UY
Piriápolis
A relaxed, old-fashioned seaside town with a grand hotel, hills and a long promenade
A relaxed, old-fashioned seaside town with a grand hotel, hills and a long promenade
Opened in 1930, this huge seafront hotel was one of the largest in South America. It still operates, with a spa and thermal-style pools.
Photo: Andrés Franchi Ugarte, CC BY-SA 3.0
A chairlift or a steep road leads up this hill at the east end of the bay. A chapel and cafés look over the town and coast.
Go up for sunset views.
Photo: Rafael Pereira, CC BY-SA 3.0
A few kilometres inland, Francisco Piria’s eclectic “castle” is now a museum. Check opening times before going.
Photo: Diegoocampoh, CC BY-SA 3.0
One of Uruguay’s highest hills, topped by a large cross. A trail leads to the summit in about 1.5–2 hours, through a nature reserve.
Bring water and good shoes.
Photo: NaBUru38, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try fried fish, chivito, milanesa and ice cream on the promenade.
Restaurants along the rambla are more affordable than in Punta del Este.
Buses from Montevideo take about 1.5–2 hours. Punta del Este is about 40 minutes further east.
The town is easy to explore on foot or by bike.
Uruguay uses the peso (UYU). It is one of South America’s more expensive countries; US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas.
Beach, hills and history.
Walk the rambla, visit the Argentino Hotel and ride the chairlift up Cerro San Antonio.
Visit Castillo de Piria and hike Cerro Pan de Azúcar.
The bay is calm, good for families.
It is busiest in January; quiet in winter.
Start hikes early in summer to avoid the heat.
Buses are frequent along the coast.
Quick answers for planning time in Piriápolis.
About 100km, or 1.5–2 hours by bus.
Francisco Piria, in the late 19th century.
A grand seafront hotel opened in 1930, still in use.
Yes, Cerro Pan de Azúcar and Cerro San Antonio have trails.
December to March for the beach.
Planning a wider trip? Our Uruguay travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.