Written by David Garcia, Keith Roberts, Maria Gaulto
06/08/2025
Nikolai Kolosov, Pexels
Piriápolis, Uruguay, offers a captivating blend of historical charm and natural beauty, featuring serene beaches with calm waters set against a backdrop of rolling hills. It serves as an unhurried coastal retreat, inviting visitors to enjoy both relaxation and outdoor pursuits.
The Rambla de los Argentinos is a central area for social interaction, hosting various cultural events, markets, and musical performances, particularly lively in summer. The main beaches are popular spots for socializing and enjoying the warm weather. The town center and areas around the Piriápolis Port also offer a vibrant atmosphere with restaurants and cafes, especially during the peak summer season.
Top 6 Things to do in Piriápolis
Visitors can enjoy scenic viewpoints, explore historical landmarks, relax on calm beaches, and engage in outdoor pursuits.
1. Ascend Cerro San Antonio
Rising above the town, Cerro San Antonio offers stunning panoramic views of Piriápolis, its bay, and the vast sea. At the summit, find a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Stella Maris. The ascent is rewarding, especially for capturing photographs or enjoying a sunset vista. It provides a unique perspective of the coastal landscape and the town's charming layout.
Cost: The chairlift has a low fee (around U$5 return, though not explicitly confirmed recently). Hiking to the summit is free.
Transport: Located near the port area, Cerro San Antonio is easily accessible by a short chairlift ride. For those who prefer to walk, it is a pleasant hike of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from the town, covering about 5 kilometers. Taxis are also an option from the town center.
2. Stroll along Rambla de los Argentinos
This picturesque seafront promenade stretches for 10 kilometers along the main beach. It is perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, or jogging, offering continuous views of the ocean. During the peak summer season, the Rambla often hosts cultural events, local markets, and musical performances, providing a lively social atmosphere.
Cost: Free.
Transport: The Rambla is central to Piriápolis and easily explored on foot or by bicycle from anywhere in the town.
3. Explore Castillo de Piria
This magnificent Gothic Revival-style castle, built in 1893, was the private residence of Francisco Piria, the town's founder. Exploring its well-preserved rooms offers a glimpse into 19th-century life and features exhibits of art, furniture, and weaponry, detailing Piria's vision for Piriápolis.
Cost: Entrance is generally free or has a very low fee, though specific recent costs are not widely published. It is often listed as a free attraction.
Transport: The castle is located about a 10-minute drive from the town center. Taxis are the most convenient option, as public transport links might be limited directly to the castle.
4. Hike Cerro del Toro
For those seeking an active experience, hiking Cerro del Toro provides another opportunity for scenic views, often less crowded than Cerro San Antonio. A unique feature is the Fuente del Toro, a bronze bull sculpture situated above a natural spring, where locals frequently stop to drink the natural water before continuing their climb. The trail is well-marked and offers a satisfying outdoor adventure.
Cost: Free.
Transport: The hiking trail begins from Avenida de Mayo and can be reached on foot from the Piriápolis beach area, taking approximately 20-40 minutes depending on your starting point.
5. Visit Hotel Argentino
An iconic Art Deco masterpiece, the Hotel Argentino, inaugurated in 1930, was once among the largest hotels in South America. Visitors can admire its grand architecture and interior. The hotel also features spa facilities with thermal water treatments and a heated indoor pool, and a casino, offering options for relaxation and entertainment.
Cost: Walking through common areas is free. Spa treatments and casino activities incur charges.
Transport: The hotel is a prominent landmark located on the Rambla de los Argentinos and is easily walkable from most parts of the town center.
6. Discover Pan de Azúcar and its Wildlife Reserve
Climb Cerro Pan de Azúcar, one of Uruguay's highest points on the southern coast, for expansive panoramic views of the coastline and plains. A notable concrete cross at the summit can be entered via an internal staircase. At its base lies the Pan de Azúcar Wildlife Reserve, home to native Uruguayan animals such as capybara, deer, foxes, and even jaguars, alongside diverse plant species.
Cost: Entrance to the reserve and hiking are generally free or involve a small, unspecified fee.
Transport: Located about 10 kilometers outside of Piriápolis, a 10-minute drive from the town center. A taxi would be the most convenient transport option for visitors, as public transport directly to the reserve might be limited.
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