Best Day-Trips in Montevideo (2024 Updated)

Montevideo is one of the most amazing hidden gems in South America.

This city has its own unique vibe and charm as well as rich history.

Montevideo is a capital city of Uruguay and almost half of the country’s population live there.

Moreover, there are lots of exciting activities you can enroll in during your stay at Montevideo.

You can try some tango classes or visit classic theater productions, and, of course, there are lots of great beaches.

Nevertheless, there are lots of amazing things outside of this beautiful city.

In this article, you can find a list of five amazing day-trips you can take during your stay at Montevideo.

Contents

Sierra de las Ánimas
Colonia del Sacramento
Juanicó Winery
Punta del Este
Finca Piedra
Montevideo Safety Overview

Sierra de las Ánimas

Sierra de las Animas is a privately-owned land which is two hours away from Montevideo.

This place is home to one of the tallest mountains in Uruguay – Cerro de la Animas.

In fact, this park is not really famous among tourists so it’s really quiet and even somehow untouched.

Sierra de las Ánimas has lots of beautiful trails and magnificent pools so you can enjoy hiking, walking or riding a bike during your trip.

According to the local myths, at night spirits of indigenous people come to this place.

It gives the place a special vibe and mysterious and even magical atmosphere.

The park is opened for visitors on holidays and weekends.

To be able to attend this place, you need to pay an admission fee which is $2.

Also, there is a variety of camping and guided tours that are available for tourists.

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is a historic site that is two hours west from Montevideo.

This place is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was started back in the 1600s by the Portuguese and now it has an incredible long-lasting history.

Also, the site is famous for its cobblestoned streets and really beautiful center of the town.

Moreover, Church Matriz which is the oldest church in the country is situated at Colonia del Sacramento.

Considering the fact the town is situated across the Rio de la Plata river, this place is really popular not only among Uruguayans but Argentinians as well.

Just keep in mind that the town is extremely busy during the summer months.

Colonia del Sacramento is a perfect destination if you want to enjoy some stunning sunset.

Just make sure to applaud at the moment the sun goes below the horizon as it’s a national tradition.

Juanicó Winery

If you want to relax from the busy and bustling capital, consider visiting a local wine production region that is only 45 minutes away from Montevideo.

Being a part of the Wine Road, Juanico Winery – it is a whole complex of 15 wineries that gladly accept tourists.

The thing you should know about the local winery is that it is pretty unique as it is greatly influenced by local nature and personal style of each owner.

The most part of wineries in Uruguay is small productions that are owned by local families that used to collect their harvest with their own hands.

All this makes this short trip absolutely worth your time and money.

There are lots of guided trips to Juanico Winery that includes tours around the buildings and cellars and finish with some wine tasting.

The most famous and incredible wine in Uruguay is red varietal Tannat.

Punta del Este

Punta del Este is also called the Peral of Uruguay and one of the most luxurious resorts in the country.

It is full of gorgeous accommodations, stunning beaches, yacht clubs, great nightclubs, and excellent surfing locations.

Also, the place is famous for La Mana de Punta del Este which is a gigantic hand sculpture made of sand.

If you feel like going shopping or look for some amazing artisan goods, visit La Gorlero or Artigas Square.

Don’t feel like going all fancy and luxurious?

The place has lots of other great options for you.

At Playa Mansa, you can try some amazing activities like parasailing, water skiing, and jet skiing.

Also, visit Isla de Lobos which is the biggest sea lions colony in the region.

Finca Piedra

Finca Piedra is located in the Mahoma Hills which are only two hours away from Montevideo.

This place is a perfect destination for those who want to have some rest and relax in a peaceful atmosphere.

This amazing place occupies about 2 500 acres of land that is full of great accommodations and various great things to see and to do.

There you can enjoy some good swim in the pool, horseback riding, carriage rides, vineyard tours, hiking, cooking classes, bird watching, grape harvesting (seasonal), zip-lining, golfing, and paragliding.