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Gay travel to Uruguay: detailed itinerary

Stefan Arestis
Gay travel to Uruguay: detailed itinerary

This is our gay travel guide to Uruguay, with a fun itinerary including where to stay and what to do for LGBTQ travelers.

Uruguay is a country you cannot afford to skip from your Latin America itinerary. It has so much to offer, whether it's surfing beaches, good wine, stunning scenery, delicious steaks and of course marijuana.

Uruguay is one of the most progressive countries in the world and certainly the most gay friendly in Latin America. It was one of the first in the continent to allow gay marriages, legalise abortions in 2012 and established a welfare state in 1903.

And of course the marijuana which it's so famous for: since December 2013, Uruguay legalised the cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana for recreational use.

Most will add on Uruguay as part of their Latin America trip to Argentina or South Brazil, so we set out a variety of options to hit the main highlights the country has to offer. Our Uruguay gay travel itinerary can be done in 1 or 2 weeks, depending if you like to travel at a slow pace like we do.

We also assume that you will be taking the boat from Buenos Aires to Colónia as your entry point, but you can also fly in to Montevideo and start from there.

Heads up: We just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links. That means if you book something through one of those links, we'll get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep our blog going – so thank you in advance for your support! ♥

uruguay itinerary 1 week marijuana in Rocha
Sebastien admiring these home grown Black Jack marijuana plants in Rocha, East Uruguay

Colónia Del Sacramento

Most people will travel to Colónia from Buenos Aires by ferry. The journey takes around 2-3 hours with 3 daily round trips. There are 3 companies to choose from: Colónia Express, Buquebus and Seacat.

On our journey into Colónia from Buenos Aires, this is what we had sitting behind us…what a way to be welcomed to Uruguay!

uruguay itinerary buenos aires to colonia pretty Uruguayan boys
Uruguayan sleeping beauties aboard the ferry from Buenos Aires to Colónia

What to do in Colónia Del Sacramento

Colónia del Sacramento is a city in Southwest Uruguay and one of the oldest in the country. It is famous for its picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site old town with small cobblestone roads surrounded by thick fortified walls. A few of the highlights in Colónia include:

  • Exploring the Old Town: the historic quarter of Colónia is the most famous and attracts many tourists from Buenos Aires just across the river. As such it's very touristy, but no less beautiful. The city walls and the Puerta de la Ciudadela (Old Town gate), built in 1745 by the Portuguese are one of the major highlights.
  • Puerto Viejo: the picturesque Old Port area is no longer functional, but is now the perfect place for a stroll and for people watching.
  • El Faro Lighthouse: built in 1857, the lighthouse is great for climbing to awe at the views across the Río de la Plata.
  • Museums: you can buy 1 ticket to cover all of Colónia's museums for 50 Uruguayan pesos ($2/£1.50). Some of the best ones include Museo Portugués, Museo del Azulejo, Museo Español and the Museo Municipal.
  • Horse riding day trips: Colonia Horse Riding is a highly rated gay and hetero friendly company, based in Buenos Aires, who offer horse riding tours in Colónia as well as private walking tours in the Old Town.
Colónia horse riding Uruguay itinerary
Stefan horse riding in Colónia

Gay hotels in Colónia Del Sacramento

You can either head straight to Montevideo and stay an extra night there or invest in a night in Colónia. A few outstanding gay friendly options include:

01

Radisson Hotel Colónia del Sacramento

For a luxurious experience stay at the gay friendly Radisson in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Why we love it


  • Great location near historic district
  • Incredible riverside infinity pool
  • Indoor swimming pool and hot tubs as well
  • Delicious in-house restaurant

The Radisson Hotel in Colónia del Sacramento is in a prime location right on the riverfront and only a block away from the historic district.

The infinity pool overlooking the Río de la Plata is simply stunning, perfect for those romantic Instagram #sunsetporn moments!

The staff are so lovely and accommodating as well, although you might need to brush up on your Spanish.

