A Simple Guide to Uruguay: Let’s Tour Uruguay

 

Uruguay is the most hidden gem of South America, as it is bordered by Argentina and Brazil. It has a huge range of experiences to offer, whether it is the golden beaches, colonial towns, a flourishing cultural life, or the fact that it is one of the safest regions.

The country of Uruguay is a place to get filled with enthusiastic adventures when you have to travel on your own relaxed time without the hustles in the crowded tourist centers.

Montevideo — The Colorful Capital

Montevideo is the perfect place to start exploring the country of Uruguay, as the city perfectly combines the plasticity of modern life with the beauty of historical architecture.

The capital is located on the Rio de la Plata, thus making it have a breezy coastal feel.

Tourists will be able to wander through the old town of Ciudad Vieja and examine the colonial architecture, art galleries, and quaint cafes that present a major part of the old uptown area.

One can find a more local flair at Mercado del Puerto, a market house and scene of Uruguayan asado, or barbecue. The city also has a long necklace of rambla, a promenade in front of the sea and a favorite spot to have a stroll, ride a bicycle, or admire the sunset.

Montevideo is not excessively big, which is why it is easy to get around in it at a comfortable speed.

Colonia del Sacramento — Living in the Past

Close to Buenos Aires, Colonia del Sacramento is one of Uruguay’s most beautiful destinations, and it is located in the northeast of the country.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for cobblestoned streets, colorful facades, and a colonial-era architectural influence.

In the Barrio Histórico, or historic quarter, you get the impression of going back into ancient times, with lantern-lit alleyways and picturesque squares and plazas.

Visitors can find vehicles to rent, including bicycles or golf carts, to tour the area to shop and explore the waterfront cafe.

Considered to have one of the most beautiful sunsets over a river in the country, Colonia is a favorite destination of romantics, as well as folks interested in history.

Punta del Este: Summer of Glitz and Glamour at the Beach

Punta del Este should be the best escape for beach seekers with a taste of luxury. Popularly referred to as the Monaco of South America, the glamorous resort town attracts surfers, celebrities, and families. Play San Juan (Playa Brava) is ideal for snapping dramatic pics with its famous sculpted sculpture of The Hand, or La Mano, appearing out of the sand, whereas Playa Mansa has calmer waters, which are ideal to swim in. There are more than just beaches: Punta del Este boasts an exciting nightlife, elegant shopping, and impressive art galleries. Close by is Casapueblo: the ghostly-looking cliffside house and museum of artist Carlos Paez Vilaro that has also become an icon.

Cabo Polonio: A Paradise Lost

Cabo Polonio is a must-visit for those travelers who seek something more unusual. This small and isolated village on the coast, reachable only through special 4x4 cars through sand dunes, lacks roads and electricity and has the same ancient charm.

The wild beaches, the rustic cabins, and the sea lion colonies, which can be observed from the lighthouse, are the main attractions here.

Bringing you back to nature, Cabo Polonio is referred to as an unplugged experience of reconnecting with nature and helps visitors to forget about modern life. The sky is awfully beautiful at night when the stars are shining in the sky.

Uruguayan Food — translated in A Taste of Things

The culture of eating meat by grilling and peonies is very much embedded in the culture of Uruguay. The so-called asado, meat cooked over a wood fire, is a culinary must one must taste, and cuts such as ribs, chorizo, and morcilla are too good to be ignored.

The country is also famous for its chivito, which is a mammoth sandwich filled with steak, ham, cheese, eggs, and vegetables. On a more fun note, Uruguayans love mate, a tea made of herbs that the group of friends and family share as a means of connecting.

As a dessert, you cannot leave without trying dulce de leche treats, which is a sweet caramel-like spread that is used in cakes and pastries all over the country.

Festivals and Culture

Although it is rather small, Uruguay has a very vivid cultural life. Carnival in Montevideo is one of the longest on the planet, and it lasts a month with parades, music, and bright costumes.

The streets concentrate the energy of the traditional candombe, African-based drumming.

Throughout the year, Uruguay celebrates jazz festivals, theater performances and gatherings, and folk music. The hospitality of the locals, called Orientales, complements the cordial ambiance that makes everyone feel welcome.

Travel Advice for Uruguay

It is easy and safe to get around Uruguay. Bus transportation is very convenient and functional, as it connects large cities as well as small ones. The landmass of the country enables one to explore beaches, countryside, and cities in a small period of time. I

t is preferable to visit the place in the summer season, from December to March, when beaches are vibrant with people and the weather is ideal to engage in outdoor activities.

Spring and autumn are also mild in temperature and do not have as many people. To have convenient travel, it is useful to take some cash in the Uruguayan peso, although credit cards are accepted everywhere.

Conclusion

Uruguay perhaps is one of the South American nations that is not on the list of places to go to when making a decision on going to South America, but one who gets to go to Uruguay usually gets pleasantly surprised.

With the historic beauty of Colonia, the modern vibrancy of Montevideo, the pristine shores of Punta del Este, and the unspoiled natural beauty of Cabo Polonio, travelers will find a place to experience in the country.

Uruguay is a warm country surrounded by people, making it very easy to explore with its safe environment and rich traditions that are worth remembering.