Are you looking for a unique cycling destination in South America? How about cycling in Uruguay? Maldonado is a region in the country’s southeast that’s home to beautiful beaches, buzzing resorts, unspoilt countryside and lots of flat cycling…
You might be relatively unfamiliar with Uruguay (so were we!) and even less so with this little-known coastal region. But Epic Road Rides reader Louisa Woolf is a huge fan and is keen for more cyclists to discover the amazing cycling routes here.
Having cycled through Uruguay as part of her nine-month trip across South America in 2023, Louisa loved Uruguay so much she returned again in March 2024.
Read on to discover why Maldonado is a must-visit and also to get the lowdown on Louisa’s suggested itinerary…
All metrics in this article are approximate.
Why should cyclists visit Maldonado
Flat, coastal roads
Maldonado is a great place for cyclists because of its quiet, well-maintained roads.
The cycling in this part of Uruguay is laid back and leisurely because the road hugs the coast in most places. This means it is pretty much flat, and navigation is relatively straightforward.
For much of this route, you can enjoy views across the Atlantic Ocean from your saddle. There is an abundance of lovely seaside towns to pass through, each with their own unique character to discover.
Captivating culture
Maldonado is also home to some of the most exciting places on Uruguay’s art scene. You will find many galleries and spectacular restaurants to pepper into your daily rides.
Varied accommodation options
Remember to double-check accommodation bike storage arrangements (and any other services you need) before booking as policies often change.
You can also indulge in some serious luxury in Maldonado, with many of the country’s most exclusive resorts located here. For more affordable options, there are also beautiful beachfront camp spots.
Overview of Maldonado from a cyclist’s perspective
Location
Maldonado is one of Uruguay’s nineteen departments, located in the southeast of the country.
Its capital, also named Maldonado, is a laidback city that’s home to about 90,000 people. It is somewhat overshadowed by the vibrant and exclusive tourist resort, Punta del Este, found just a few kilometres south.
Maldonado city is around 130 kilometres east of Montevideo, Uruguay’ capital. Maldonado is easily accessed from the capital thanks to the regular and reliable bus service.
For the rest of the article, where we refer to Maldonado, we are talking about Maldonado department rather than the city.

Map of Uruguay
Terrain
Maldonado department covers 4,700 square kilometres, and has a varied terrain.
The northern part of the region is characterised by sierras (a sierra is a long, jagged mountain chain), and is home to Uruguay’s highest elevation, Cerro Catedral, which sits at 514 metres. In general, Uruguay is a remarkably flat country, but this region of Maldonado does offer some great, undulating riding.
Maldonado has over 100 kilometres of coastline, most of which is rideable on roads which offer views of the ocean. These coastal areas are by far the most populated parts of the department. However, you will still find plenty of beautiful, quiet and extensive beaches along the way.
Top tip! While the cycling here is flat, the Atlantic breeze is fairly consistent year-round, so is likely to influence your experience. For example in the summer it is typically a light, pleasant relief from the sunshine, especially needed when it is hard to find shade along the coast. However, on the occasions where the wind is stronger, it can make cycling a little more challenging.
Roads and cycling culture
In Maldonado, the roads are generally all paved and good quality. This is particularly the case along the more touristic coastal areas.
There are opportunities to explore off-the-beaten track gravel routes should you desire, especially when you venture inland.
My experience is that Uruguayan warmth and hospitality are typically extended to cyclists, and road riding is common in Maldonado. It’s common to pass groups of road riders, particularly around Punta del Este. Generally, I found that cars are very considerate.
Maldonado cycling logistics
Trip duration
The distances to cover Maldonado are relatively short.
From Piriápolis, in the west of the department, to Laguna Garzón, in the east of the department, it is only about 100 kilometres, so you could tour this route in a couple of days.
However, I am sure you will be tempted to spend a few more days exploring the towns and beaches you will pass!
You are riding through an incredibly laidback and beautiful country, so I would encourage you to take it slow and savour a little extra time if you can. This also leaves space for fun detours.
My suggested itinerary below shows how you could break down a cycling trip in Maldonado over several days.
Organised tour vs self-guided
There are a few companies offering organised bike tours of Maldonado and other regions in Uruguay. However, these often showcase the higher-end accommodation options, and the cost therefore reflects that.
Given the flat terrain, short distances and ample tourist infrastructure found in Maldonado, it is certainly not necessary to travel on an organised tour.
Following the coastal route, I found navigation extremely easy. There are many places to stop at to refuel and I loved the freedom of cycling at my own pace.
6 Maldonado cycling routes
Arriving in Maldonado from Montevideo, these routes follow the coast eastwards to explore the best of Maldonado’s seaside towns, beaches and galleries. The journey then veers inland and upwards to get to know some of Maldonado’s inland countryside and sierras. The first stop along the coast is Piriápolis.
The routes are designed to follow on from one another, to make a cycling tour of Maldonado. However, you could of course ride them individually.
Piriápolis
Piriápolis is a charming, nostalgic town with belle-epoque style buildings, a long promenade and a calm bay. It’s the perfect place to recover from a long travel, with multiple accommodation options and great restaurants.
Try Las Espinas, the restaurant run by Bodega Bouza nestled in the vineyards, just eight kilometres from the centre of Piriápolis. Here you can try a traditional Uruguayan asado with a glass of their Tannat, and superb views of the surrounding countryside.
Getting to Piriápolis
This town is accessible by bus from Montevideo’s bus terminal, Tres Cruces, and you can bring your bike in the hold.
Alternatively, you could cycle to Piriápolis. The journey is just less than 100 kilometres from Montevideo.
Top tip! If you do decide to ride this leg, fuel up with a spectacular brunch at Burdeos restaurant, just by the Arroyo Pando. They serve delicious food in beautiful wooden cabin that’s located in the sand dunes.
1. Piriápolis to Punta Ballena
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Statistics
33 kilometres
236 metres of elevation gain

