Open Travel Guide
Day trips from Uruguay

Best Day Trips from Uruguay 2026

Where a single day out of Uruguay can take you, and exactly how to make each trip work.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 5+ day trips in Uruguay — Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este and Cabo Polonio top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Uruguay is South America's hidden gem, offering a sophisticated blend of colonial history, vibrant beach resorts, and gaucho culture. This small nation between Argentina and Brazil boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites, world-class wine regions, and some of the continent's best beaches.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

Day trip

Colonia del Sacramento

Bus from Tres Cruces terminal

Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage colonial quarter · Portuguese Lighthouse · Cobblestone streets · Rio de la Plata waterfront

Day trip

Punta del Este

COT or Turil bus from Tres Cruces terminal

Highlights: Playa Brava and La Mano sculpture · Casapueblo artist's house · Punta del Este Peninsula marina · Cantegril beach clubs

Day trip

Cabo Polonio

Bus to Valizas from Tres Cruces, then 4WD vehicle to Cabo Polonio

Highlights: Sea lion colony · Lighthouse · Off-grid village with no electricity · Wild Atlantic beach

Day trip

Carmelo and the Colonia Wine Region

Bus from Montevideo

Highlights: Bouza and Familia Deicas wineries · Rio Uruguay estuary beaches · Gaucho estancia experiences · Historic town center

Day trip

Valle Eden and Quebrada de los Cuervos

Bus to Treinta y Tres, then taxi or local transport

Highlights: Quebrada de los Cuervos protected gorge · Waterfalls and native forest · Bird watching · Swimming holes

Trips by distance

How far you can go in a day.

Getting there

Transport options for day trips.

Tours
Organised day tours to Colonia from Montevideo from $55 including bus and guide. Winery day tours from $70 including transport and tastings.
Private
Private car and driver from $150-250/day for flexible itineraries. Best for wine regions and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Public
COT, COPSA, and Turil buses from Terminal Tres Cruces serve all major day trip destinations. Reliable, comfortable, and affordable.
Rental
Car rental from $35-60/day enables maximum flexibility especially along the Atlantic coast Route 9 between Punta del Este and Cabo Polonio.

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

The morning ferry from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento (Buquebus or Colonia Express) departs around 8-9AM — take it for the full experience then return by afternoon bus.

Tip

Book Cabo Polonio 4WD vehicles in advance online (cabopolonio.com.uy) — the crossing sells out in summer.

Tip

Visit Punta del Este on weekdays in shoulder season (March-May, September-November) for empty beaches and half the prices.

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