As well as the infinity pool there's also an indoor swimming pool, multiple hot tubs, a sauna and well-equipped gym (also with great views over the river). For a five-star hotel this is very affordable, make sure you pay the little bit extra to get a room with a balcony looking out over the river.

You might not even want to leave this luxurious hotel, especially once you try their delicious dishes at the Del Carmen Restaurante and Lounge Bar. Breakfast especially is a huge spread of fresh tropical fruits, pastries, cereal, cakes, eggs, sausages and more! For lunch and dinner, you can also dine on Uruguayan or international cuisine.

02

Posada El Capullo

Posada el Capullo is perfect for a romantic and gay friendly stay in Colonia del Sacramento

Why we love it


  • Cute little lovenest
  • Great location near beach and historic area
  • Swimming pool in a leafy garden
  • Delicious breakfast served on the terrace

Close to the beach and historic area, with an outdoor swimming pool set in a lush garden, El Capullo is the ideal romantic place to stay in Colónia.

The rooms are decorated in earthy tones with lovely stone and wood accents. With views over the garden and pool, this will be your perfect little love-nest.

One of the best parts is spotting all the beautiful local birds who visit every morning.

A delicious 100% home-made buffet breakfast is served each morning, consisting of yoghurt, fruit, juices, bread, jams, coffee and pastries. We loved the little whitewashed terrace where breakfast is served, with pot plants on the walls. There are also shared BBQ facilities in the garden.

The staff are extremely gay friendly and very helpful, giving us lots of recommendations for places to eat in the area. You can also rent cute bicycles with wicker baskets to explore the city, book a relaxing massage or just snuggle up in front of the cosy fireplace.

Discover gay friendly Montevideo

The drive from Colónia to Montevideo car is around 2 hours.

You can also get to Montevideo from Colónia by bus. The bus terminal for Colónia is right next to the ferry station and there are buses every hour from Colónia to Montevideo, which take around 2.5 hours.

Montevideo selfie part of Uruguay itinerary

Gay hotels in Montevideo

01

Holiday Inn Montevideo

The Holiday Inn Montevideo offers comfortable and affordable gay friendly accommodation in Uruguay

Why we love it


  • Excellent gay friendly hotel
  • Good location in the Old Town
  • Spacious, comfy rooms with Jacuzzi
  • Delicious in-house restaurant

For an affordable option located right in the heart of Montevideo's Old Town, we loved the Holiday Inn.

The rooms are simple but spacious and comfortable. Their suites each have a large Jacuzzi, which is perfect if you love your bubbles like we do!

You'll be walking distance from the main attractions and there's also a nice indoor pool with views over the city.

The Holiday Inn is definitely very gay friendly as they are part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, which has a history of championing LGBT rights and offering special deals to LGBT travellers. The staff are exceedingly helpful and speak good English, in case you're worried about your Spanish skills.

Hotel restaurant El Quijote serves yummy international cuisine, including an excellent breakfast buffet with lots of different fruits, yoghurts, pastries, parfaits, as well as warm dishes like eggs and bacon. There's also a nice big gym for working out so don't feel like you can't eat as much as you want!

02

My Suites Boutique Hotel

My Suites Boutique Hotel is a quirky wine themed and gay friendly choice of accommodation in Montevideo

Why we love it


  • Wine themed restaurant with free tasting sessions
  • Rooftop pool/Jacuzzi
  • Lovely buffet breakfast
  • Spacious rooms and very comfy beds

Wine connoisseurs will love this one!

My Suites is a sexy, classy and extremely stylish boutique hotel, with a unique wine theme, including pops of wine-red decor throughout the property.

Each floor is named after a winery, and the hotel offers guests complimentary wine and olive oil tasting sessions every evening (from Tuesday to Saturday) with lectures by a local sommelier.

There's also a small but lovely rooftop pool as well as an internal garden. You can keep fit in the wellness centre, book a massage, relax in the sauna or even join a yoga class. The staff are very friendly and helpful, especially when giving recommendations for nearby things to do.

