Planning a trip to Uruguay doesn't have to be difficult. Known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, this country is a stunning destination. Our travel cost guide will help you plan a perfect trip on your ideal budget. We've collected tons of travel cost data from previous travelers, and this Uruguay trip budget calculator reveals average hotel prices and dining costs along with sightseeing and transportation tips. Now you'll be able to craft a memorable adventure without blowing your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Uruguay?
A typical traveler spends $92 ($U3,698) per day on a trip to Uruguay. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Uruguay based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $38 ($U1,515) on meals
- $22 ($U879) on local transportation
- $69 ($U2,770) on hotels
A one-week trip to Uruguay for two people costs, on average, $1,291 ($U51,772). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Uruguay expensive to visit?
Uruguay is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within South America, Uruguay is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Peru or Paraguay.
In Uruguay, budget travelers spend $39 ($U1,568) per person per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $93 ($U3,698) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $196 ($U7,798) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Uruguay.
In Uruguay, you'll find accommodation and activities that cater to both budget travelers and those seeking a more lavish experience. Budget accommodation options are available, such as hostels in Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia del Sacramento, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Uruguay doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
For more details, see Is Uruguay Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Uruguay?
The average Uruguay trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Uruguay travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Uruguay cost?
Uruguay on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$14
($U579)
|
$35
($U1,385)
|
$76
($U3,035)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$9.65
($U387)
|
$22
($U879)
|
$41
($U1,640)
|
|
Food2
|
$16
($U646)
|
$38
($U1,515)
|
$78
($U3,144)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$6.12
($U245)
|
$15
($U604)
|
$36
($U1,427)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-6
($U74-222)
|
$4-13
($U177-530)
|
$10-29
($U385-1,154)
|
Piriapolis, Uruguay
Accommodation Budget in Uruguay
Uruguay offers hotels with a wide range of prices. You might be surprised at the difference between budget and high-end options, especially during peak season when prices increase significantly. To save, visit in the off-season, and book early for better deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Uruguay for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $69 ($U2,770). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $35 ($U1,385) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Uruguay? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Uruguay
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $22 ($U879) per person, per day, on local transportation in Uruguay. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Uruguay is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$22
$U879
Food Budget in Uruguay
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Uruguay can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Uruguay is $38 ($U1,515) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$38
$U1,515
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Uruguay is about $38 ($U1515) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $16 to $79 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Uruguay are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $11
- Lunch: $6 to $19
- Dinner: $13 to $30
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Uruguayan cuisine is primarily Spanish with a influences of Italian thanks to the country's long history of Italian immigration. The meat lovers will find plenty of options at the public markets, but there are also plenty of options for vegetarians.
Specialty dishes you'll want to look for include empanadas, gramajo, locally sourced steaks, chivito, asado, and sneak a little dulce de leche for dessert.
When dining out with children, be sure to look for a restaurant that features a kids' menu. This can help you save a lot, as these meals tend to be more affordable. Also, since some places don't advertise their kids' options, it's good to ask the waiter before ordering.
While a lot of hotels come with breakfast included in the price, others might charge extra. The quality and price can vary significantly between hotels. Understanding this beforehand can guide your decision on whether to splurge on the hotel buffet or seek a cheaper meal at a local bakery or café.
Bring your own water bottle instead of buying drinks at every turn. It's also a sustainable choice for the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you understand which meals are included. If you end up paying for some meals yourself, it could have an impact on your travel budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Uruguay, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Dinner and Tango Show at Primuseum Restaurant for $100 details
- Montevideo Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide for $65 details
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore for $107 details
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon. For $98 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Uruguay
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Uruguay typically cost an average of $15 ($U604) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
$U604
A nice way to explore destinations in Uruguay is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tailor-made Montevideo: Private City Tour with a Local for $165 details
- Same cruise sharing tour in Montevideo with TANGO TOUR for $80 details
- Discover why we Love the Colonia Wine Experience for $200 details
- Traditional and award-winning winery tour in Montevideo for $98 details
Nightlife Budget in Uruguay
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.81 ($U354) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Uruguay per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.81
$U354
Enjoying nightlife is great, but being mindful of your drinking can help keep your budget in check.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Uruguay. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Private Wine Tours by Wine Explorers Uruguay for $205 details
- Indulge in a Scenic Wine Tour from Colonia to Carmelo for $250 details
- Private Guided Colonia Wine Tour for $190 details
- Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting for $125 details
Travel Costs Last Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Traveling in Uruguay
Punta del Este, Uruguay
In the wilds of South America is a small country full of an energy and vibrancy that any traveler will find enticing. Uruguay, meaning river of the colorful birds, is a country full of rich agricultural history among the locals, and a country to be desired by immigrants.
