A border town where Brazilian and Uruguayan cultures meet. Local stores sell tax-free items, and residents speak both Spanish and Portuguese in daily life.
Chuy marks the border between Uruguay and Brazil along International Avenue, where you can cross from one country to another by simply walking across the street. On the Uruguayan side, you'll pay in pesos and speak Spanish; on the Brazilian side, you'll use reais and Portuguese. Visit the stone bastions of Fort San Miguel, walk the white sand beaches of Barra del Chuy, or watch sea lions swim near the coastal lighthouse.
Walking International Avenue
International Avenue divides Uruguay and Brazil. Shop signs switch between Spanish and Portuguese as you walk along the street. Local residents speak "portuñol," a mixture of both languages that developed naturally in this border region. Shoppers move between the two countries throughout the day, each side accepting its own currency.
Shopping Districts
The Uruguayan side of International Avenue has multiple duty-free shops selling cosmetics, spirits, and clothing. Brazilian supermarkets line the opposite side of the street. Many people drive the 340-kilometer route from Montevideo to buy products here at lower prices than in the capital.
Beaches and Coast
Barra del Chuy's white sand beaches extend 8 kilometers from the town center. The area maintains a calm atmosphere even during peak season. A lighthouse stands 10 kilometers away, where sea lions gather on the rocks below. Several beach bars along the coast serve drinks and provide shelter during windy days.
Border Crossing Information
Cross between Uruguay and Brazil by getting stamps at two locations. Process your Uruguay exit stamp at the immigration office 2 miles south of Chuy. For Brazilian entry, go to the Federal Police Station in Chuí. Buses connect to major cities: an 8-hour service runs to Porto Alegre, and a 45-minute ride takes you to Punta del Diablo.
Historical Fortifications
Fort San Miguel lies 7 kilometers west of town. Built in 1737 by Portuguese colonists to guard the southern frontier, its stone walls and four bastions rise from a hilltop. You can climb the towers and walk the ramparts. Santa Teresa Fort, 36 kilometers south, sits within its namesake national park and dates from 1762.
Local Events
The annual Carnival Chuy-Chuí Without Borders brings both towns together. Samba schools from Rio Grande do Sul perform alongside carnival groups from Montevideo, Maldonado, and Rocha. The festival fills International Avenue with dancers and musicians from both countries during February and March.
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