Montevideo holidays
Montevideo holidays at a glance
Uruguay’s capital grew up around a fine natural harbour on the Río de la Plata, shaped over the centuries by trade and immigration from across Europe. That mix gave the city its distinctive character, and it’s one that survives today in its architecture, its traditions and its food.
Montevideo has its own identity that stands apart from neighbouring Buenos Aires, with monumental public buildings, a historic core and a lively port area that reward a few unhurried days of exploring.
Montevideo also rewards slower travel. Spend your days wandering historic neighbourhoods, sampling local food, relaxing on the waterfront and immersing yourself in Uruguay’s distinctive culture. It’s the perfect starting point for a wider journey through the country.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Montevideo
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Montevideo’s appeal lies in its authenticity. It’s a city where you can spend your mornings exploring historic streets, your afternoons strolling the waterfront and your evenings enjoying exceptional food and music alongside locals.
When to visit Montevideo
Montevideo can be enjoyed throughout the year thanks to its mild climate and year-round cultural attractions.
Although pleasant year round, the months between November and February are much warmer. November in particular is a lovely time to visit the beach before it gets busier from December onwards. In February carnival festivities kick off a month long party.
Autumn starts in March but temperatures remain pleasant all winter, dipping to around 16˚C in June, July and August.
Top Things to do in Montevideo
Montevideo balances history, culture, gastronomy and coastal scenery, making it one of South America’s most enjoyable cities to explore on foot.
From colonial plazas and waterfront walks to vibrant markets and cultural celebrations, Montevideo offers a rich mix of experiences that reflect Uruguay’s unique heritage. Whether you’re interested in architecture, food, music or local traditions, the city rewards curious travellers with a relaxed pace and plenty of character.
Join in the festivities at Latin America’s Mardi Gras street carnival in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Discover the eclectic mix of architecture in Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja (old town).
Accommodation in Montevideo
Accommodation in Montevideo ranges from elegant heritage hotels to modern waterfront properties and boutique city stays.
Our current portfolio of properties here includes highly-rated options including Alma Histórica in the historic centre, Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco out towards the coast, and Cottage Hotel Puerto Buceo and Pizzorno Lodge & Wine for a different perspective on the city and surrounding wine region.
Lovingly restored boutique hotel in the workaday heart of old Montevideo
Ultra luxury hotel in Carrasco, atmospheric riverside quarter in Montevideo.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Montevideo
Group Montevideo Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Jabiru: Wildlife, wine and Jesuit Missions
Places visited: Buenos Aires · Colonia and Carmelo · Montevideo · Asuncion and the heartland · The Jesuit Missions of the south · Ibera wetlands
14 days from £5,249
Tailor-Made Montevideo Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Self-drive Uruguay: Classic highlights
Places visited: Buenos Aires · Colonia and Carmelo · Montevideo · Punta del Este beaches and coastline
13 days from £3,175
Signature Uruguay: Land of vintage charm
Places visited: Buenos Aires · Colonia and Carmelo · Montevideo · Punta del Este beaches and coastline
14 days from £4,100
FAQs about visiting Montevideo
Montevideo is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When To Go
Montevideo has cool winters (May – Sep), warm summers and unpredictable springs (Oct – Nov); there are numerous thunderstorms but no tropical cyclones. Rainfall is regular and evenly spread throughout the year. Winters are generally damp, windy and overcast, while summers are hot and humid (range 15-28°C).
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- Language
Spanish.
- Getting Local Currency
Uruguayan Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in the city using a UK credit or debit card. Limits may be lower than your UK bank allows. There are also many banks and exchange houses where you can exchange US dollars cash; rates for euros and sterling are frequently poor. In some places US dollars may be accepted as currency.
- Time Difference
GMT -3 hours. Usually daylight saving is observed in the summer (GMT -2 hours), from Sep – Oct to early Mar, the date set by presidential decree.
- Combines With
Argentina, accessing Buenos Aires from Montevideo by air (50mins), road (8 hours) or ferry (2-3 hours); Brazil, with flights to various southern cities especially in summer; beach time at Punta del Este (2.5-3 hours by road).
- Getting There
Average flight time to Montevideo is 17.5 hours. There are no direct flights from the UK. Some routes involve a change of plane in Brazil, Europe or the USA. The city is a 2.5 hour ferry ride from Buenos Aires. You can fly there from Foz do Iguaçú (for the Falls) in Brazil.
- Key Events
Carnival, 5 days in Feb/Mar, variable. This is the principal fiesta, and takes place Monday -Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Among other joyous activities, Montevideo hosts displays of traditional Afro-Uruguayan dances, called candombé.
Semana Santa, Easter, variable; Holy week coincides with La Semana Criolla, and festivities include barbecues, folk music and rodeo exhibitions by gaucho cowboys. There is less of a religious element than in other Latin countries.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.