Uruguay tucked in between its much larger neighbours Brazil and Argentina is a modern socially liberal country that would not look out of place with the most advanced countries in Europe.  It has a population of 3.5 million and is dominated by Montevideo its capital city.  The rest of the country is fertile pampas ideal for cattle ranching and a productive agricultural sector.  Its social policy is very advanced with LGBT rights, enlightened policies for disabled people and also one of the first counties to legalise cannabis.

While Uruguay is a Spanish speaking country, there is also a considerable Portuguese influence, especially in some of the architecture in both Montevideo and Colonia.  Over the years, Uruguay’s relative prosperity and stability has attracted many tourists from neighbouring countries and also security for money.  Indeed resorts like Punta del Este often referred to as the Cannes of the South have attracted significant investment in property etc. from its neighbours.

Destinations

1. Punta del Este

Punta del Este is often referred to as the Cannes of South America and is a wealthy resort full of modern condominiums and a harbour full of yachts and other trappings of wealth.  The resort sits on a peninsular and has beaches either side.  Sitting on one of the beaches is an interesting sculpture La Mano which is a set of fingers rising out of the sand.

2. Montevideo

Uruguay’s capital Montevideo is currently undergoing a renaissance with the old colonial part of the city undergoing a phase of gentrification with many old colonial buildings being renovated.  The old market has become a mecca for parillas and barbecues.  Definitely not the place for vegetarians as the quality of the meat and the smells of the charcoal invites any meat lover in.

Montevideo has many grand public buildings, but one of the most rewarding places to visit is the Libreria Puro Verso a beautiful bookshop set in an old theatre with a coffee shop on the first floor up a very elegant staircase.

3. Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is one of Uruguay’s oldest cities and during its history has alternated between Spanish and Portuguese rule before becoming part of Brazil and then Uruguay.  It therefore has a significant Portugues influence in its architecture.  Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with its tree lined avenues makes for an attractive weekend break destination.  It attracts many weekend visitors from Buenos Aires and has a number of attractive restaurants and an unusual scattering of vintage cars.

Blogs

• Punta del Este – Upmarket Resort
• Montevideo – Enlightened Capital City
• Montevideo – Parrilladas and Tannat
• Colonia del Sacramento – Vintage Cars and Mate

Slideshow

Travel

Uruguay is very compact with an extensive modern road network.  Travel around the country on bus is quick, efficient and good value.  Distances are small by South American standards

Costs

Uruguay is one of the wealthiest countries in South America and as a result is more expensive than many of its neighbours.  However its currency is pretty stable and as a result costs do not fluctuate through vagaries of exchange rates and inflation unlike Argentina to the South.

Accomodation

There is a full range of accommodation options all over Uruguay, from the standard international hotels common place in all major cities to a whole variety of smaller hostels and boutique hotels.  For the most part we used web based sites like booking.com to source our accommodation.

Places we Stayed

• Punta del Este: Petit Chateau Hotel Boutique
• Montevideo: BIT Design Hotel
• Colonia del Sacramento: Hotel don Antonio