Map of Uruguay – Departments, Cities & Location Guide
Explore Uruguay with this interactive map showing Montevideo, Punta del Este, Colonia del Sacramento, its 19 departments and the coastline between Argentina and Brazil. Zoom in to locate cities, roads, rivers, beaches and inland towns.
Uruguay is a South American country on the Atlantic Ocean and Río de la Plata. Its landscape is dominated by rolling grasslands, low hills and river valleys, with seaside resorts concentrated along the southern and eastern coast.
Uruguay lies in southeastern South America, east of Argentina and south of Brazil. Its capital is Montevideo. The country has 19 departments, a Río de la Plata shoreline in the south and Atlantic beaches farther east.
Interactive map | Regions and cities | Landmarks | FAQs
Move the map or zoom in to explore cities, departmental areas, rivers and the Atlantic coast.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Map labels, borders and road details may change.
Where Is Uruguay Located?
Uruguay occupies the eastern side of the Uruguay River basin. Brazil lies to its north and northeast, while Argentina is to its west across the Uruguay River. The Río de la Plata borders its south, opening eastward towards the Atlantic Ocean.
- Capital: Montevideo, on the northern shore of the Río de la Plata.
- Administrative divisions: 19 departments.
- Landscape: Rolling plains, grassland, modest hills, rivers and coastal lagoons.
- Major waterways: Uruguay River, Río Negro and Río de la Plata.
Uruguay is relatively compact compared with Brazil and Argentina. The map helps explain why many important population centres are close to the southern coast, while agricultural land dominates much of the interior.
Uruguay Regions, Departments and Major Cities
Uruguay's 19 departments are its principal administrative divisions. The table groups selected departments and cities by broad location; these are geographic groupings, not official regions.
| Area | Places and features |
|---|---|
| Montevideo area | Montevideo department: capital, port, waterfront promenade and historic centre. |
| Southern coast | Canelones, San José and Colonia; coastal towns, beaches and Colonia del Sacramento. |
| Eastern coast | Maldonado and Rocha; Punta del Este, La Paloma and Cabo Polonio. |
| Western river corridor | Soriano, Río Negro, Paysandú and Salto; riverside towns and regional routes. |
| Northern border | Artigas, Rivera and Cerro Largo; border crossings, grassland and towns such as Rivera and Melo. |
| Central interior | Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Tacuarembó and Treinta y Tres; inland towns, farmland and hills. |
Uruguay Landmarks to Find on the Map
- Montevideo Rambla: A long waterfront promenade following the capital's shoreline.
- Ciudad Vieja: Montevideo's historic district near its port.
- Punta del Este: A well-known seaside resort in Maldonado department.
- Colonia del Sacramento: A historic riverfront city with a UNESCO-listed historic quarter.
- Cabo Polonio: A coastal settlement surrounded by dunes and protected landscapes.
- Quebrada de los Cuervos: A scenic protected area of valleys and native vegetation in Treinta y Tres.
Roads, Airports and Travel Connections
Major highways radiate from Montevideo towards the coast, inland cities and border crossings. Ruta Interbalnearia serves important stretches of the southern resort corridor, while Routes 1, 3, 5 and 8 connect different parts of the country. Carrasco International Airport, near Montevideo, is the main international air gateway.
Ferries connect Uruguay with Argentina, notably through Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento. Services and timetables can change. Use current transport information for travel arrangements rather than relying on a reference map alone.
What This Uruguay Map Helps You Explore
- Locate the capital and coastal destinations.
- Compare the southern coast with the agricultural interior.
- Identify the borders with Argentina and Brazil.
- Follow rivers, highways and regional town connections.
- Find landmarks and understand their geographic setting.
Related Maps and Location Guides
Uruguay Map FAQs
Where is Uruguay on the world map?
Uruguay is in southeastern South America, between Argentina and Brazil, with coastline along the Río de la Plata and Atlantic Ocean.
What is the capital of Uruguay?
Montevideo is the capital and principal urban centre.
How many departments does Uruguay have?
Uruguay has 19 departments, including Montevideo, Canelones, Colonia, Maldonado and Rocha.
Does Uruguay border the Atlantic Ocean?
Yes. Its eastern coast faces the Atlantic Ocean; the southern shoreline runs along the Río de la Plata.
Where is Punta del Este?
Punta del Este is in Maldonado department, east of Montevideo, near the meeting of the Río de la Plata and Atlantic waters.
Is Colonia del Sacramento near Argentina?
Yes. It stands across the Río de la Plata from the Buenos Aires area and has ferry connections with Argentina.
Can this map provide live directions?
No. It is an interactive geographic reference, not a live routing or transport service.
Disclaimer
For general geographic information only. Maps, borders, roads and landmarks may be inaccurate or outdated. Do not use for navigation, emergencies, legal boundaries or official decisions. Check current travel and transport advice. Third-party links do not imply affiliation or endorsement.