Casapueblo, Maldonado, Uruguay
Notes
An easy cycle ride on a road that hugs the coast most of the way.
Punta Ballena is a pretty cliffside town.
Points of interest
- Standing on the point of Punta Ballena, you have a spectacular vantage point for miles up the coastline.
- Punta Ballena gets its name for its whale watching opportunities, so definitely ride right out to the end of the headland and you may get lucky. There are also various wildlife spotting tours that depart from Punta Ballena.
- Casapueblo is well worth a visit. This whitewashed and whimsical building sits on the cliff of Punta Ballena and was the home and studio of Uruguayan sculptor and painter, Carlos Páez Vilaró. Carlos is better known as the ‘enemy of straight lines’. The unique building is a work of art in itself and has now been turned into a gallery and museum dedicated to the life and works of one of Uruguay’s favourite artists.
Where to stay
For a unique experience, check out these spectacular luxury domes. They are perfectly located between the forest and the ocean, allowing you to experience the Atlantic sunsets and dark sky magic.
Food and drink
Pop into Punta Ballena’s farmers market, to try the best of local small batch food artisans. Keep up to date here.
2. Punta Ballena to La Barra (via Punta del Este)
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Statistics
31 kilometres
218 metres of elevation gain

Punta del Este, Maldonado, Uruguay
Notes
Standing on the headland at Punta Ballena, you will see high rises emerging from the sea in the distance.
Following the coastal road, Ruta 10, you will be amongst the high rises and in the heart of Punta del Este.
Points of interest
- Punta del Este is a great base for your Maldonado cycling trip. It’s a luxury beach city about 140 kilometres up the coast from Montevideo. It is full of smart restaurants, chic boutiques, exclusive hotels and has a buzzy harbourside.
- Travel connections are great to and from Punta, making it a convenient place to launch a trip that explores the rest of the coast and the north of the country.
- There are plenty of places to rent a bike, find a mechanic, or buy any last-minute gear.
- Get a boat out to Isla Gorriti for the day to escape the crowds. Just 15 minutes on the regular ferries out to a small pedestrianised island with long sandy beaches and a beautiful forest. Don’t miss sea lion spotting in the harbour on your way out of Punta.
Hidden gem: La Barra
If high rises on the beach aren’t your thing, stay in La Barra.
It’s just 11 kilometres further up the coast from Punta del Este. You can enjoy a much more laid-back vibe that has many of the same amenities as Punta del Este and an equally lovely food scene.
- Arriving into La Barra, you will cross its landmark bridge, known as the Puente de la Risa (the bridge of laughter). The bridge is built in the shape of a wave. It is exhilarating to pedal over it as fast as you can!
- La Barra is full of beautiful, whitewashed buildings, laid back cafes and lovely independent boutiques. It is the perfect place to spend a lazy day off the bike.
- The town also has pretty consistent waves if you enjoy surfing. You can rent boards on the main beach.
- If you’re looking for a quieter beach, head to the peaceful Arroyo Maldonado. It’s a beautiful spot to watch a sunset.
Where to stay
The best value accommodation in the area. Depending on your budget, they have mixed dorms or private rooms and host evening supper clubs throughout the summer months.
The hostel has a wonderful, sociable atmosphere, and the host is incredibly helpful with excellent local knowledge. The hostel is also bike-friendly and has dedicated bike storage.
Top tip! Book in advance if travelling in the peak months.
Food and drink
Don’t miss Los Tanos, a delightful, low-key family-run restaurant found in El Tesoro, La Barra’s sleepy suburbs surrounded by eucalyptus forest. The food is excellent and they really make you feel at home. Be aware that they don’t take reservations or card payments.
Equally lovely, and also in El Tesoro, is El Chancho y La Coneja. They serve delicious food in a beautiful garden.
El Popu is a fantastic bar, which comes alive in summer with live music most nights.
3. La Barra to José Ignacio
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24 kilometres
152 metres of elevation gain