The hotel is just two blocks from the beach and a short uber or taxi ride into the city centre. The Wine Bar does meals to go along with their excellent wines, including a daily buffet breakfast of pastries, cereal, yoghurt, bread, jam, cakes, fruits, and eggs. The rooms also come with a kettle, microwave and fridge so you can save money by self-catering a little too.

03

Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa

For incredible luxury in Montevideo, stay at the gay friendly Sofitel Carrasco

Why we love it


  • Luxurious 5-star hotel
  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
  • Fantastic spa with sauna and hammam
  • Incredible French restaurant

Overlooking the Rambla beachfront, this glamorous former casino palace was built in 1821.

This Sofitel hotel boasts a mix of French classic architecture with a modern twist. Check out the Philip Starks horse lamps in the grand, impressive lobby.

You'll also be gobsmacked by the gorgeous chandeliers, chic furniture and marble finishings everywhere.

Their suites offer amazing views over the Rio Del Plata, have 2 huge walk-in showers and the most luxurious free-standing bathtubs! We loved soaking here after a day of exploring the city. The hotel spa is also a wonderful choice for relaxing massages or to enjoy the sauna and Hammam style baths.

There's a sleek gym for keeping fit, as well as the choice of indoor or outdoor swimming pools for some laps. If you haven't had enough French-inspired elegance make sure you eat at in-house Restaurant 1921 for classic French dishes and stunning views of the beach.

What to do in Montevideo

Montevideo offers plenty of things to do, particularly around Plaza Independencia in the Old Town (Ciudad Vieja) and the Rambla beach promenade.

  • Ciudad Vieja: Montevideo's Old Town has the famous statute of General Artigas, the national hero as well as beautiful colonial buildings dating back to the 1800s, like Teatro Solís and the iconic Puerta de la Ciudadela.
  • Sarandí promenade: this is the main pedestrian street in the city, starting from the Puerta de la Ciudadela and ending at the Rambla promenade on the coast with art galleries, buskers and shops selling handicrafts.
  • Ramblas beach promenade: the 22km long promenade avenue along the coast is perfect for people watching or for a romantic walk with your lover. The famous “Montevideo” sign is also here.
  • Bike tour Uruguay: one of the best ways to discover the city is by bike. We recommend Bike Tour Uruguay who offer tours around the Old Town and the Ramblas promenade.
  • Uruguayan wine: Uruguay is one of the top 5 wine producers in South America and you can visit wineries near Montevideo such as the Bodega Bouza as part of a day trip.
  • Mercado Agricola Montevideo (MAM): the famous market in the city where you can come to purchase fresh produce, meat, fish, Uruguayan wine, have a coffee, and watch the locals go about their daily chores.
  • Tango lessons: Uruguay is just as responsible for the birth of tango as Argentina. You can learn more about it in our article about gay life in Uruguay.

If you're a gay traveller, check out our gay guide to Montevideo.

Punta del Este is THE place to come to party, especially during the summer months, December to February. Everyone comes here, surfers, beach hotties, Brazilian millionaires, the high society from Buenos Aires. It's often referred to as The Hamptons of South America. So if you're in a party mood, consider adding Punta to your itinerary.

Explore gay Punta Del Este

Regular buses travel from Montevideo to Maldonado bus terminal, which is a few kilometres north of Punta Del Este. The journey takes around 3 hours and costs 220 pesos $8/£6. From Maldonado, you can take a taxi or catch the local bus to Punta Del Este.

By car, it's a scenic 2 hours drive from Montevideo to Punta del Este. Along the way we suggest stopping at Punta Ballena to marvel at Casapueblo, the extremely pretty home of Uruguay's most famous artist, Carlos Páez Vilaró, There's a small part of Casapueblo open to the public, which houses an exhibition of Vilaró's works. The rest of the building has been converted into a 4-star Hotel.

Casapueblo in Uruguay itinerary
Can you spot Sebastien hiding in front of Casapueblo?

