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Uruguay Travel Wiki
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Travel to Uruguay
The Oriental Republic of Uruguay can be found in the southeast of South America. Caught between Argentina and Brazil, this small nation has life for many centered around its capital city of Montevideo. More than half of the population lives in the city.
Uruguay could often be referred to as “South America for Beginners” due to its overall stability. It is often ranked at the top of all Latin American nations in regards to peace, democracy, and a lack of corruption. Uruguay is also notable for the fact that it contributes more troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions than any other country in the world, despite it being one of the world’s smallest nations.
A trip to Uruguay will often involve three distinct opportunities. You can visit the many scenic natural attractions that the nation offers. There are numerous cultural opportunities to enjoy, ranging from the Colonial Era to the first settlers that came to this nation more than 4,000 years ago. There is also the urban setting to explore, with allows you to experience the vibrancy and color of Uruguay in a personal way.
At some point, a trip to Uruguay will often include a trip to Punta del Este. This small peninsula offers water sports, beach access, and many relaxing recreational opportunities.
Uruguay has a vast number of opportunities to enjoy and explore, no matter how long your stay may be. If you’ve always wanted to see what South America has to offer, make Uruguay your first destination.
Best of Uruguay
Uruguay is a green country in the southeast of South America. Pierced by networks of rivers that feed the lush countryside, the landscape is verdant and vibrant all year long. Major cities like Canelones and Montevideo are centers of commerce and culture, showcasing local crafts, traditional cuisine, and folk music. The nation is one of the most progressive in the Americas, with a civically involved citizenry that welcomes visitors with open arms. From sandy Atlantic beaches to the river basins of the interior, Uruguay vacations are full of beauty.
No matter where you stay during your Uruguay vacation, you’ll be greeted with incredible hospitality. Montevideo, the capital, is a great place to dance to tango or the culturally significant vals criollo genre. Maldonado, another major city, sits right on the coast and has many historical structures with incredible architecture. Colonia, a preserved remnant of colonial days, is a must see, as it’s listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Durazno, in the interior, has plenty of great museums and a free zoo.
Uruguayans are fiercely pride of their cultural heritage. One great way to experience this passion is by attending a sporting match during your stay. Soccer, or more properly, football, is the most important and popular sport in Uruguay, and fans come out to home games in throngs to cheer on their favorite athletes. Basketball and rugby also enjoy big followings and promise a similar thrilling atmosphere.
After you get home from the match, there’s no better way to start your night than with a traditional Uruguayan dinner. European dishes heavily influence the nation’s culinary tradition. Meat is featured in many dishes, with asado, or barbeque, renowned around the world. Popular dishes include chivito, a steak sandwich, milanesia, which is thinly breaded cutlet, and a surprising amount of Italian dishes like pasta and pizza brought over by immigrants. Desserts like dulce de leche and flan are a great way to end the meal.
Montevideo, the nation’s capital, is one of South America’s greatest cities. Old city is full of contrast, with colonial buildings juxtaposed against modern nightclubs. The Plaza Independencia is one of the city’s most popular destinations, with many historic buildings. Parque Batlle is a huge public park, filled with shady trees and war memorials. The city also houses a fort built during the early 1800s, which has been turned into a military museum and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Montevideo has a busy port and a long coastline that is best enjoyed along the Rambla, which stretches along 15 miles of beachfront. Great museums like the Montevideo Cabildo and the Museo Torres Garcia are full of stunning artifacts that will fill afternoons with Uruguay’s art and history.
Uruguay’s natural beauty is stunning. The nation is renowned for its pristine beaches, which attract visitors from around the country and world. Punta del Este is one of the nation’s best-known beachside cities. Gorriti Island, just off the coast, has two beautiful beaches and is great for swimming and other water sports. The city’s two beaches, Brava and Mansa, are so named for their large and small waves. The iconic Hand sculpture of Mario Irarrazabal warning swimmers of the power of the ocean, and it also doubles as a great photo opportunity.
Travel resources
Below you can find usefull travel resources for your visit to the country
Weather Online
Official holidays
When are holidays and no working days in the country ?
Date | English | Spanish |
---|---|---|
January 1 | New Year's Day | Año Nuevo |
January 6 | Children's Day | Día de los Niños (Día de Reyes) |
Variable | Carnival | Carnaval |
Variable | Tourism Week (in place of Christian Holy week) | Semana de Turismo (formerly Semana Santa) |
April 19 | Landing of the 33 Patriots Day | Desembarco de los 33 Orientales |
May 1 | Labour Day | Día de los Trabajadores |
May 18 | Battle of Las Piedras | Batalla de las Piedras |
June 19 | Birthday of José Gervasio Artigas and Never Again Day | Natalicio de Artigas y Día del Nunca Más |
July 18 | Constitution Day | Jura de la Constitución |
August 25 | Declaration of Independence | Declaratoria de la Independencia |
October 12 | Day of the race (Columbus Day) | Día de la Raza |
November 2 | Deceased ones day | Día de los Difuntos |
December 25 | Day of the Family | Día de la Familia |
Which are the largest cities ?
Listing of the most important and largest cities in the country
Rank | City | Pop | Region |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Montevideo | 1319108 | Montevideo |
2 | Salto | 104028 | Salto |
3 | Ciudad de la Costa | 95176 | Canelones |
4 | Paysandú | 76412 | Paysandú |
5 | Las Piedras | 71258 | Canelones |
6 | Rivera | 64465 | Rivera |
7 | Maldonado | 62590 | Maldonado |
8 | Tacuarembó | 54755 | Tacuarembó |
9 | Melo | 51830 | Cerro Largo |
10 | Mercedes | 41974 | Soriano |
11 | Artigas | 40658 | Artigas |
12 | Minas | 38446 | Lavalleja |
13 | San José de Mayo | 36743 | San José |
14 | Durazno | 34368 | Durazno |
15 | Florida | 33639 | Florida |
16 | Barros Blancos | 31650 | Canelones |
17 | Ciudad del Plata | 31145 | San José |
18 | San Carlos | 27471 | Maldonado |
19 | Colonia del Sacramento | 26213 | Colonia |
20 | Pando | 25947 | Canelones |