We’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to do in Uruguay below…
1. Take a walking tour around Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo
The old city of Montevideo unites the city’s past and present, with ancient city walls and historical buildings alongside pubs, design studios, bookstores, and antique shops. The best way to see Ciudad Vieja is by foot—you can either wander about, just you and your map, or take an organized guided tour. Sites not to be missed include Plaza Independencia and Puerta de la Ciudadela; Solis Theatre; Sarandi Pedestrian Street and Matriz Square (every Saturday, street artists, craftsmen, and antiquarians gather here to entertain and sell antiques and crafts); Zabala Square; and El Mercado del Puerto.
2. Take a trip to Cabo Polonio
Cabo Polonio is a remote and small, but beautifully picturesque fishing village about 150 miles east of Montevideo. A sea lion colony is found alongside the old lighthouse that dominates the otherwise low-rise skyline. The primary activities here are relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere. Cabo Polonio’s official tourism website is: www.portaldelcabo.com.uy.
3. Get caught up in the Carnaval in Montevideo
The Carnaval in Montevideo is the longest-running carnaval in the world and includes lots of food stands, street performers, and comedy shows. The two main events are the Llamada de las Comparsas, a parade of Afrodescendents (comparsa) dressed up in costume, and dancing to music that combines the tango with African beats; and the Murgas, a group of satirists who use a musical-type show as a medium to poke fun at current social and political events…all in good fun.
4. Take a plunge at the hot springs in Salto
After a long day of site seeing, wandering around the markets, or even hardcore hiking, the best way to relax and recover your well-being is to take a dip in one of Uruguay’s therapeutic thermal springs. In the department of Salto in the northwest region you’ll find an extensive choice of hot springs with high curative properties at a variety of prices. The tourist office in the centre of Salto City (a block west of the main square on Calle Uruguay) will recommend one in your price range.
5. Take a stroll in Colonia del Sacramento
The oldest town in Uruguay, Colonia del Sacramento lies on the banks of Río de la Plata, just across the water from Buenos Aires. It is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Latin America, and its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its narrow cobblestones streets, eye-catching architecture, and well-kept parks make for a pleasant day of strolling and relaxing.
6. Take a tannat wine tour
The tannat grape was introduced to Uruguay in 1870 and is now the most prominent grape in Uruguay, representing a third of the countries wine produce. A great way to discover all the wonders of a Uruguayan vineyard, and the winemaking process, is to take a tour to one of the many tannat wineries.
(www.juanico.com).
7. Take an ecotour
With miles and miles of unspoiled coastline, diverse rainforests, and vast stretches of rolling grasslands, ecotourism is taken very seriously in Uruguay. You can stay at a lodge and experience the gaucho way of life, go hiking, bird watching, or fresh water or coastal fishing. www.uruguay-ecotours.com run an action-packed 11-day eco-tour departing from Montevideo. You can find the itinerary on their website.
8. Play nine holes at one of Uruguay’s first class golf courses
Uruguay’s year-round temperate climate makes it a popular golfing destination. There are lots of first-class courses and many don’t require you to become a member to play. Non-members can play at Punta Carretas Golf Course in Montevideo for free on Mondays.
9. Take a lesson in kite surfing
With so many beautiful beaches, it’s no surprise that kite surfing is a growing sport in Uruguay. (In kite surfing, the power of the wind in a kite is harnessed to pull a surfer across the surface of the sea.) If this sounds like fun, or you are feeling adventurous, Seawind (website: www.kitesurf.com.uy; e-mail:kite@kitesurf.com.uy) offers courses by qualified professional trainers. All equipment and safety gear is provided.
10. Tango the night away
Don’t leave Uruguay without visiting one of its tango bars. Tango clubs abound in Uruguay, and in particular in Montevideo, where singing and dancing can go on into the early hours.
1. Take a walking tour around Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo
The old city of Montevideo unites the city’s past and present, with ancient city walls and historical buildings alongside pubs, design studios, bookstores, and antique shops. The best way to see Ciudad Vieja is by foot—you can either wander about, just you and your map, or take an organized guided tour. Sites not to be missed include Plaza Independencia and Puerta de la Ciudadela; Solis Theatre; Sarandi Pedestrian Street and Matriz Square (every Saturday, street artists, craftsmen, and antiquarians gather here to entertain and sell antiques and crafts); Zabala Square; and El Mercado del Puerto.
2. Take a trip to Cabo Polonio
Cabo Polonio is a remote and small, but beautifully picturesque fishing village about 150 miles east of Montevideo. A sea lion colony is found alongside the old lighthouse that dominates the otherwise low-rise skyline. The primary activities here are relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere. Cabo Polonio’s official tourism website is: www.portaldelcabo.com.uy.
3. Get caught up in the Carnaval in Montevideo
The Carnaval in Montevideo is the longest-running carnaval in the world and includes lots of food stands, street performers, and comedy shows. The two main events are the Llamada de las Comparsas, a parade of Afrodescendents (comparsa) dressed up in costume, and dancing to music that combines the tango with African beats; and the Murgas, a group of satirists who use a musical-type show as a medium to poke fun at current social and political events…all in good fun.
4. Take a plunge at the hot springs in Salto
After a long day of site seeing, wandering around the markets, or even hardcore hiking, the best way to relax and recover your well-being is to take a dip in one of Uruguay’s therapeutic thermal springs. In the department of Salto in the northwest region you’ll find an extensive choice of hot springs with high curative properties at a variety of prices. The tourist office in the centre of Salto City (a block west of the main square on Calle Uruguay) will recommend one in your price range.
5. Take a stroll in Colonia del Sacramento
The oldest town in Uruguay, Colonia del Sacramento lies on the banks of Río de la Plata, just across the water from Buenos Aires. It is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Latin America, and its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its narrow cobblestones streets, eye-catching architecture, and well-kept parks make for a pleasant day of strolling and relaxing.
6. Take a tannat wine tour
The tannat grape was introduced to Uruguay in 1870 and is now the most prominent grape in Uruguay, representing a third of the countries wine produce. A great way to discover all the wonders of a Uruguayan vineyard, and the winemaking process, is to take a tour to one of the many tannat wineries.
(www.juanico.com).
7. Take an ecotour
With miles and miles of unspoiled coastline, diverse rainforests, and vast stretches of rolling grasslands, ecotourism is taken very seriously in Uruguay. You can stay at a lodge and experience the gaucho way of life, go hiking, bird watching, or fresh water or coastal fishing. www.uruguay-ecotours.com run an action-packed 11-day eco-tour departing from Montevideo. You can find the itinerary on their website.
8. Play nine holes at one of Uruguay’s first class golf courses
Uruguay’s year-round temperate climate makes it a popular golfing destination. There are lots of first-class courses and many don’t require you to become a member to play. Non-members can play at Punta Carretas Golf Course in Montevideo for free on Mondays.
9. Take a lesson in kite surfing
With so many beautiful beaches, it’s no surprise that kite surfing is a growing sport in Uruguay. (In kite surfing, the power of the wind in a kite is harnessed to pull a surfer across the surface of the sea.) If this sounds like fun, or you are feeling adventurous, Seawind (website: www.kitesurf.com.uy; e-mail:kite@kitesurf.com.uy) offers courses by qualified professional trainers. All equipment and safety gear is provided.
10. Tango the night away
Don’t leave Uruguay without visiting one of its tango bars. Tango clubs abound in Uruguay, and in particular in Montevideo, where singing and dancing can go on into the early hours.
1 comment:
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