Where to stay in Punta Del Este

01

Undarius Gay Hotel (men only)

Undarius Hotel is a clothing optional, exclusive hotel for gay men, located right near the Chihuahua gay nude beach

Why we love it


  • Clothing optional, gay male-only hotel
  • Lovely garden and swimming pool
  • Walking distance from local gay nude beach
  • Spacious double rooms or dorms

Undarius is a clothing-optional, gay male-only hotel located just 400 metres from the popular gay and naturist beach Chihuahua in Punta del Este.

The hotel has a beautiful garden, a large outdoor swimming pool and an extremely romantic fireplace in the awesome purple communal area.

This is a fun but also very restful gay resort, perfect if you're looking to relax and meet like-minded travellers.

The double rooms are very spacious and airy, while you can also stay in dorm rooms if you're trying to save money. We love the bright rainbow colours painted on the walls of each room's little private terrace that overlooks the garden and swimming pool. It's lovely to relax next to the pool, or in the covered Jacuzzi.

The hosts and staff make you feel like you're staying with a bunch of friends, which the other guests from around the world will soon become. Undarius is about 15km from Punta del Este, so you'll be very secluded, but still able to explore the local nightlife after a short taxi or uber ride.

STAY WITH A GAY LOCAL

Misterb&b is the Airbnb equivalent for the LGBTQ community. Unlike on Airbnb, you know your host is gay, voiding any nasty surprises when you check-in. It is also a great way to meet gay locals and discover the underground gay scene. Click below to get 10 € (or $10) off our first booking.

02

Yoo Punta del Este

Yoo Punta del Este offers gorgeous self-contained apartments in Punta del Este, with lots of luxurious amenities

Why we love it


  • Luxurious self-contained apartments
  • Exquisite spa with indoor Turkish hammam
  • Outdoor infinity pool too
  • Exclusive poolside restaurant

Yoo Punta del Este is one of the best lodgings in Punta del Este on Tripadvisor, which is what first attracted our attention.

If you wanted to be right in the city then this is a fabulous choice. Yoo is located in the 8th stop of Roosevelt Avenue, which is the heart of the Art District.

All of the apartments come with a balcony, but make sure you check out the ones with a sea view!

One of the most incredible parts of Yoo Punta del Este is the exquisite spa with a beautiful indoor Turkish-style pool (see the picture above). There's also a Jacuzzi, sauna, Scottish shower and treatment cabins where you can enjoy massages or a variety of beauty treatments.

The apartments are self-contained, so you'll have a small kitchen for cooking your own meals. Along with the fancy spa, there's also a gorgeous outdoor infinity pool with table and chairs sitting in the water as well as luxurious cabanas for lounging. On top of all this, there's even an exclusive restaurant and a classic library at the end of the pool-side promenade!

What to do in Punta Del Este

Punta del Este is famous for being an international beach resort, especially during the summer months of December-February when you can do parasailing, waterskiing and jet skiing. It's the perfect place for partying with many bars and clubs. Here's a few of our favourite activities in Punta del Este:

  • Punta Bike Tour: this is the perfect way to see the main sites of the most emblematic icons of the city, including the famous and bizarre fingers rising out of the beach statue.
  • Nightlife: the port area is the most happening part of the city with restaurant/bars becoming the fashion. One of our favourite hangouts includes Soho bar which serves up delicious cocktails.
  • Cabo Polono day trip: Cabo Polono is a settlement of 95 people in a National Park on the Eastern coast of Uruguay on the tip of a peninsula. It's worth visiting as a day trip, which involves a 7km truck drive through the sand dunes.
Cabo del Polonia Uruguay itinerary
Sea lions basking and posing in the sun at Cabo del Polonia

Punta Del Diablo is a small fishing town and seaside resort in Rocha, on the Eastern coast of Uruguay. Over the years it has evolved to become a prime summer getaway for Uruguayans and Argentinians during the summer months, December-February.

If you visit outside of those months, however, it's more tranquil, remote and feels like you have the entire beach all to yourself, making it the ideal option if you're looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway.

Punta Del Diablo beach Uruguay itinerary
Stefan solitary on Punta Del Diablo beach

Punta Del Diablo

The drive by car from Montevideo takes around 4 hours.

