If you’ve got a layover in Melo, don’t let it go to waste sitting at MLZ. The city, in Uruguay, is within easy reach — roughly 40 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of MLZ:
- Can you legally enter Uruguay? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Melo, we’d suggest Plaza Constitución and Teatro Florencio Sánchez. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Melo. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside MLZ, you can spend time at Terminal Waiting Area & Runway View or try Basic Restroom Facilities & Info. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Transport from Cerro Largo International Airport to Downtown
From MLZ, the local transport gets you to Melo in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Food Worth Trying
For food in Melo, local travelers recommend El Fogón. If you have time for a second stop, Pizzeria La Esquina is another popular pick.
Back at MLZ, Airport Vending Machines & Water Cooler is the go-to. Self-Service Coffee & Tea Corner rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Melo:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at MLZ, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Melo itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Uruguay that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at MLZ aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Melo itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at MLZ include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Uruguay also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Melo is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Melo.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.