Major city · Uruguay
PiriapolisPiriápolis
Go for 2 nights in Dec–Mar if you want a calm beach base between Montevideo and Punta del Este; skip outside summer unless you only want hills and quiet.
Piriapolis is a small Atlantic beach town about 100 km east of Montevideo, founded by Francisco Piria and still built around his old hotel, the Argentino. It is quieter and cheaper than Punta del Este, with a beach, two walkable hills and a short list of sights. Two nights covers it in summer; in winter most of the resort closes and the hills are the only reason to come.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- UYU
- Best months
- Dec–Mar (beach season); Nov and Apr for quiet walks
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, most resort businesses shut)
- Airports
- MVD · PDP
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Uruguay ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Uruguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a Uruguayan consulate; ferry passengers from Buenos Aires clear both countries' immigration at the terminal.
- Uruguay ↗Buenos Aires–Colonia and Buenos Aires–Montevideo ferries sell out on long weekends and in summer: book ahead.
- Uruguay ↗Pay restaurants, hotels and car hire with a foreign-issued card: non-residents get the 22% VAT (IVA) removed on restaurants and car hire roughly 15 November – 30 April, and on lodging — check the current season's rules.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Piriapolis911 ▾
- Police, fire and ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Piriapolis, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Uruguayan peso (UYU, $).Uruguay-wide
- SIM or eSIMAntel (state), Movistar and Claro; prepaid SIM with passport at shops, or an eSIM before you fly.Uruguay-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable throughout.Uruguay-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10%.Uruguay-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Uruguay-wide
- SafetyPiriapolis is a small, calm resort and feels safe by day.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsClean in cafés, bus terminals and shopping centres.Uruguay-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysSemana de Turismo closes offices for a week; many coastal businesses close in winter.Uruguay-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckMVD Montevideo Carrasco (About 80 km (50 mi) west; not every Tres Cruces bus stops at the airport, so check the timetable before you book.).MVD Montevideo Carrasco (About 50 mi (80 km) west; not every Tres Cruces bus stops at the airport, so check the timetable before you book.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: the marina and the Cerro San Antonio chairlift are about 1.5 km (0.9 mi) from the beach.The centre is walkable: the marina and the Cerro San Antonio chairlift are about 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from the beach.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (cortado)$U80–150
- Street or quick mealChivito sandwich$U350–600
- BeerDraught beer$U150–300
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$U500–900
- Budget bedHostel bed, a night, per personUYU 700
- Mid-range bedDouble room, small hotel or apartment, a night, per roomUYU 4,000
- High-end bedDouble room, small hotel or apartment, a night, per roomUYU 9,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget UYU 1,500 · Mid UYU 3,000 · High UYU 6,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MVD Montevideo Carrasco (About 80 km (50 mi) west; not every Tres Cruces bus stops at the airport, so check the timetable before you book.) · PDP Punta del Este (Laguna del Sauce) (About 25 km (16 mi) east; seasonal flights from Buenos Aires and Brazil only. Check whether your dates have service.)MVD Montevideo Carrasco (About 50 mi (80 km) west; not every Tres Cruces bus stops at the airport, so check the timetable before you book.) · PDP Punta del Este (Laguna del Sauce) (About 16 mi (25 km) east; seasonal flights from Buenos Aires and Brazil only. Check whether your dates have service.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Aug
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jun (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Feb (8 rain days), driest Jan (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Piriapolis: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Jul
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: the marina and the Cerro San Antonio chairlift are about 1.5 km from the beach. Local buses from the terminal run to Pan de Azúcar; taxis wait downtown. Bicycle and moped rental shops sit on Piria Avenue at the eastern end of the sand.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Bus from the terminal, about 55 km (34 mi) westBus from the terminal, about 34 mi (55 km) west
Frequent service; a hotel-arranged day tour costs roughly triple the bus ticket.
Door to door: Under 2 h
Direct bus from Tres Cruces, about every hour in high season
Direct services cost a little more and save time.
Minas
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus north, about 1.5 h
Countryside and ranch country; check return times before you go.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Beachfront around the Hotel Argentino
Sea-view rooms, the casino and the beach on the doorstep; the priciest part of town.
Rambla and town centre
Apartments and small hotels a few blocks back from the sand; 5–10 min walk to the beach.
Near the bus terminal
Cheapest beds and easiest arrival with bags; 3 blocks north of the casino.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $U1,500–2,500 excl. bed
- Mid
- $U2,500–4,500 excl. bed
- High
- $U4,500+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, small hotel or apartment1 × 2 nights × UYU 4,000 | UYU 8,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × UYU 3,000 | UYU 12,000 |
| Chairlift to Cerro San Antonio, return2 × UYU 200 | UYU 400 |
| Bus Montevideo Tres Cruces → Piriapolis, one way2 × UYU 400 | UYU 800 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × UYU 600 | UYU 1,200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | UYU 2,240 |
| Trip total≈ UYU 6,160 per person per day, bed included | UYU 24,640 |
2026 estimate in Uruguayan pesos; long-distance buses excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (cortado) | $U80–150 |
| Medialuna (croissant) | $U60–120 |
| Chivito sandwich | $U350–600 |
| Brick-oven pizza | $U400–700 |
| Rice and mussels at the marinaDepends on the day's mussel catch. | $U500–900 |
| Draught beer | $U150–300 |
| Bus Piriapolis → Punta del Este | $U150–250 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $U500–900 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Outside Dec–Mar many restaurants, the railway museum and the chairlift close or run reduced hours: check locally before you plan a day around them.
- Cerro Pan de Azúcar's trail is poorly marked and takes about 2 h each way: carry water, rain gear and proper shoes, and ask the reserve guards about access times.
- Cerro del Toro gates close at 19:30.Cerro del Toro gates close at 7:30 PM.
- Do not drive east past the marina towards Punta del Este: the road turns to dirt. Take the road by the casino (Route 37) north instead.
- Route Interbalnearia tolls are paid in local currency only.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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PiriapolisPiriápolis
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Piriapolis; most are in Montevideo (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Montevideo Tres Cruces → Piriapolis: about $U400, under 2 h direct
- Bus Piriapolis → Punta del Este: about $U150–250, about 1 h
- Chairlift to Cerro San Antonio: about $U200 return
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON-deh es-TAH lah PLAH-yah)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Piriapolis. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar (beach season); Nov and Apr for quiet walks · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, most resort businesses shut) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MVD and PDP: last bus times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: beach and Argentino, marina and Cerro San Antonio, terminal and town centre, Route 37 sights.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Castillo de Piria, railway museum, chairlift, Pan de Azúcar reserve) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.