Campervan Hire in Uruguay: Discover South America's Hidden Gem

Why You Should Book Your Campervan for Uruguay Online

A trip through Uruguay is all about freedom and spontaneity, and booking your vehicle online is the first step. Using a platform like Campcruisers gives you a clear advantage: choice. You can easily compare different vehicle types, prices, and features from our rental partners in one convenient place. Are you looking for a smaller, nimble campervan to explore coastal towns, or a more spacious motorhome for a long, comfortable journey through the countryside?

Booking online allows you to secure the right vehicle for your travel style and budget before you even arrive. This means you’re not tied to a single hotel in Montevideo or Punta del Este. Instead, you can wake up to the sound of the Atlantic, drive inland to experience the gaucho culture, and end your day wherever the open road takes you. That’s the real spirit of a Uruguayan adventure.

The Best Campervan Tours in Uruguay: Our Route Ideas

Your campervan is your ticket to exploring the serene beauty of Uruguay. The Campcruisers team has outlined three distinct routes to help you discover the soul of this charming country.

🚐 Tour 1: The Classic Coastal Route – Glamour, Surfing & Solitude

This is the quintessential Uruguayan road trip, following the stunning Atlantic coastline east from the capital.

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Distance: approx. 450 km
• Ideal for: Beach lovers, surfers, sun-seekers

• Day 1-2: Montevideo to Piriápolis: Pick up your camper in Montevideo and head east. Your first stop is Piriápolis, a charming old-school resort town. Hike up Cerro San Antonio for a great view of the coast.
• Day 3-4: Punta del Este: Drive to the famous resort of Punta del Este. See the iconic "La Mano" sculpture on the beach, check out the luxurious yachts in the harbour, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
• Day 5-7: The Bohemian Coast (La Paloma & La Pedrera): Leave the glamour behind and head for the laid-back surf towns of La Paloma and La Pedrera. These are perfect spots to relax on the beach, try some surfing, and enjoy the chilled-out vibe.
• Day 8-9: Cabo Polonio Adventure: Drive to the entrance of Cabo Polonio National Park. Note: You cannot drive your campervan into the village. Park it and take the special 4x4 trucks across the dunes. Spend a day in this unique, off-grid settlement with its sea lion colony and lighthouse.

🏜️ Tour 2: The Historic & Wine Route – Cobblestones & Tannat

Head west from Montevideo to discover Uruguay's colonial past and its surprisingly excellent wine country.

• Duration: 3-4 days
• Distance: approx. 400 km
• Ideal for: History buffs, wine lovers, culture enthusiasts

• Day 1-2: Colonia del Sacramento: Drive to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Colonia del Sacramento. Park your camper and spend a full day wandering its historic cobblestone streets, climbing the lighthouse, and soaking up the Portuguese colonial atmosphere.
• Day 3-4: Carmelo Wine Country: Head north to the Carmelo region, the heart of Uruguay's wine production. Visit a few "bodegas" (wineries) for tastings. This area is famous for its Tannat grape, producing robust red wines. It's a peaceful and scenic contrast to the coast.

⛰️ Tour 3: The Gaucho Heartland – Pampas & Rural Traditions

This route takes you inland to experience the authentic rural culture of Uruguay.

• Duration: 4-5 days
• Distance: approx. 600 km
• Ideal for: Those looking for an off-the-beaten-path cultural experience

• Day 1: Florida & Durazno: Drive north from Montevideo into the country's interior. These rural towns give you a first taste of the slower pace of life in the pampas.
• Day 2-3: Tacuarembó – The Gaucho Capital: Continue to Tacuarembó, considered the capital of gaucho culture. Visit the Museo del Gaucho and learn about the history of these iconic South American cowboys. This is the authentic heart of Uruguay.
• Day 4: Visiting an Estancia: Many rural ranches ("estancias") welcome visitors. Arrange to visit one for a traditional "asado" (BBQ), go horseback riding, and experience Uruguayan hospitality firsthand before heading back towards the coast.

Getting to Uruguay: Your International Arrival

While you can fly directly to Montevideo's Carrasco International Airport (MVD), many international travellers find a more convenient and often cheaper route by flying into Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE), and then making the short and enjoyable trip across the Río de la Plata.

• ✈️ Fly to Buenos Aires (EZE) + ⛴️ Ferry:

• Buenos Aires has excellent direct flight connections from all over the world (Europe, North America, Oceania). From there, it's a very simple and scenic journey to Uruguay:

• Ferry Crossing: Several companies, most famously Buquebus and Colonia Express, operate frequent daily ferries from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento (a quick 1-hour journey) or directly to Montevideo (around 2.5 hours). It's a comfortable and popular way to arrive, essentially turning your arrival into the first part of your adventure.

• ✈️ Fly directly to Montevideo (MVD):
• Direct flights to Montevideo are available, though less frequent.

• From Europe: Most flights will have one stop, often in Madrid (with Iberia) or Paris.

• From North America: Flights usually connect through hubs like Panama City (Copa Airlines) or Miami.

After your arrival in Uruguay (either by ferry in Colonia/Montevideo or by plane at MVD), you can easily reach the pickup location for your campervan. The exact address of our partner's rental station will be provided in your booking documents.

A Taste of Uruguay: Asado, Chivito & Mate

Uruguayan food is all about high-quality meat and simple, delicious traditions.

What you absolutely must try:

• 🔥 Asado: The national dish and a social ritual. This is a slow-cooked BBQ over wood embers, featuring amazing cuts of beef, sausages (chorizo), and sweetbreads. A must-have experience.

• 🥪 Chivito: The legendary national sandwich. It's a steak sandwich piled high with everything you can imagine: ham, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, olives, and a fried egg. Get the "al plato" version to eat with a knife and fork.

• 🍷 Tannat Wine: Uruguay's signature red wine grape. It produces deep, full-bodied red wines that pair perfectly with an asado.

• 🧉 Yerba Mate: More than a drink, it's a social custom. You'll see Uruguayans everywhere carrying a thermos of hot water and their mate gourd (mate) with a metal straw (bombilla).

Camping in Uruguay: Campsites & A Respectful Approach

Uruguay has a decent camping culture, especially along the coast in summer, but it requires some planning.

• 🏕️ Wild Camping:

• Wild camping is not officially legal in Uruguay, but it exists in a grey area. It is often tolerated in remote rural areas if you are very discreet, stay for only one night, and leave absolutely no trace. Avoid wild camping directly in popular beach towns. Always ask for permission if you are on what looks like private land (like an estancia). Respect is key.

• 🚐 Official Campsites (Camping Municipal)

• There is a good network of official campsites, many run by the local municipality.

• Coastal Focus: You'll find the highest concentration of campsites along the Atlantic coast, especially in popular departments like Maldonado and Rocha.

• Varying Standards: Facilities can range from basic to quite good with hot showers and electricity. They are generally very affordable.

• On Campcruisers, you'll find a selection of bookable campsites and private motorhome parks. Take a look, perhaps the perfect spot for your Uruguayan tour is already there!