Table of Contents

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• Why Ruta 1 Is the Perfect Road Trip Through Uruguay

• Stop 1 – Colonia del Sacramento

• Stop 2 – Montevideo

• Stop 3 – Punta del Este

• Stop 4 – Yaci

• Stop 5 – Punta del Diablo

• Planning Your Ruta 1 Road Trip

• One of South America’s Easiest Road Trips

• Final Thoughts

Why Ruta 1 Is the Perfect Road Trip Through Uruguay

Ruta 1 connects some of Uruguay’s most charming towns and coastal escapes. Starting from Colonia del Sacramento and stretching across to the wild beaches of Punta del Diablo, it offers a mix of colonial history, vibrant city life, nature, and small-town charm.

I first drove it in February 2024 with Nicolas – a friend I had met in Bariloche a few months earlier - who is now my husband. We started in Colonia, picked up our rental car in Montevideo, and made our way east along the coast.

Stop 1 – Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia is where history feels alive. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cobblestone streets, pastel houses, and bougainvillea framing every corner.

What to do

• Old Town Walk: Spend an afternoon getting lost in the lanes.

• Lighthouse Climb: For a small fee, climb to the top for panoramic views over the Río de la Plata.

• There are also a lot of museums, but we skipped that.

Where to eat & drink

• Qué Tupé: a cozy local spot with hearty dishes and friendly service. I can recommend the national sandwich Chivito - the grilled beef was very tastefull.

• MBC Sacramento: Perfect for craft beer lovers in a lovely and cosy backyard with small lights hanging from the ceiling.

• La Locanda Bar: Has a laid-back, stylish vibe for cocktails - look out for live bands and DJ's.

Where to stay

• Posada El Capullo: I loved this boutique stay; charming rooms, a peaceful courtyard, and a pool that feels like a hidden oasis.

Streets of Colonia

Stop 2 – Montevideo

Montevideo is both laid-back and full of life. We explored the Historical Center with its plazas and colonial buildings. The city’s energy feels more like a collection of neighborhoods than a capital.

What to do

• La Rambla: A 22-km seaside promenade perfect for walking or cycling especially during the weekends when it's filled with life.

• Local Cinema: We watched movies in Movie Mtv where they serve caramelised popcorn. Pay attention to dubbed movies!

• Mirador Panorámico de la Intendencia de Montevide: I would say it's a must to here. It gives an incredible view over the city and sea. It also offer a small museum of photos from the old days in the streets and beaches of Montevideo.

Where to eat & drink

• Mercado del Puerto: Great for a traditional Uruguayan asado.

• Gallagher's: A nice bar which offer good food and a good variety of drinks. Order a Fernet con Coca for a true Uruguayan drink.

• Pecas Pocitos: A great spot for lunch after a long walk on La Rambla. We got an avocado on bread and pizza.

• Albeto's: Another place to try out Uruguay's popular asado. Very good staff and atmosphere.

Where to stay

We stayed in three different Airbnbs in two neighborhoods of Montevideo.

• Pocitos: A lively, modern neighborhood right by La Rambla, perfect if you enjoy long seaside walks, cafés, and a safe, local vibe.

• Old Center: More historic and atmospheric, with colonial architecture and plazas, though a bit rougher around the edges at night.

Panoramic View of Montevideo

Stop 3 – Punta del Este

Known as a playground for the rich and famous, Punta del Este also has quieter corners and nature escapes available for all.

What do to

• Pan de Azúcar Hill: A short hike with sweeping coastal views. A 40 min drive from the city.

• Local Zoo: Small but family-friendly and at the foot of Pan de Azúcar.

• Arcade Games on the floor plan of La Vista: A nostalgic stop for some lighthearted fun.

Where to eat & drink

• La Vista: Get a good view of the city from this spinning restaurant. A bit pricey but a good vibe.

• Manatiales Point Puerto: There are a variety of restaurants on the street Rbla. Gral. Artigas. We chose this one where we were served delicious sorentinos (filled pasta).

Where to stay

• Posada La Casa: A beautiful place where we had our own cabin. Nicolás was not a big fan, but I found it satisfying and cosy with a nice outside area and shared kitchen. However, I would not recommend if you don't have a car as it's a bit fra from the center.

Common area of Posada La Casa

Stop 4 – Yaci

Yaci is not on most travelers’ lists, and for us, it was only for recharge. It was a simple hotel stay, looking at the water while talking, and a movie night.

What to do

• Kayaking in Laguna Rocha: On the way from Punta del Este we made a stop in Passage Protegido Laguna de Rocha. Right next to Yaci. We went for a walk on the beach, and then kayaking.

Where to eat & drink

• Apalco: A quite little place with red plastic chairs and a beautiful view to the lake. We had a delicious milenasa made of fish from the river and shrimp croquettes.

Where to stay

• Hotel Palma de Mallorca: Hotel right next to the beach and with a pool. We had a big room and was very cosy to a fair price.

Lake view from Apalco

Stop 5 – Punta del Diablo

Punta del Diablo is the definition of laid-back. It’s a small fishing village that draws surfers, artists, and travelers who like things unpolished. It was off-season when we came, so the town was very quite and lot of things closed. In summer time it's a place filled with life on the beach and on bars.

What to do

• Beach Days: Golden sands and Atlantic waves.

• Lord of the Rings Marathon: Yes, we spent two evenings watching all three extended editions.

• Santa Teresa National Park: Ruta 1 offers beaches almost all the way, and in this national park there is yet one, however you have to enter through a little forest terrain first.

Where to eat & drink

• Viejo Blanco Resto: I had a lemon curd and coffe, Nicolás had a flan with coffee. If you want to try something significant for Uruguay, try a flan with wither wrapped cream or dulce de leche.

• Homemade meals: we stayed a week in Punta del Diablo and had therefore an AirBnB with own kitchen and did most meals at home.

Where to stay

• Punta del Este is a very charming little beach town. We had an AirBnB not far from the center and therefore close to the beach. The street where we stayed is called Av. Gral. San Martin.

Boats on the beach of Punta del Diablo

Planning Your Ruta 1 Road Trip

Best Time to Go: November–February for summer vibes; March–June for quieter streets.

How Long to Spend: At least 7-10 days if you want to enjoy each stop.

Transport: Renting a car offers flexibility, but buses also connect most stops. We rented at car through Polo & Global Rental Car on WhatsApp: ‪+598 99 414 306‬ (Google translator might be handy for communication).

One of South America’s Easiest Road Trips

Of all the South American countries I’ve traveled in, Uruguay easily has some of the most relaxed traffic. There’s no constant honking, and most drivers actually stop to let you cross – something I didn’t take for granted after months on the road elsewhere in the region.

Driving itself felt safe, and the conditions on Ruta 1 were excellent. The slower speed limits compared to Denmark turned the journey into a calm experience – long, open stretches of road with only flat landscapes and nature surrounding us.

That said, it was exactly what made the drive enjoyable – no mountain curves, no unpaved sections, just smooth roads and plenty of time to take in the scenery. If you’re new to driving in South America, Uruguay is a great place to start.

Final Thoughts

Driving Ruta 1 gave me the perfect introduction to Uruguay – from Colonia’s history to Punta del Diablo’s wild beaches. It’s a road trip that balances culture, city life, and laid-back coastal escapes, all without the stress that can come with driving elsewhere in South America. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or adding Uruguay to a longer South America journey, Ruta 1 is an easy, rewarding way to experience the country – a journey that will leave you wanting more.

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