Activities in Uruguay

Watersports
Windsurfing and water-skiing are popular along the coast. Boating is a favorite Uruguayan pastime. Santiago Vazquez on the St Lucia River is one of several popular centers. Arrangements can be made for hire of motor or sailing boats in Montevideo and elsewhere.

There are plenty of places to swim when the weather permits. The ‘metropolitan’ beaches (from Ramirez and including Pocitos) tend to be dirty and unsuitable for bathing. Those along the Atlantic coast are, however, clean and are suitable for swimming. Many of the resort areas in the interior have swimming pools. The mineral baths at Minas are worth a visit.

Fishing
There are three fishing areas: along the Rio de la Plata from Colonia to Piriapolis for surf-casting; from Piriapolis to Punta del Este (considered one of the best fishing areas in the world); and along the Atlantic Coast towards the Brazilian border. Boats and tackle can be hired in fishing clubs in Fray Bentos, Montevideo, Mercedes, Paysandu, Punta del Este and Salto.

Golf
There is a municipal course in Montevideo, plus clubs at the Punta del Este Country Club and Victoria Plaza Hotel.

Spectator sports
There are two main horseracing tracks: Hipodromo de Maronas (Saturday and Sunday afternoon); and Las Piedras (Thursday, Saturday and Sunday). Football is the most popular spectator sport; matches are played regularly throughout the country. Dune walking is increasingly popular in Cabo Palonia.