Coastlines of Uruguay – A Photo Essay
We spent 10 days in Uruguay last year, all along the coastline from Colonia del Sacramento up to La Pedrera. We had no expectations of the country going in, only knowing that we would be there at its most expensive time of year when all porteños (the people of Buenos Aires) flock to the beaches for their summer vacation.  We found out why they like it so much.
Here are a few of our favorite shots.
La Paloma – This small town is about 1 hour from the capital city of Montevideo. We were treated to the most spectacular sunset of our lives.
La Pedrera – The sleepy little surf town about 30 minutes east of La Pedrera is a hotspot for surfers and backpackers. The beaches are separated by some jagged rock where the swimmers and sunbathers occupy one side and the surfers are on the other.
Montevideo – We spent a couple days in Montevideo. We loved hanging out down near the piers and beaches.
Colonia Del Sacremento – Our entry point into Uruguay, and best known for its cobble stone streets and fortresses. The shoreline is mainly rocks and makes for some great photography. Although this pic has been featured already on our site for top sunsets, it is one of our faves and we couldn’t leave it out here.
Gorgeous shots! We just got here today and can’t wait to check out the coast =)
Thanks Andrea. It’s a beautiful country and I doubt that you will be disappointed. Disfruta!
Beautiful! Just spent a lovely week in much of the same area–started out with the crowds in Colonia on Good Friday, and ended up with a few days on deserted beaches near José Ignacio after Easter. It really is a beautiful country and has a lot going for it. There’s still so much I want to explore. As we walked through Montevideo yesterday, my Argentine fiancé said, “I like Uruguay more every time I visit.”
Uruguay easily surpassed our expectations. It truly had so much beauty in such a small country. I can’t wait to go back…
Hi guys! We’ve never been to Uruguay before, so thanks for sharing these lovely photos.
No problem, glad you enjoyed!
Enjoyed my time in Uruguay too…Especially the windswept beaches. Great pics!
Thanks Jeff, we hope to make it back so we can spend more time there.
Wow! Great photos Peter! Seeing these makes me really want to travel the coast of uruguay…plus, i’m sure Ant won’t say no to a few surfing spots as well!
Cheers Elise. The surfing was really good in La Pedrera, I never expected it to be…
I’ve only ever been to Colonia years and years ago, a lovely little town. The rest of Uruguay’s coast look beautiful as well.
Agreed, A lovely little town indeed. We really enjoyed our time here and the rest of the country.
Stunning!! I’m going to Buenos Aires for two weeks — I leave next Tuesday. I’m now sad I won’t be able to spend as much time in Uruguay as you guys, but this post got me even more excited than I already was!!
Well enjoy what time you can. Have some clerico for us 😉 and enjoy BA, we love it there as well!
Beautiful photos! I love Uruguay. Punta del Diablo is a pretty cool little beach town as well. Check it out if you get the chance! 🙂
Thanks Laura, we heard that about Punta del Diablo as well, just never made it there. Next time for certain.
I’ve always thought Uruguay had a lot to offer. Now, I really can’t wait to get there, too. I love your photos Peter, especially the one with the lone sillouette. You have some talent there 🙂
Thank you for your kind words Sherry. I love that picture too, and to think Dalene didn’t want me to put that one up 😉
Awesome pictures! I’ve never been to anywhere in South America let alone Uruguay it looks so peaceful in your pictures 🙂
It was high season when we were there, yet it was still very peaceful. We loved it!
Great shots! We also enjoyed Montevideo during our time in Uruguay
We wish we could have had more time there, as our stay was very brief. Next time…(I say that about everywhere – there’s always more to do!)
Thanks a lot for showing how beautiful my country is. I’m glad you enjoyed your stay here. You’re more than welcome to come any time you want! Just let me know!!
Thank you Noelia! We loved your country, and will definitely be back someday!
I’ve been to South America a couple of times, but have never made it to Uruguay. The first few photo’s remind me so much of Australia (my home). There’s no way I’m going to miss going to Uruguay next time I get to Sout America, and your photo’s have made me more determined. Thanks for sharing….
Cheers mate! We had no idea it would be that beautiful. But I guess there is a reason everybody from BA flocks here for their vacations. Just be wary that prices nearly triple during high season. We experienced that first hand…
Hi Jason
Believe me that Uruguay is worth a chance. Should be in summer or end of Spring. Its very friendly people and a spectacular coastline. Good food and nice Brazilian style music. I hope you enjoy.
Good Luck
Andy @Inmobee
gorgeous photos. 005 stands out with all of the colors, composition, etc. beautiful photo!
Thanks Justin…that one is my fave too! 🙂
Just went to Colonia del Sacremento yesterday with Abby Tegnelia and we both loved it there! Such a beautiful little coastal town. Thank you for sharing the other images of Uruguay we won’t get to see (on this trip at least). I LOVE the portrait oriented image with the beach, blue sky and umbrella!!!
Thanks Kirsten, that was my favorite picture too. The range of blue in that sky was amazing! Glad you liked Colonia, that was one of our favorite stops in all of South America. Such a cool, laid back place, with so much beauty and charm.
Very nice. I’ve always wanted to go to Uruguay. Would love to see a Cafes of Uruguay post.
I would love to see that too! 🙂
Great photos, guys! I love the fishing silhouette 🙂
Thanks D! We especially love that one too.
Gorgeous pictures! I haven’t been to Uruguay before and certainly didn’t think it would be this beautiful! Thanks for the lovely sharing 🙂
Thanks so much! We honestly didn’t know what to expect with Uruguay either, and were happily surprised obviously!
Pete, I don’t see any pictures of Playa Bikini, just north of Punta del Este…why is that?? There’s great sightseeing to be done there 😉
What ever do you mean Federico? He has his WIFE to look at!! Hahaha! 🙂
Thanks for sharing the photos. I did a 2 year Mormon mission in Uruguay and served all over the country. It’s always fun to see great photos of a wonderful place with incredible memories! Thanks again!
Uruguay was always in the back of my mind, and those pictures really make me want to pack my bags and disappear somewhere in one of those sandy beaches. Great shots, especially the one in Colonia Del Sacremento!
Uruguay is one of my favourite places in South America. I didn’t really know much about it before I visited, but I felt really at home there. I think your pictures do a great job of showing others how beautiful it is. Thanks for sharing.