The lighthouse at José Ignacio
Notes
Following the Ruta 10, the road is particularly beautiful when you pass Laguna José Ignacio. To your left you have a view over the lake and wetlands and their abundance of birdlife. To your right you have the Atlantic waves.
Be aware! The tarmac ends just as you turn off into the town. The streets of José Ignacio are unpaved, but generally in good condition and manageable on a road bike.
Points of interest
- José Ignacio is a gorgeous town with delicious food and one of the best beaches in the world. While it is home to luxurious restaurants and beautiful mansions, it retains a laidback sleepy charm with its unpaved roads and fishermen huts.
- Take a ride out to José Ignacio’s impressive lighthouse. You can attend an evening of concert music, which are regularly hosted inside the lighthouse. See more here.
Where to stay
José Ignacio is an affluent beach town, and prices here can be expensive.
Wanderlust José Ignacio is one of the few affordable options, which offers lovely private and shared dormitory rooms.
If you’re trying to keep costs down, perhaps arrive and explore for the day and avoid staying overnight.
You will find plenty of beautiful spots to pitch up your tent just beyond the town. Around Laguna Garzón is a good option.
Food and drink
Reward yourself with a special meal at the chic La Huella restaurant.
It’s located right on the beach of José Ignacio and is considered one of Uruguay’s best restaurants. You can enjoy magnificent local seafood cooked on woodfire, with your toes in the sand on a perfect peninsula.
Top tip! Book in advance to ensure you can reserve a space.
4. José Ignacio to Pueblo Garzón
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40 kilometres
339 metres of elevation
Notes
About 30 kilometres inland from the Laguna, you will reach Pueblo Garzón.
Leaving the coastal route, you will immediately notice a drop in traffic; it’s likely you will have these inland roads to yourself as you pass through the vast countryside.
Points of interest
- Pueblo Garzón is small, colourful town which feels stuck in time with its colonial architecture and disused railways and old wooden train graveyard.
- Although it feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere, Pueblo Garzón is an exciting little art hub, with lots of small galleries who open throughout January and February.
Where to stay
There is a famous, Michelin star restaurant in the hotel that I went to for lunch.
The hotel itself looked amazing but I was on a slightly stricter budget so didn’t stay here.
Top tip! If you are also looking to save some pennies, you can easily ride back to La Barra (60 kilometres) or José Ignacio (40 kilometres) before sunset.
Food and drink
If you’re not staying over, or indulging in a Michelin star lunch, it’s at least worth popping in for a coffee in Hotel Garzón’s beautiful, shaded garden.
Also try Campo canteen, a food, art and community hub, for a more laidback vibe.
5. Pueblo Garzón to The Sierras (and back!)
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79 kilometres
1189 metres of elevation gain

