How to Find Luxury Hotels in Uruguay

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean in the southern hemisphere, this small South American country is home to a lively culture, much like that of its much larger neighbor, Brazil. Uruguay is also a beautiful country, complete with rolling hills and sandy, tropical beaches. Read on to learn how to find luxury accommodations in Uruguay.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Passport

Choose Luxury Accommodations

1. Reserve accommodations in Carmelo and experience luxury resort offerings such as golf, horseback riding and fishing.
2. Choose luxury accommodations in Punta Del Este. Guests can enjoy access to spas, conference centers with up to date technology and casinos.
3. Soak in the sun, play the tables and enjoy lavish spa treatments at the Mantra Resort Spa and Casino. Rates are expensive, but you can expect stellar service. Call 011 ([phone] or visit the hotel Web site. See the Resources section below for a link.
4. Book a room in Maldonado and visit the Museo Didactico Artiguista, a block of military forts built between 1771 and 1779.
5. Look for luxury hotels near the Mercado del Puerto in Montevideo. The best time to visit this collection of restaurants is on Saturday, when all the local musicians and artists flock to the streets.
6. Visit Parque Nacional Santa Teresa, a coastal park. You can camp on park grounds, or stay in nearby La Coronilla for more luxurious accommodations.
7. Stay in accommodations in Montevideo, near the sea, and enjoy beautiful views in addition to standard five-star amenities.

Prepare for Your Hotel Stay

8. Check for entry requirements. The Embassy of Uruguay maintains a list of countries whose citizens do not need visas to enter Uruguay. See what the requirements are for your country or contact the embassy for more information.
9. Note that if you need to apply for a visa you will also need to provide a copy of your round-trip ticket. If you don't have that yet you are allowed to submit a letter from your travel agency or letter carrier instead.
10. Be aware that every visitor, regardless of visa status, must have a tourist card. It is valid for 90 days and renewable.
11. Fly into Montevideo. You can get direct flights from Sao Paulo, Madrid and Miami. Note that flights from Miami are only offered during winter. You can arrive by train although there is limited train service.
12. Arrive by car or bus. Take the bus from Porto Alegre, Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Consider taking a ferry in from Buenos Aires to Montevideo or Colonia.
13. Move around Uruguay by bus or taxi. The roads are somewhat challenging due to the hilly nature of the country.
14. Take a tour. Several tours are offered, including an agro tour and agricultural tour.

Know Your Destination

15. Learn Spanish. It is the official language and English is rarely used.
16. Exchange your dollars for the Uruguayan Peso. It is the local currency.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no government-sponsored official tourism Web site that features online booking in English. You can book a hotel room online via some of the hotel Web sites.
• The best time to visit is between September and May.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.