Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Uruguay
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $35-100 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Uruguay
Accommodation
$15-35 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities
Food & Dining
$12-28 per day
Street food, local markets, empanadas from bakeries, self-catering, neighborhood parrillas
Transportation
$3-12 per day
Public buses, walking, occasional shared taxis in rural areas
Activities
$5-25 per day
Free beaches, walking tours, municipal museums, public parks, some paid attractions
Currency: $U Uruguayan Peso (though many tourist services quote in USD)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Uruguay
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at neighborhood parrillas instead of tourist zones (typically 40-60% cheaper for similar quality meat)
Use public buses for intercity travel instead of private transfers (usually 70-80% savings)
Visit during shoulder season months for accommodation discounts of 25-40%
Buy groceries at local supermarkets rather than convenience stores (generally 30-50% less expensive)
Choose free beach activities over paid water sports (can save $40-100 per day)
Book accommodation directly with properties to avoid booking platform fees (typically 10-15% savings)
Take advantage of free walking tours and tip-based guides instead of private tours (usually $20-60 less per person)
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Only eating in Montevideo's Old Town or Punta del Este resort areas (typically 100-150% markup over local neighborhoods)
Taking taxis everywhere instead of learning the bus system (can cost 4-6x more for similar routes)
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak summer season (often 200-300% higher than advance bookings)