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Maldonado

Uruguay · Coast · UYU · -34.900000, -54.950000
Family friendly 6.6/10 · Rank 1182 of 2 709
Best season: December-March

Best for

Maldonado is an ideal place for beach holidays, family holidays and a calm atmosphere lovers. It is recommended for families with children, couples and those who want to be near Punta del Este but in a quieter place. Least suitable for vibrant nightlife lovers.

Best season

December-March

Daily budget
$125.00 (≈ 10 490 ₽)
For 7 days
$875.00 (≈ 73 430 ₽)
Maldonado is the administrative centre of the namesake department, located in southeastern Uruguay. This city is an important tourist hub of the region and serves as the gateway to the famous resort of Punta del Este. Maldonado combines colonial architecture with modern amenities, offering travellers access to the scenic beaches of the Atlantic coast.
Summer
29.0°C
Winter
7.0°C
Sea
23.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Maldonado residents are friendly and calm people, accustomed to a laid-back life. The atmosphere in the city is relaxed and family-oriented.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Beautiful beaches
  • Quiet family atmosphere
  • Proximity to Punta del Este
  • Historic Pueblo Obrero district
  • Affordable prices
  • Good transport accessibility

Cons

  • Limited nightlife
  • Beach overcrowded in high season
  • Infrastructure is poorly developed
  • Seasonality
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
22.3°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
28.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
29.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
10.7°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
15.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
7.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
22.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
23.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
March-May, September-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Mansa
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Maldonado is a safe city. Beaches are equipped with lifeguards. Main risks are jellyfish and Portuguese man o' war in late summer.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are found on rocky bottoms in the coastal waters of Maldonado. Protective footwear is recommended when swimming.

Corals and reefs — details

  • Deep-sea coral reefs, including Desmophyllum pertusum, have been found off the Maldonado coast, but they are at significant depths and do not pose a danger to swimmers.

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish and Portuguese man o' war are occasionally found off the coast in late summer. Caution is advised.

Sharks — details

  • Sharks inhabit Uruguayan waters, including the blue shark and hammerhead shark. Cases of Sarda shark fishing have been recorded. No attacks on humans have been recorded.
Attractions

Pueblo Obrero

A historic working-class village with 19th-century houses. Unique architecture and atmosphere.

Playa Mansa

A calm sandy beach with a gentle slope into the water. Ideal for families with children.

Cerro San Antonio

A hill with panoramic views of the city and ocean. Accessible by chairlift.

Punta del Este

A prestigious resort with beaches, nightlife and restaurants. 10 minutes away.

Best areas

Playa Mansa Area

A coastal area with a beach, hotels and restaurants.

Maldonado Centre

The town centre with shops, squares and historic buildings.

Must-try food

Asado

Traditional Uruguayan barbecue.

Chivito

A sandwich with beef, cheese and vegetables.

Fresh seafood

Fresh fish and seafood.

Tannat wine

Local red wine.

Where to go next

Punta del Este

A prestigious resort with nightlife. 10 minutes away.

Piriápolis

A quiet resort with beaches. 30 minutes away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Корбета-Капитан-Курбело (PDP).
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Visa
Visa requirements
visa-free (90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-March
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.80
≈ 67 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Maldonado Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Maldonado: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-March. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Maldonado: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +29.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Maldonado: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +7.0°C, during the day — up to +15.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Maldonado: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +23.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Maldonado: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on March-May, September-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Maldonado: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Playa Mansa. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Maldonado: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Maldonado: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Maldonado is a safe city. Beaches are equipped with lifeguards. Main risks are jellyfish and Portuguese man o' war in late summer.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Maldonado: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $125.00 (≈ 10 490 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Maldonado: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $70.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $100.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $180.00 per night, an apartment — $80.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Maldonado: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $15.00, dinner at a restaurant — $35.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $3.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.80. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Maldonado: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $7.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Maldonado: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Pueblo Obrero — A historic working-class village with 19th-century houses. Unique architecture and atmosphere.; Playa Mansa — A calm sandy beach with a gentle slope into the water. Ideal for families with children.; Cerro San Antonio — A hill with panoramic views of the city and ocean. Accessible by chairlift.; Punta del Este — A prestigious resort with beaches, nightlife and restaurants. 10 minutes away.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Maldonado: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Asado — Traditional Uruguayan barbecue.; Chivito — A sandwich with beef, cheese and vegetables.; Fresh seafood — Fresh fish and seafood.; Tannat wine — Local red wine.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Maldonado: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Playa Mansa Area — A coastal area with a beach, hotels and restaurants.; Maldonado Centre — The town centre with shops, squares and historic buildings.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Maldonado: is a visa required?
Visa: visa-free (90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Maldonado: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Корбета-Капитан-Курбело (code PDP). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Maldonado: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — UYU. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $125.00 (≈ 10 490 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Maldonado: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Maldonado: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Maldonado: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Punta del Este — A prestigious resort with nightlife. 10 minutes away.; Piriápolis — A quiet resort with beaches. 30 minutes away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.6/10
Overall rank: 1182 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 759