Tip
Vacaciones de invierno 2026: destinos, actividades y dónde quedarse
Uruguay
Theatre and shows in Montevideo
The winter school holidays are the week with the richest cultural offering for children in Montevideo. Two major venues lead the programme:
Teatro Solís has seven shows for the whole family, with tickets from $650 and 2-for-1 benefits for Club El País and Comunidad La Diaria members. Full programme at: teatrosolis.org.uy.
Sodre also has a packed schedule of musical and theatrical shows for all ages. The hall of the National Auditorium also transforms into a free interactive play space, open from 1pm to 7pm. Full programme at: sodre.gub.uy.
Hills and nature in Rocha: the off-the-beaten-path escape
For families who prefer the outdoors, the inland area of Rocha reveals a completely different side in winter: rolling hills, streams, native wildlife and a silence that few parts of the country can match.
Ambá Private Reserve, in the hills of Rocha, is one of the most complete ecotourism experiences in the Uruguayan interior. It offers guided hikes, native wildlife spotting and a genuine connection with the grassland and sierra ecosystem. Perfect for families with children looking for something different from conventional tourism.
Termas getaway
The classic plan that never disappoints. Salto has the most complete thermal complexes in the country: Daymán and Arapey feature open-air pools with water at 40°C, perfect even in the depths of winter, along with spas and great food. Paysandú pairs the Guaviyú hot springs with a city full of character. For something quieter and more affordable, Rivera and Artigas have their own complexes with fewer crowds and lower prices.
Book ahead: the holiday week fills up fast, especially on weekends.
Find accommodation in Salto here or in Paysandú here.
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia's Historic Quarter is best enjoyed outside of peak season. You can stroll unhurriedly along the cobblestone streets, visit the lighthouse and explore the Portuguese ruins at your own pace. Prices in winter are considerably more accessible than in summer.
Find accommodation in Colonia here.
Piriápolis: the classic escape
Wonderfully quiet in winter and just an hour and a half from Montevideo, Piriápolis is one of those towns that's best enjoyed off-season. Cerro San Antonio offers a short climb with sweeping views of the sea and the town. The promenade, the harbour and the architecture of the Argentino Hotel do the rest.
Find accommodation in Piriápolis here.
Minas and the hills of Lavalleja
Just 120 km from Montevideo, Minas is the gateway to one of Uruguay's most beautiful winter landscapes. The Agua del Penitente waterfall is the most photogenic in the country. The surrounding hills offer family-friendly hiking trails and an authentic rural atmosphere.
Find accommodation in Lavalleja here.
Valle del Lunarejo: Uruguay's best-kept secret
In Rivera, Valle del Lunarejo surprises everyone who visits for the first time: ravines, dense vegetation and streams that don't look like Uruguay at all. Perfect for hiking and nature photography. In winter, you'll have it almost entirely to yourself.