The bus from Montevideo takes around 5 hours and buses leave frequently. The best companies offering a direct service includes COT and Rutas del Sol.

Gay friendly hotels in Punta Del Diablo

01

Il Tano Suites

For a tranquil stay in a family owned B&B, stay at the Il Tano Suites in Punta del Diablo

Why we love it


  • Lovely family-owned B&B
  • Quiet area close to Playa Grande
  • Small private pool in the garden
  • Delicious breakfast included

Il Tano Suites is a charming family-owned guesthouse offering 2 cosy private suites with fireplace and a swimming pool.

The suites are located in a quiet area, surrounded by forest and only about 400 metres from nearby Playa Grande.

They also serve delicious Italian food in their restaurant called Il Tano Cucina.

Breakfast is included in your stay, and you can have half or full board at the restaurant if you want all your meals provided. The food is delicious, homemade Italian dishes made with the freshest ingredients, many of which are grown on the property in the pretty garden.

There's a small pool with a cute fountain in the garden for guests to use, as well as beach chairs and an umbrella. Bicycles are also provided for exploring the area. There are only three suites, so you'll be able to relax in perfect tranquillity with only a few other guests.

02

Posada de la Viuda

If you're travelling on a budget then the Posada de la Viuda in Punta del Diablo is a gorgeous beach-side choice

Why we love it


  • Lovely beach side hotel
  • Jacuzzi and balcony overlooking the sea
  • Very affordable
  • Swimming pool and hammocks for relaxing

Posada de la Viuda is a beautiful hotel/inn right on the beachfront of Punta Del Diablo village.

The rooms are huge, with a Jacuzzi and balcony overlooking the sea, perfect for relaxing in the sun.

The friendly staff helped us organise a romantic candlelit dinner in our room which was heaven!

The decor here is rustic, but so cosy, with bright splashes of colour. A delicious handmade breakfast is included, which is lovely to enjoy while you're watching the waves crashing on the sand. There are also lots of hammocks and sun loungers in the communal garden for relaxing in between swimming in the pool.

This is a great budget option, walking distance from the main part of town. The rooms include a bar fridge and kettle, there's also shared BBQ facilities in the garden, as well as a fully-stocked communal kitchen. The married couple who run Posada de la Viuda are so lovely, they'll even pick you up and drop you off at the local bus stop.

What to do in Punta Del Diablo

Punta Del Diablo was one of our favourite places in Uruguay. There's plenty to do and we truly enjoyed the tranquility of the place.

  • Playa de la Viuda: super cool and relaxed beach, which is also popular with surfers.
  • Santa Teresa National Park: pretty forested National Park, close to the Brazilian border. It's perfect for hiking and you can also visit the Fort of Santa Teresa here.
  • Horse riding: imagine horse riding at sunset on the beach, led by a handsome gaucho, then returning by moonlight. That summed up our experience with Caballos del Este who we highly recommend.
  • Cabo Polono day trip: Cabo Polono is a settlement of 95 people in a National Park on the Eastern coast of Uruguay on the tip of a peninsula. It's worth visiting as a day trip, which involves a 7km truck drive through the sand dunes.
Cabo del Polonio Uruguay itinerary
Getting ready for a bumpy truck ride to Cabo del Polonio

La Pedrera

Pedrera Village is a tranquil little village famous for having the oldest rock formations in Latin America. It's the perfect place to come if you love wildlife and nature. As with Punta Del Diablo, the summer months of December to February are peak season, attracting a large mix of young and old.

La Pedrera village Uruguay itinerary
The famous beach stairs of La Pedrera village

Where to stay in La Pedrera

01

Alma de la Pedrera Villaggio & Spa

Alma de la Pedrera Villaggio and Spa is an ultra romantic hotel and spa that welcomes gay travellers with open arms

Why we love it


  • Romantic airy rooms in private villas
  • Lovely spa with Jacuzzi, yoga and massages
  • Gorgeous outdoor BBQ area with hammocks
  • Gay friendly and very helpful staff

Alma de la Pedrera Villaggio & Spa offers both a comprehensive spa experience as well as lovely individual houses, each with a private terrace, outdoor barbecue, and with all the services you can expect from a high-end hotel.

