Uruguay Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
109 m (358 ft) |
| Highest point |
Cerro Catedral: 514 m (1,686 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Laguna Merín: 0 m (0 ft) |
| Elevation range |
514 m (1,686 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Santa Clara de Olimar: 320 m (1,050 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Las Piedras: 24 m (79 ft) |
Uruguay is a country located in the southeastern part of South America. The terrain is mostly rolling plains and hills with low coastal ranges.
The elevation of the country ranges from sea level to the highest point of 514 meters above sea level. The country's terrain is mostly low-lying with almost no high mountains or significant depressions.
Uruguay's rugged coastline is dotted with small lagoons and saltmarshes. The central plateau is interrupted by rolling hills that lead to the Sierras de Carapé in the northeast and Cerro Batoví in the northcentral part of the country.
The country's topography is not only characterized by rolling hills, but also by its broad coastal plain along the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic, gradually rising towards the eastern border with Brazil.
Highest Point in Uruguay
The highest point in Uruguay is Cerro Catedral, which stands at 514 meters above sea level. It is located in the southeast part of the country and offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
Lowest Point in Uruguay
The lowest point in Uruguay is Laguna Merín, on the border with Brazil, which sits at sea level. It forms part of a large wetland complex that includes several lagoons and swamps.
Countries with Similar Topography to Uruguay
Compared to other South American countries, Uruguay's topography is relatively flat. Neighboring countries like Brazil and Argentina have mountain ranges, while Uruguay is mostly plains and rolling hills.
Highest-Elevation Cities in Uruguay
Santa Clara de Olimar is the highest-elevation city in Uruguay, at 320 m (1,050 ft) above sea level. The table below lists the major cities with their elevations, from highest to lowest.
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Santa Clara de Olimar |
320 m |
1,050 ft |
| Minas |
148 m |
486 ft |
| Tacuarembó |
131 m |
430 ft |
| Rivera |
128 m |
420 ft |
| Artigas |
83 m |
272 ft |
| Canelones |
67 m |
220 ft |
| Paysandú |
56 m |
184 ft |
| Salto |
48 m |
157 ft |
| Montevideo |
43 m |
141 ft |
| Maldonado |
25 m |
82 ft |
| Las Piedras |
24 m |
79 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in Uruguay?
The highest point in Uruguay is Cerro Catedral, at 514 m (1,686 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in Uruguay?
The lowest point in Uruguay is Laguna Merín, at 0 m (0 ft).
What is the average elevation of Uruguay?
The average elevation of Uruguay is 109 m (358 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in Uruguay?
Santa Clara de Olimar is the highest-elevation city in Uruguay, at 320 m (1,050 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in Uruguay?
Of the cities listed for Uruguay, Las Piedras is the lowest, at 24 m (79 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in Uruguay?
Elevation in Uruguay ranges from 0 m (0 ft) at Laguna Merín to 514 m (1,686 ft) at Cerro Catedral, a difference of 514 m (1,686 ft).