This is a ‘runseeing’ tour of Montevideo’s relatively compact Old City (Ciudad Vieja). In a 6-7 km run, one can pass by many of the city’s key sights. The official Old City is west of Plaza Indepedencia, heading east to the Ferry Terminal area. But we start at the newer looking City Hall, where it’s a pretty straight shot west for 2.5 km. Run along Av. 18 de Julio for a little over 1 km, passing Fuente del Entrevero (monumental fountain), to Plaza Indepedencia, passing the Museo del Tango, hero’s monument, Torres Garcia’s Museum, Museum Government House, Solís Theatre, and then through the Plaza Constitución, with its historic buildings, park benches, green spaces, vendors & artwork, and Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral. Then run along Sarandí, which is a more pedestrian-friendly street, passing numerous additional sights, such as Museo Gurvich and Plaza Zabala.
At the 2.5 km mark, you’ll reach the water at Plaza Guruyú. Here, for the return, you have options. We recommend a stretch east along La Rambla, the waterside path, passing through the San Juan gate to Plaza España and then Plaza Rep. Argentina. Continue along the water to the Rambla Republica Argentina, then LEFT, turning up Santiago de Chile and Ejido to the start.
Alternatives: Staying inland in the city rather than on the water, Soriano is one of the nicer streets. Can also stay on any one of the east-west and north-south streets within the old city for variety or to extend the run, or further west along La Rambla.
This is a ‘runseeing’ tour of Montevideo’s relatively compact Old City (Ciudad Vieja). In a 6-7 km run, one can pass by many of the city’s key sights. The official Old City is west of Plaza Indepedencia, heading east to the Ferry Terminal area. But we start at the newer looking City Hall, where it’s a pretty straight shot west for 2.5 km. Run along Av. 18 de Julio for a little over 1 km, passing Fuente del Entrevero (monumental fountain), to Plaza Indepedencia, passing the Museo del Tango, hero’s monument, Torres Garcia’s Museum, Museum Government House, Solís Theatre, and then through the Plaza Constitución, with its historic buildings, park benches, green spaces, vendors & artwork, and Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral. Then run along Sarandí, which is a more pedestrian-friendly street, passing numerous additional sights, such as Museo Gurvich and Plaza Zabala.
At the 2.5 km mark, you’ll reach the water at Plaza Guruyú. Here, for the return, you have options. We recommend a stretch east along La Rambla, the waterside path, passing through the San Juan gate to Plaza España and then Plaza Rep. Argentina. Continue along the water to the Rambla Republica Argentina, then LEFT, turning up Santiago de Chile and Ejido to the start.
Alternatives: Staying inland in the city rather than on the water, Soriano is one of the nicer streets. Can also stay on any one of the east-west and north-south streets within the old city for variety or to extend the run, or further west along La Rambla.
The signature run in Montevideo. This 25 km palm-lined path, one of the longest sidewalks in the world, runs from the Old City/Ferry Terminal to Carrasco. Great water views, a festive scene, numerous sights, and runnable beaches. See table with segment distances.
Our Rambla overview post covers the entire 25 km from Montevideo to Roosevelt Park in Carrasco, with info on segment distances. Here, we point out a few favorite sections & loops coming off this waterfront path, heading from west to east.
Centrally located park with lovely, verdant criss-crossing paths. Grand fountain, museums, a music stand, and a small lake. For a longer run, head toward the Rambla, around the lighthouse, or enjoy some of the quieter side streets west of the park.
Wonderful botanical gardens and park located 7 km northwest of the city centre. The park has 5 km+ of lovely dirt trails for running, including 2 km of paths along the river (Arroyo Miguelete). Nicely landscaped with roses, a fountain & garden arches.
Montevideo has some of the best urban beach running in the world. The beaches are wide, flat, and feature firm sand. Highlights are Playa de los Pocitos, the 2+ km stretch from Playa Buceo to Playa Honda, and Playa Carrasco.
Estadio Centenario, is a 60,000 seat soccer stadium located within a larger park and athletics complex. Many roads and paths through a park and soccer fields, and a state-of-the-art running track. Also several other facilities & monuments.
As a nice variation from the Rambla and beaches, create your own route through these upscale residential neighborhoods located 7 km east of Montevideo. Tree-lined residential streets featuring good sidewalks and nice homes, and some parks.
Officially called "Children's Rights Park", this large park extends north ~5 km from the beach. Both wider and narrower wooded paths, fields, and a lake. Shangrila neighborhood east of the park has many quiet, unpaved residential roads good for running too.
A great place to run if you're heading east along the coast toward Punta del Este. There's a 5 km waterfront path that has great water views, 3 km along Piriápolis Beach, and the challenging Hill of San Antonio!
Popular vacation spot 130 km east of Montevideo. The Rambla Coastal Loop is the signature run in Punta del Este. We also love Playa Brava and Gorriti Island, only 1/2 hr. away by ferry. We have a full running guide for the area
A 2-hour drive west of Montevideo, this former Portugese settlement in southern Uruguay is a popular visitor destination. Good running along the waterfront (Rambla), Barrio Histórico, on beaches, and some rural agricultural roads.
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