
Uruguay in Every Season
Adventurous hills, pristine beaches, soul food and tree-lined streets. Uruguay has four well defined seasons, each with their unique charm and traditional activities. Experience the country´s contrasts and enjoy year-round fun.​​
As in much of Latin America, Uruguay benefits from a hot and beach-worthy summer. Maldonado and Rocha offer the best beaches in the country, and it shows. Every year thousands of people make the trip and savor three to four months of vibrant summer.
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During this time, the world´s longest Carnival celebration takes place. Over 40 days of lively colors and infectious rhythms. People gather at neighborhood stages to enjoy nightly shows, where over 40 Carnival groups put their artistic creativity on display through satire, comedy and song. A family-friendly atmosphere where you can experience local traditions and vibrant performances up close.
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Want to really immerse yourself in Uruguayan culture? Two weeks after the inaugural Carnival parade, the Llamadas begin, showcasing one of the most representative manifestations of the Afro-descendant culture in Uruguay. These parades feature candombe groups playing characteristic drums known as Chico, Repique and Piano, following a distinctive rhythm. Join in with locals and tourists dancing to the beat of the drums. Everybody is welcome!
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Shifting winds
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​When the first leaves start to fall and trees transition into autumn colors, people turn to cozier weekends. Cabins and trendy domes in the countryside start to book up and are chosen to unwind and enjoy mate in a different environment.
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Tourism Week -Easter Week- is a staple of autumn; people spend their days wisely to make the most out of the week. Options vary from secluded off-the-grid cabins to more adventurous activities such as hiking any of our many Cerros. During this week, you can also be part of Beer Week in Paysandú, a northeast province of the country or Semana Criolla in Montevideo.
Paysandú becomes a beacon of celebration, Beer Week entails international and local music shows, and of course, plenty of artisanal beer on tap, whereas Semana Criolla brings the countryside to the capital city with rural traditional exhibits.
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Local gastronomy takes a dramatic turn when temperatures drop. Hearty stews are a classic of winter that should not be missed. Treating yourself to tortas fritas is a must-have on rainy days accompanied by mate, an acquired taste that we all learn to love. To shake off the cold Uruguay has a unique celebration that will surely warm you up. Nostalgia Night takes place on the 24th of August, prior to the national holiday of the Declaration of Independence. Reminisce to your favorite music, tunes that kept you going for hours on end, bands that made you dance the night away.​​​​​
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Here comes the sun
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Spring comes with new energy, local festivities and events crop up throughout the country ensuring every weekend is filled with fun. Heads up! Platano trees will cover entire streets with fluffy seeds and may lead to allergies acting up, nevertheless, there´s something truly special about this time of year.
The first weekend of October marks Heritage Day. Museums and historic landmarks will open their doors for the whole weekend free of charge to let you into our rich culture and history.
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Sunny weekends call for classic mate rounds. Sipped through a metal straw-shaped strainer from a mate gourd, it’s a shared ritual among friends, family and acquaintances.
When spring comes around the corner, you can spot hundreds of Uruguayans with their mate and thermos under their arm walking along the waterfront.
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Whether it's the lively beaches of summer or the peaceful countryside in winter, Uruguay has something special to offer in every season. It's a place where each time of year brings its own rhythm, colors, and experiences. Plan your trip here!