded. At that time, the city belonged to the Paraguayans.

Thermal

The region that gave its name to the city of Salto is the most populated northerm Uruguayan urban center, but it is also a well known center in the region for its thermal sources all around, touristic resorts and converted swimming pools.

Beach

The Carmelo and Mercedes beaches are ideal spots for boat cruising, sailing, fishing and fun water activities. For the farniente followers, the beaches of Punta del Este and their crystal clear waters definitely are the places to go. With its numerous seaside resort and its crowds of tourists, the Montevideo east side area is one the most westernized places in the country. The great Atlantida Resort is located just east from the capital city, and you will find Piriapolis just a couple of beach towel rows further. From there, you might explore the surrounding countryside and hike up the 130 feet of the Cerro Pan de Azucar, or even visit Minas, a charming small town surrounded by wooded hills.

Outdoor Activities

Several activities can be chosen, see the website of Ministry of Tourism

Shopping

The craft industry concerns products dealing with the gaucho's image and life, with mostly leather and wool work. Furthermore, there is an important offer of semi precious stones (agata, amethyst, etc) comming from the northerm areas in the country. There is a store chain in the main malls concentrating all the diversity of craft industry in Uruguay.

Tourism Organizations

Ministry of Tourism

Health and Safety

Health Precautions

No requirement concerning vaccination for international flights.

For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions

Ministry of public health.

Contact Your Embassy

Embassy of Lebanon in Montevideo, Uruguay
Avda. Gral. Rivera 2278
Montevideo
Uruguay
Phone: (+598) 2 408.66.40
Fax: (+598) 2 408.63.65
Contact the embassy by Email
Office Hours: 10:00-14:00.

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference

It is %T:%M %A In Montevideo (GMT-3 in winter, GMT-2 in summer)

Summer Time Period

Summer time from October to March