A remote dirt track in Uruguay
Notes
From Garzón, you can continue further inland still, along the very pleasant Camino de la Sierra Garzón.
You will follow this road for about 40 kilometres until you reach the turnoff to Cerro Catedral, Uruguay’s highest point.
From here, you will follow a dirt road (although it is well maintained) up to the top.
Points of interest
- Cerro Cathedral is Uruguay’s highest point of elevation. It is a beautiful tranquil spot with a fantastic view over the country. Just 40 kilometres from Garzón, it is worth the detour. I only passed one car the whole way up, and from this vantage point you can really appreciate how uncrowded, small and flat Uruguay is.
Where to stay
Around the sierras, you are immersed in wild grasslands. These are known locally as the ‘campo’. So, there are plenty of spectacular spots to wild camp.
If you want a room for the night you will need to head back to Garzón, or the coast.
Food and drink
You are now pretty far off the tourist trail… so bring your own provisions for this trip out to the sierras.
6. José Ignacio to Laguna Garzón
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13 kilometres
72 metres of elevation

Laguna Garzón, Maldonado, Uruguay
Notes
If you’d prefer to stick to the coast, you could continue along Ruta 10 from José Ignacio to Laguna Garzón.
As you approach the lake, you will pass Garzón’s unique circular bridge that connects the banks of Maldonado and its neighbouring region Rocha.
Points of interest
Laguna Garzón is a beautiful, tranquil place to enjoy some camping. You can enjoy the serenity of the wetland landscape and do some bird watching.
Where to stay
Nothing could be more tranquil than these beautiful floating cabins on the lake! This is the first floating hotel in Latin America and they looked amazing when I rode past.
Otherwise, you could try wild camping around the lake like I did. This gives you access to some sublime spots with just you and the birds.
Food and drink
Pesca Artesanal Lagumar is a ramshackle fishmonger hut just in front of the bridge. It’s a great place to stock up before you ride and overnight stay. They sell fresh local fish which is perfect for dinner!
There is also a shop next door for basic provisions.
Top tip! If you want fresh fruit and vegetables, you will need to stock up in advance at José Ignacio.
There isn’t much tourist infrastructure around the lake so options are limited for eating out. This adds to its unspoilt charm. There is a highly rated restaurant at the Laguna Garzón Lodge.
More cycling options
The coastal road continues from Laguna Garzón northwards into the bordering department, Rocha.
Around 80 kilometres from the Laguna Garzón bridge, you will reach La Paloma. This is another gorgeous surfy town.
Be aware! The route veers inland to detour around Laguna Rocha before reaching La Paloma.
If you have the time, it is worth continuing north into Rocha. This region is home to many more spectacular beaches and quiet, wide-open roads.
Looking for more cycling routes in Uruguay? Take a look at this article for rides in other regions of the country.

Low traffic, open roads in Uruguay
Tips for planning a bike tour in Maldonado, Uruguay
Best time of year to cycle
Uruguayan summer runs from November to March, with peak tourism in January and February.
Summer in Maldonado is typically warm and humid, with average temperatures between 24 and 27 degrees. Thanks to its position on the Atlantic coast, Maldonado can be breezy all year round. However, as mentioned earlier, this can be a pleasant relief when riding in the summer months.
During these months, the tourist season will be in full swing, and you are likely to find a lively atmosphere across Maldonado. This is particularly the case in Punta del Este and its surrounding towns.
If, like me, you prefer a quieter vibe and empty beaches, March is the perfect time to visit because the sea is still warm, the days are still sunny, and the restaurants and bars are still open. However, the roads are much quieter, so perfect for cycling.
Finding accommodation at this time of year is cheaper and can be done with very little notice. However, by March some of the smaller galleries will have closed for the season, so if you are enthusiastic about art, perhaps head to Maldonado a little earlier.