At a Glance
Uruguay is often referred to as the Switzerland of the South America due to its stable democracy and social benefits. It has low crime rates by South American standards, and is generally thought to be a great place to live.
The country is split into several regions. The Atlantic Coast is full of great beach resorts and the land crossing to Brazil, while the Rio de la Plata is home to the capital city of Montevideo and the gateway to Argentina. The Northern Interior is where you'll find the gaucho culture and citrus fields, and in the Central Interior is the hub for agriculture and the dams on the Rio Negro.
There are several options when it comes to transportation around the country of Uruguay. There is an extensive bus system that all operate out of Tres Cruces station. The buses are frequent, safe and very comfortable. Taxis are safe and fairly affordable as they all have meters and are fixed costs. If you get into a taxi without a meter, you may want to get out and find another taxi. To rent a car, most residents (including the US) only need their driver's license, passport and a credit card. Beware that gas is heavily taxed in Uruguay, and because of that the country is filled with fuel-efficient manual transmissions. Driving in Uruguay is similar to Europe, but with more roundabouts. Because of the prevalence of manual cars, many locals will jump the green light, so always stop at the yellow lights at an intersection.
The language of Uruguay is Spanish, and most do not use the English they learned in school. Outside Montevideo and Punta del Este, you'll be hard pressed to find an English speaker.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Uruguay's capital city, Montevideo, has plenty of sights to see and ways to fill the day. Wander Parliament Place and Independence Plaza, or take an adventure to the neighborhoods of Carrasco, Punta Gorda and Pocitos and stroll along the beaches and promenades. The city is littered with sections of old and new from the Puerta de la Ciudadela - the remnants of an old wall that once surrounded the city - all the way to the modern shops of Las Ramblas.
Another popular spot in Uruguay is the quiet, backpacker paradise of Punta del Diablo. While recent expansion has grown the area, most of it has stayed inland, leaving the coast to its peace and quiet it's known for. To avoid the crowds of tourists, visit Punta del Diablo during any time of the year outside of the winter. The first half of January, for example, has as many as 30,000 visitors up and down the beaches.
For the traveler who loves the animal kingdom, just north of La Paloma is Cabo Polonio. Here you can visit Uruguay's second largest sea lion colony. You'll find it near a fishing village surrounded by sand dunes. Declared a national park in 2009, this area is protected under Uruguay's SNAP program. Even though there have been a growing number of tourists to the area, Cabo Polonio is still one of the country's most rustic fishing villages. Keep in mind, this town has no banking and limited electricity.
Spanning across the Arroyo de las Vacas stream is the city of Carmelo. Founded in 1816 is a quiet town full of cobblestone streets and old homes. Add this city to your itinerary to enjoy the yachting, fishing and the Parana Delta. Just south of the arroyo is the pleasant getaway of Playa Sere. This beach is a great spot with a large park, open space, camping, swimming and casino.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your budget is crucial to knowing how much you'll likely spend. While many like to think of themselves as "budget" travelers who can get by on just $39 a day, the truth is, most find that kind of travel less than comfortable. Think about what you genuinely enjoy and how you've traveled before. Do you lean toward resorts and vacation rentals, or the lower-priced hostels? Is eating out a big deal for you? What type of transportation do you like? Your responses to these questions will play a significant role in shaping your overall travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
People often say you can visit Uruguay for just $39 daily, but unless you're okay with sacrificing many comforts, be ready to shell out a lot more.
Backpackers can typically make that budget work, but it usually requires sleeping in dorm-style hostels, eating at the most affordable restaurants or fast food spots, taking public transit or walking, and sticking to free sights.
Thankfully, Uruguay offers a wide variety of hostels, with the largest selection found in Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia del Sacramento.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling as a couple or family, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular restaurants, and visit major museums and attractions that require entry fees. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do come with a price tag. With that in mind, you should realistically plan for a daily budget of about $93 per person.
Uruguay has tons of hotels and vacation rentals available. If you're traveling with a group or family, sharing accommodations with a partner, friend, or your family will cut back on the daily per-person budget. Popular family-friendly destinations like Colonia Del Sacramento and La Barra offer hotels and restaurants that cater specifically to kids. For a family-friendly stay, consider La Casa de los Limoneros in Colonia Del Sacramento or Charco Hotel in Colonia Del Sacramento. You can discover more family and couples options in our hotel guide for Uruguay here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
For a trip filled with top-notch service and every possible comfort, expect your budget to reach around $196 per day, per person. Staying in high-end accommodations, enjoying gourmet meals, going on lavish adventures, and hiring personal drivers comes with a luxury price tag. You'll be in the company of the wealthy in locations like Salto and Punta del Este. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Customized 9 Days Private Uruguay Family Trip, No Strangers - offered by Agate Travel.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
