1. When is the best time to go to Uruguay?
Any time is a great time to visit Uruguay, as the weather is temperate all year long. If you are looking to enjoy beach activities, Uruguay’s summer months (December to March) are the best time to visit. This is also the busiest time to visit, as many tourists flock to Uruguay’s beaches during the summer. Recommendations for the best time to do each tour are listed on the Uruguay Tours page.

2. Do I need a power adapter or converter for the electricity in Uruguay?
Uruguay uses 220-volt, 50-cycle electricity. Travelers will require a voltage converter for 110-volt devices. Plugs are either two rounded prongs or three angled flat prongs, so travelers from the US will also want plug adapters.

3. What type of food is typical of Uruguay?
Beef is central to the Uruguayan diet and their asado (Uruguayan barbecue) is world-famous. Seafood is excellent on the coast. For vegetarians, pasta dishes and pizza are fairly ubiquitous. Desserts incorporating dulce de leche (milk caramel) are a staple for most Uruguayans. Beverages like grappa con miel (grappa with honey) and mate (infusion of dried leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant) are traditional drinks found in many areas of Uruguay.

4. What is the climate like?
Uruguay’s climate is fairly uniform throughout the country. Uruguay does not have a rainy season or a dry season; rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. The average temperature in July (mid-winter) is 52 °F. In January (mid-summer), the average temperature is 75 °F in the interior and 82 °F on the coast. Parts of the country can be vulnerable to high winds and humidity (in the summer months).

5. How much should I budget for tips?
Tips are not required on any of our tours. However, it is customary in Latin America to offer a small tip for exceptional service. Tipping amounts vary widely, though some travelers report that ~$2-$10/ day for your guide and ~$1-$3/ day for your driver is common. Other travelers opt to bring small gifts from their home to give to service providers along the way.

6. Is the water safe to drink?
The tap water is safe to drink in most parts of the country. To be sure, ask your guide or the hotel/ restaurant staff. The safest choice is to purchase bottled water, and bottled water is readily available and should be used in remote rural areas.

7. How safe is Uruguay?
According to the US State Department, there is no evidence of terrorist organizations or violent groups in Uruguay that specifically target U.S. visitors. However, street crime is relatively common in the major cities and travelers should take common sense precautions. Don’t walk alone or at night and don’t carry large amounts of valuables with you. Most hotels have safes where you can store your belongings. Check out the US State Department travel advisories for the latest information at: travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html.

8. What immunizations are recommended/ required?
No immunizations are currently required for visiting Uruguay. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. For the most current information, please consult your doctor and/or check out the Center for Disease Control web-site at www.cdc.gov.

9. Should I bring cash or Traveler’s checks? Are ATMs available? Can I use credit cards?
Most travelers bring a small amount of US cash with them and withdraw from ATMs as they need it along they way. ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities. Travelers can withdraw US dollars or local currency at fair exchange rates. Traveler’s checks are fine, but they can be more difficult to exchange and you will usually receive a poorer rate or be charged an additional fee. Credit cards are accepted only in the larger restaurants and stores. Although it is helpful to bring a credit card along for emergencies, don’t count on using it for most purchases.