The service here was outstanding and they welcomed us as a gay couple with open arms. The property is even pet-friendly too, so you can bring your four-legged friend along with you!

The private villas are beautifully decorated with wooden art, while the rooms are very large and airy. We loved the gardens filled with lavender, the outdoor BBQ area and the hammocks for relaxing in. The villas also have proper kitchens if you don't want to cook outside.

The spa is a special treat, so spotlessly clean with pretty blue tiles where you can enjoy the Jacuzzi and Finnish sauna. They offer massages, beauty treatments and yoga here. There's a nice outdoor pool as well, with comfy sun loungers for relaxing poolside.

What to do in La Pedrera

La Pedrera only has 215 residents and is a quiet unassuming village for most of the year. However during the carnival in February, it really comes to life with an invasion of visitors from all over, tripling its size!

Playa del Barco is the beach in La Pedrera and the ideal spot for surfers. It's also beautiful to relax on or enjoy a few romantic sunsets.

For lunch, we recommend Don Rómulo restaurant. It's THE place all locals here rave about!

The drive from La Pedrera to Colónia takes around 6 hours.

There are no direct buses between La Pedrera to Colónia, but you can take a direct bus to Montevideo, then change for another bus bound to Colónia.

La Pedrera beach Uruguay itinerary
Playa del Barco: the beach of La Pedrera

Getting around Uruguay

Driving in Uruguay is probably the best way to move around the country. The roads are safe and in a very good condition. Distances are pretty short (by South American standards!) so you will never drive for more than 2-3 hours at a time.

We found driving in Uruguay to be absolutely fine. Other drivers are mostly courteous and safe and we never had any problems.

Uruguay itinerary road trip
Picking up our Alamo chariot in Montevideo

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A gay travel itinerary for Uruguay by Nomadic Boys

Happy travels are safe travels

We recommend you always take out a reputable travel insurance before your next vacation. What happens if you suffer from illness, injury, theft, or a cancellation? Many travelers forget about it and regret it when something happens. Better to pay a small price and have the peace of mind and not worry.

Stefan Arestis

Hey everyone, I'm Stefan, the curly-haired Greek flavor behind the gay travel blog Nomadic Boys. Together with my other half, I have explored more than 90 countries across 5 continents. What I love most about traveling is discovering the local gay scene, making new friends, learning new cultures. I've written about LGBTQ travel in numerous online publications such as Gaycation Magazine, Gaycities, Gay Times and Pink News as well as for other non-gay-specific publications including Lonely Planet, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Huffington Post. Check my full bio here.

Kostadin

Monday 5th of August 2019

Is public transport in Uruguay reliable? I mean would you say that transiting from Montevideo to the rural side is rather easy? Do buses and trains stick to their schedule?

Stefan Arestis

Monday 5th of August 2019

We took the boat from Buenos Aires and then bus to Montevideo and found it all to be reliable so yeah :)

Eric

Sunday 29th of July 2018

Techinically we've been to Uruguay having spent 24 hours transiting between Brasil and Argentina. I keep wanting to return and give Uruguay the time and attention it deserves. Well and to drink lots of wine and eat lots of beef.

Nomadic boys

Monday 30th of July 2018

Awesome country right? 😍

Ádler Henrique

Thursday 23rd of November 2017

I would like to know the prices of the Horse Riding Day, thank you very much.

Love your website!

Cheers from Brazil!

Nomadic boys

Thursday 23rd of November 2017

Hi Adler good to hear. Definitely reach out to them to get an update cost and other info buddy :)

Becky

Sunday 8th of January 2017

Thanks for breaking it down! How did navigating through Uruguay compare to other Latin American countries? I'm a touch hesitant to drive myself around.

Nomadic boys

Sunday 8th of January 2017

Uruguay is one of the most developed countries we've been to. Drivers are very courteous, roads in excellent condition and driving around was extremely safe. You've nothing to worry about here :)