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.
Last updated: Jul 16, 2010
Tips & articles
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Is the yellow fever vaccine still required for entry?
by sonnyjuk 3 replies, last post 02 September 2010
Hi all, I'm trying to find out exactly which Central/South American countries currently require a yellow fever certificate as an entry…
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Travel buddy for South America Sept-Dec
by leliane 0 replies, last post 01 September 2010
Hey guys, I'm going to be in South America starting from September 14 in Lima and leaving from Buenos Aires on December 13th I'll be…
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Uruguay
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
Related Groups
Our favourite Uruguay Blogs (beta)
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Sounds and Colours – a magazine about South American music and culture
Blog: On The Road to Find Out - 24 July 2010
Sounds and Colours, as mentioned in a previous post, is a website I have been working on for the last couple of months. It seems like now is the time to get the word out on this thing! The site features interviews, mixtapes, news and reviews of all aspects of South American music and culture. [...]
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11 South America Backpacking with Indie Travel Podcast – podcast
Blog: Heather on her travels - 24 July 2010
In Podcast 11 I talk to Craig and Linda from Indie Travel Podcast about their 4 months travelling with friends in South America, visiting Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Uruguay. They pick out the highlights of their trip, and give some advice on travelling by bus, how to avoid scams and pickpockets and how they [...]
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How to take a taxi in South America
Blog: The Indie Travel Podcast - 30 June 2010
Taxi culture varies from country to country - learn how to catch a taxi in the South American countries of Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Uruguay.How to take a taxi in South America is happily produced by The Indie Travel Podcast, proud winners of Lonely Planet's "Best Podcast" -- Check out our free podcast in iTunes, free online travel magazine, or the
