Introducing Uruguay
Well, somebody let the cat out of the bag. Uruguay used to be South America’s best-kept secret, with a handful of Argentines, Brazilians, Chileans and non–South Americans in the know popping in to enjoy the pristine beaches, the atmospheric cities, the huge steaks and the happening nightlife. Then the peso crashed, the place became a whole lot more affordable and people got curious. They came, loved it and went back home to tell their friends. Who came, loved it and went back home to tell their friends.
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Which is not to suggest that the place is being overrun. The main drawcards, like Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este and Montevideo, have long been set up for tourists, and are dealing with their newfound popularity well. Other destinations, such as Punta del Diablo and Maldonado, retain their charm but are no longer the undiscovered gems they once were. Elsewhere, in the interior (gaucho central Tacuarembó, for example) and the river towns, and particularly in the non-summer months, there’s still a pretty good chance that you’ll be the only gringo in town.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- See South America from La Paz to Rio de Janeiro
- Sample Uruguay's finest produce on a private wine-tasting tour
- Travel along South America's coastline with a visit to Montevideo
- Take a day-trip to beautiful Colonia
Last updated: Jan 22, 2013
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Destination at a glance: Uruguay
23 November 2010
Often called the Switzerland of South America, Uruguay remains a country of relative peace and prosperity in a sometimes-troubled region....
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Uruguay
Things to do
- All things to do (322)
- Activities (48)
- Entertainment (50)
- Restaurants (94)
- Shopping (21)
- Sights (98)
- Tours (11)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Uruguay
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1 Colonia del Sacramento
Step back in time as you wander the streets of this atmospheric smugglers’ port
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2 Punta del Este
Pamper yourself with some time out amongst the jet set in this world-famous beach resort
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3 Mercado del Puerto
Test your true carnivore status on the absurdly large steaks at this atmospheric market
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4 Drinking mate
Hook up with some locals and sip the afternoon away
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5 Off the beaten track
Gawk at some real live gauchos in the mellow little town of Tacuarembó
Fast Facts about Uruguay
- Phrases:
bárbaro (cool), ¡garca! (disgusting), jodita (party)
- Capital:
- Area:
187,000 sq km (roughly the size of the US state of North Dakota)
- Best street snack:
Milanesa sandwich – get a completo (one with the lot – ham, cheese, egg and salad) and it’s a meal
- Famous for:
winning the first World Cup (1930), beach resorts
- Money:
US$1 = 23.8 Uruguayan pesos
- Tipping:
10% in restaurants and hotels if not included in bill; round up in taxis
- Country Code:
598
- Budget:
US$25-35 a day
- Costs:
budget hotel in Montevideo US$15, 3hr bus ride US$4, set lunch US$4
- Visas:
North Americans and Europeans only need a valid passport
- Best bargain:
homemade pasta – US$4 a plate just about anywhere
- Time:
GMT minus 3hr
- Languages:
Spanish, Portuguese near the Brazilian border
- Population:
3,241,000