A beach bar in Maldonado
Semana de Turismo
You will also find a marked increase in tourism during the Easter holidays, which is also known in Uruguay as ‘Semana de Turismo’.
This is a time when Montevidean’s and Argentinian’s head to Maldonado’s seaside towns to enjoy the last of the summer. Beaches will be busier, prices may be higher, and accommodation will certainly get booked up in advance over this week.
Book well in advance if you plan to cycle at this time of year!
GFNY Punta del Este
The GFNY Punta event takes place at the end of March and features two routes of 146 kilometres or 86 kilometres. Participants ride along the Atlantic coast for much of the route.
It is a great reason to visit at this time of year! Perfect for anyone looking to push themselves on a challenging, long-distance cycling race.
Bike hire and bike shops
If you need to rent a bike in Maldonado, Punta del Este is the best place to look.
Top tip! You can find the occasional bike rental shop elsewhere along the coast, but Punta del Este offers the best selection.
Rent a Bike (Roosevelt y Londres, 20000) is recommended. These guys have a great range of bikes to choose from. They also organise rental drop offs and pickups across Uruguay, saving you having to travel with the bike.
You will find a bicicleteria (bike shop) in most mid-sized towns along the coast, particularly those in the general vicinity of Punta del Este.
However further north there will be less options. If there is no bike shop, it’s worth trying a ferreteria. These are small hardware stores that crop up frequently, and usually sell inner tubes.
Gear
I had four panniers including a full camping set up on my first trip here. However this isn’t actually necessary to carry in Maldonado as you’re never too far from shops!
On my second trip to the region, my set up was much lighter. I just carried a saddle bag with day supplies.
As for essentials, a good windproof jacket and light layers are worth packing.
For more useful packing information don’t miss our bike touring packing list.

Garzón, Uruguay
Practicalities of planning a trip in Maldonado, Uruguay
Accommodation
Travelling in Uruguay can get expensive. Unlike in other parts of South America, prices are more comparable to European cities, particularly Maldonado’s affluent beach resorts and hotels in places such as Punta del Este and José Ignacio.
Warmshowers
For a cheaper alternative to hotels, the Warmshowers app connects cyclists around the world. It works much like couchsurfing, with friendly locals advertising their spare room and extending a (free) invitation to travellers passing through their town.
I used Warmshowers whenever I could in Uruguay.
There is a lovely community on it, and it is a fantastic opportunity to get to know local Uruguayans, who share your interest in cycling. They will undoubtedly give you some insightful local knowledge. It’s a great way to both to save money and enrich your experience.
Read this article for tips for using Warmshowers.
iOverlander
Another useful app to download before your bike tour in Uruguay is iOverlander. This allows travellers who have been here before you to pin local knowledge on the map.
It is full of useful information about Maldonado. This includes everything from: whether it’s a good place to camp, a spot to refill water, a public loo or a good photo opportunity!
This is particularly useful when bike touring with a camping set up, as you can check in advance where suitable camping spots are and plan your route accordingly.

Taking in the coastal views in Maldonado!
How to get to there
Getting to Uruguay
Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights from the UK to Uruguay.
The quickest journeys are usually around 16 hours and involve a layover either in Sao Paulo or Madrid.
There are, however, direct flights to Ezeiza in Buenos Aires. From here you can take a very enjoyable ferry ride over to Uruguay, either to Colonia del Sacramento (roughly one hour crossing), or Montevideo directly (roughly two hour crossing).
Getting to Maldonado
Bus
From Uruguay’s capital city Montevideo, there are regular buses to Maldonado and Punta del Este.
These are affordable and comfortable and allow bikes on, when you board at Tres Cruces, Montevideo’s main terminal. From here you will also find buses stopping at Piriápolis, Punta Ballena, and other towns along Maldonado’s coast, depending on where you want to begin riding from.
You can browse the bus schedules and buy tickets here.
By bike
Alternatively, it is less than 100 kilometres from Montevideo to Arroyo Solis, the border of the Maldonado department. So, you may wish to begin your ride from the capital itself!
This requires you to follow the main road. However, the city traffic very quickly drops off and there is a generous hard shoulder the entire way. Along this route, you will pass plenty of towns in which to refuel or spend the night, if you desire.
Flights within South America
There is also an international airport in Punta del Este, with direct flights to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
Highway code and travel information
Before you travel to Uruguay, it is worth reading the UK government travel information pages for Uruguay here.
You should also read and follow Uruguay’s highway code.
Final thoughts on cycling Uruguay’s Maldonado region
Thanks, Louisa, for this fascinating insight into cycling in South America!
For more useful information and Uruguay routes, don’t miss this general guide here.
Looking for more multi-day routes in off the beaten track regions around the world? Here are some that we think you may love:
- Cycling Poland’s Masurian Lake District
- Cycling Venice to Corfu
- Cycling Iceland’s Westfjords
- The Camino de Santiago’s remote routes
- Cycling Triglav National Park in Slovenia
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