Town in Rocha, Uruguay
Punta del Diablo
Rustic fishing village with sandy streets, wide beaches and backpacker hostels on Uruguay's Atlantic coast. Wild and cheap by Uruguayan standards, but crowded in January and almost shut in winter.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,490–2,360Comfortable, one person · $U60,000–95,000Details
- Value for money56/100Better value than 55% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Jan, 27°CDetails
- Internet208 MbpsFixed broadband, Uruguay medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is treated and safe to drink; it can taste of chlorine or minerals.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$37–87Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus to MontevideoWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in most restaurants and hostels, but there are few ATMs and card terminals fail; bring pesos for small shops and beach stalls.Details
Where to stay in Punta del Diablo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Village center (Calle 12 de Julio) | Hostels, restaurants, shops and the main beach |
| Playa de los Pescadores | Fishing boats, quieter stays and seafood |
| Playa Grande and Rivero | Wide, quiet beaches and rural cabins |
Apps that work in Punta del Diablo
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis are scarce and charge fixed fares; book ahead in season or ask your hostel for a transfer.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Uruguay.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in most restaurants and hostels, but there are few ATMs and card terminals fail; bring pesos for small shops and beach stalls.
- Currency: Peso (UYU). US$1 ≈ $U40.29 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Banred and RedBROU ATMs dispense pesos and often US dollars; foreign cards pay a fee per withdrawal.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants. Some add a 'cubierto' cover charge per person, which is not a tip.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy can't be brought in; all bags are X-rayed on arrival.
- The passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
- Ferries from Buenos Aires clear Argentine and Uruguayan immigration together at the departure terminal.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type C, F, I, L · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Antel, Claro and Tigo shops sell prepaid SIMs with a passport; Antel has the widest coverage and Tigo sells prepaid eSIMs. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Uruguay
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.