Discover Uruguay

The relaxed capital charms with the historic old town of Ciudad Vieja, the long Rambla waterfront promenade and the lively Mercado del Puerto, filled with the aroma of traditional parrilla grills. Between colonial architecture and modern city life, Montevideo ranks among South America's most liveable cities.

This UNESCO-protected colonial town on the Río de la Plata charms with cobblestone lanes, Portuguese and Spanish colonial architecture and a historic lighthouse. The town is easily reached as a day trip by ferry from Buenos Aires and feels frozen in time.

This glamorous seaside resort is known as "the St. Tropez of South America" and draws visitors with fine sandy beaches, exclusive restaurants and the famous "Hand" sculpture on Brava Beach. In summer, Punta del Este becomes a glittering meeting point for South American high society.

The vast grasslands of the interior are home to the gauchos, traditional cowboys whose way of life is still cultivated on ranches (estancias) today. Overnight stays at an estancia with horseback riding, campfires and shared mate tea offer authentic insights into Uruguayan rural culture.

Direct flights or flights with one stopover run from Zurich to Montevideo, with total travel time of around 14 to 17 hours. Swiss citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays; a valid passport is sufficient.

The official language is Spanish. In tourist areas like Punta del Este, some English is spoken, but basic Spanish makes travel elsewhere considerably easier.

The Uruguayan peso (UYU) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in Montevideo and Punta del Este, but cash is still recommended for markets and smaller purchases.

Uruguay is one of the pricier destinations in South America, with a price level often above that of its neighbouring countries. Punta del Este in particular can rival European coastal resorts in price during high season.