Is Public Nudity Legal in Uruguay?
OfficialLegal in designated areas· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
Only on official naturist beaches: Rocha's tourism office describes La Sirena in Aguas Dulces as an official naturist beach and one of two in Uruguay. Elsewhere, article 277 of the Penal Code punishes 'obscene acts' in a public place or one exposed to the public, without saying whether simple nudity counts.[1][2]
Main provision: Código Penal, art. 277 (ultraje público al pudor)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
La Sirena (Aguas Dulces, Rocha) is an official naturist beach. The Uruguayan naturist association describes Playa Chihuahua (Maldonado) as a naturist beach where the Intendencia de Maldonado has installed an access walkway.[2][3]
Private naturist clubs and resorts
Not documented in sources we found.
Penalties
Article 277: 3 months' prison to 3 years' penitentiary for obscene acts in public.[1]
Official naturist places in Uruguay
Places NudistMap lists as officially designated or naturist-only. Status comes from open data; check each place page.
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Uruguay?
Only on official naturist beaches: Rocha's tourism office describes La Sirena in Aguas Dulces as an official naturist beach and one of two in Uruguay. Elsewhere, article 277 of the Penal Code punishes 'obscene acts' in a public place or one exposed to the public, without saying whether simple nudity counts.
Are there official nude beaches in Uruguay?
La Sirena (Aguas Dulces, Rocha) is an official naturist beach. The Uruguayan naturist association describes Playa Chihuahua (Maldonado) as a naturist beach where the Intendencia de Maldonado has installed an access walkway.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Uruguay?
Not documented in sources we found.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Uruguay?
Article 277: 3 months' prison to 3 years' penitentiary for obscene acts in public.
Sources
- Código Penal, art. 277 (IMPO) (statute)
- Turismo Rocha: La Sirena naturist beach (government)
- AUNNA (Asociación Uruguaya de Naturismo) (federation)
This page summarises the law for travellers and is not legal advice. Laws, local bylaws and enforcement change; follow local signs and check the sources below. Last checked 31 October 2026.