Waypoints: Montevideo → San José de Mayo (≈ 95 km) → Ecilda Paullier (≈ 40 km) → Colonia del Sacramento (≈ 125 km).

Slide out of Montevideo on Ruta 1, letting the traffic thin as you clear the capital and settle into a steady cruise across low countryside. San José de Mayo makes a practical late morning pause before you drift through farming towns towards Colonia’s UNESCO old quarter and your first night on the riverfront.

Waypoints: Colonia → Nueva Palmira (≈ 90 km) → Mercedes (≈ 80 km) → Paysandú (≈ 120 km).

Follow the Río de la Plata turning into the Uruguay River, hopping between ports and mellow waterfront towns. Nueva Palmira and Mercedes both work as easy fuel-and-coffee stops before you roll into Paysandú, with sunset over the river and a compact centre for dinner.

Waypoints: Paysandú → Salto (≈ 125 km) → Termas del Daymán (≈ 10 km) → Tacuarembó (≈ 145 km).

A relaxed morning run north brings you to Salto and the thermal area around Daymán, where you can choose a short soak or just a coffee stop before swinging east into quieter, more rural country. The final stretch to Tacuarembó feels more remote, with long views and light traffic.

Waypoints: Tacuarembó → Valle Edén (≈ 25 km) → Ansina (≈ 45 km) → Melo (≈ 200 km).

Start with a short scenic diversion to Valle Edén for low hills and light curves, then rejoin the main road south-east. This is a “rhythm” day: few big towns, more cattle country and the sense of crossing the interior at your own pace before reaching Melo as a functional overnight hub.

Waypoints: Melo → Treinta y Tres (≈ 120 km) → Rocha (≈ 115 km) → La Paloma (≈ 35 km).

You angle south-east through Treinta y Tres and increasingly sandy country, with the landscape subtly flattening as you close on the ocean. Rocha offers fuel and lunch; La Paloma then gives you a softer, low-rise resort town feel for the evening, right by the Atlantic.

Waypoints: La Paloma → José Ignacio (≈ 110 km) → Punta del Este (≈ 40 km) → Piriápolis (≈ 45 km) → Montevideo (≈ 85 km).

The closing Leg stitches together Uruguay’s classic coastal names: long, open shoreline near José Ignacio, the curve into Punta del Este, then the older seafront feel of Piriápolis before the final highway run back to Montevideo. Plan a mid-afternoon arrival to beat city traffic and enjoy a slow final waterfront roll-in.

Montevideo Old City Walking Tour

A guided stroll through Ciudad Vieja: plazas, markets and waterfront viewpoints, ideal the afternoon before you start riding or as a soft landing after the loop.

Montevideo City Sightseeing Bus

Hop-on, hop-off bus circuit taking in key districts and viewpoints. Easy way to map the city before you pick up the bike.

Punta del Este Full-Day Tour from Montevideo

A non-riding day option that still hits the coast: curated viewpoints, La Mano monument, marina time and free time in Punta del Este.

Colonia del Sacramento · riverside stay

Look for small hotels or posadas inside or just outside the historic quarter, with safe courtyard or gated parking.

Paysandú · riverfront hub

Choose a central hotel within walking distance of the river and evening restaurants, with either internal parking or an attended lot nearby.

Tacuarembó · interior town base

Aim for simple, reliable accommodation close to the centre with secure parking for the bikes and an easy walk into town for dinner.

Melo · functional overnight

Pick a straightforward hotel on or near the main access roads with courtyard or covered parking and early breakfast availability.

La Paloma / Rocha · Atlantic stop

In La Paloma look for low-rise hotels or apartments near the beach with space for bikes and easy walking access to bars and restaurants.

Montevideo · start / finish

For the capital, a seafront hotel along La Rambla with underground or gated parking works well for both the first and last nights of the loop.

Colonia del Sacramento

Look for parrillas and bistros inside the old town, ideally with patio seating and bike parking within sight or very close by.

Paysandú & Salto

Riverfront grills and cafés near the waterfront promenades make easy, low-effort evening choices after a long Leg.

Tacuarembó & Melo

Expect simpler town-centre places: steak, milanesas, and classic plates. Prioritise secure parking and short walks over fine-dining.

La Paloma & Rocha coast

Seafood and casual beachfront spots dominate: good for slower evenings after the inland Legs, especially outside high season.

Punta del Este & José Ignacio

Glossier options by the marina and along the oceanfront – best used for a long lunch on Leg 6 before heading back towards Montevideo.

Montevideo (Rambla)

Mix of cafés, bars and restaurants along La Rambla and in Ciudad Vieja. Ideal both for a first-night briefing and a closing-loop celebration dinner.