South America
Welcome Kit
Uruguay
One of the smallest countries in South America, but is the home to charming colonial villages, sublime beaches, and traditional estancias, a land of wonders!
To travel through Uruguay gives to visitors the opportunity to live every day experiences “not made for tourists”.
Highlights
In the South America’s smallest Spanish-speaking country, visitors can melt into the background and experience the everyday life of a different culture – whether riding horses under the big sky of Uruguay’s sparsely populated interior or strolling with throngs of “Mate”- drinking locals along Montevideo’s 15 km (9 miles) long beachfront.
The three most popular destinations are the culturally vibrant capital Montevideo, the picturesque 17th century port of Colonia del Sacramento, and the trendy coastal resort Punta del Este, which lures jetsetters from around the globe to its sandy beaches, fine restaurants and party-till-you-drop nightclubs.
Visitors with more time should explore the dunes and lagoons of Uruguay’s long Atlantic coastline, soak in the hot springs near Salto, or spend the night at a tourist estancia amidst the wide-open grandeur of a gaucho country.
General Facts
Due to its extension, 176.215 km² (68.03699187 sq miles), Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America.
Known for its green interior and its coast line with beaches. Limits to with Argentina and Brazil, with both of which it has many cultural and historical similarities; and the Atlantic Ocean.
Map Location
Documentation
A valid Passport.
Most countries in America and
Western Europe do not require a visa.
Insurance information.
Best Time to Go
The Best time to travel to Uruguay for foreigners is in great part determined by weather so you can enjoy your vacation, depending on where you will go and what you would like to do.
Summer time, the Best time for the beach and excursions.
Busy season.
Mid Season (apr-jun)
Ideal for visits without crowds.
Weather will still be warm and temperate, especially around the coastal areas.
Low Season (jul-sep)
The coldest season.
A lot of beaches and beach resorts close down for this period.
Best time to explore the cultural parts.
Clothing
Although Uruguay enjoys a mild climate, and the four seasons are well differentiated, in general it is a relatively humid country, where it will be rare to have an excessively warm summer (December to March).
Winter (June – August) can be quite cold, but not so much as for winter boots. It is advisable to wear sweaters, warm pants and a jacket.
If going on a hike, it is suggested to wear good waterproof hiking shoes, especially if going to the heart of the country, but without forgetting a pair of slippers for the city, and comfortable footwear for the beach.
If you also plan to enjoy the nightlife in Montevideo or Punta del Este, you can then add as well some more elegant footwear to the luggage for the occasion.
Healthcare
Packing
Uruguayan flights allow, as their restrictions are limited to 50 pounds (23 kg) per person.
Currency
Peso Uruguayo.
Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity
Uruguay: 220 V – 50 Hz, you will need a voltage converter.
2 types of plug: A twin flat blade (as used in North America) and twin round pin plugs (as used in continental Europe)
Local Taxes
Foodie
Uruguayan gastronomy is a product of the different immigrants who arrived from the early years until the mid-twentieth century, mainly from Spaniards and Italians, and to a lesser extent from French, English and German, among others. That is why in Uruguay you can find dishes such as fish, seafood, pasta, pizzas, but meat, is the main ingredient of the traditional Uruguayan cuisine.
Among the featured dishes we can mention the following:
Asado or Barbecue
During a visit to Uruguay, during a weekend with friends or family, a must do is going to a barbecue, or “Asado” in Spanish. Made on a grill and with a charcoal fire, the best is to share a special moment.
Chivito
Is another classic dish from Uruguay. It is a meat sandwich that includes ham, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, egg and mayonnaise in its Canadian version. Definitely a delight to try and that can be found in any corner of the country.
Stew
A winter classic. A dish cooked in a large pot that includes a mix of rice, lentils, pieces of meat, potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, among others. There are many condiments that can be added to this dish to make it even more succulent but it cannot be missing on a table during the cold winters.
Corvina or Grilled sole
Are typical fish that can be consumed in Uruguay. In a country surrounded by the sea, a dish based on that ingredient could not be missing.
Martin Fierro
In relation to desserts, we cannot forget the traditional “Martín Fierro”. Simple but delicious at the same time, it includes a layer of cheese on a piece of quince jam. This dessert is ideal for a snack or to finish a special lunch.
Uruguayan wines
Uruguayan wines are ideal to accompany the exquisite Uruguayan meats. Among the varieties with an outstanding international position, those made from the Tannat grape are the country’s signature and it is defined as intense, powerful, serious and austere. This grape is a variety native to the southwest of France, and it was introduced in the mid-19th century, and its cultivation was so successful that Uruguay has now become the world’s largest producer of this variety.
Empanadas
This fine stuffed dough, typically salted and baked or fried, is mostly popular in Uruguay in its meat version. Although you can also easily find them with ham and cheese, cheese and onion, chard and ricotta, and other varieties.
Fried cakes
This preparation of deep-fried salty dough, traditional in the gastronomy of the Río de la Plata and similar to other snacks from other Latin American countries, is prepared in a rounded, flattened form and with a cut in its central part. It is prepared mainly on rainy days and is a perfect accompaniment for the afternoon “mates”, on every day of the year.
Dulce de Leche
This caramelized variant of milk finds in Uruguay one of its best elaborations. The bet here is to try in preparations such as custards and pancakes – desserts that are widespread in the country and have taken their own character.
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Activities
Drink a Mate
Mate is the inseparable companion of Uruguayans and a warm welcoming gesture for those just arriving.
Mate is a drink made by infusing “yerba mate” (dehydrated and shredded leaves of the Illex Paraguyensis shrub) and is one of the more emblematic and common traditions of Uruguayan society. The yerba based tea infusion is a stimulant.
The custom of using a thermos instead of a kettle to prepare the infusion was a Uruguayan initiative allowing the ritual to move beyond the confines of home. This way, as it is today, mate could be enjoyed in almost any public space and this has now become very illustrative of the quotidian Uruguayan lifestyle.
Surely, anybody who has ever seen Uruguayans outside of the country will have noticed that they were not without their thermos and mate, inseparable companions no matter the time of year.
Visit a “Tablado” during Carnival
Uruguayan Carnival festivities are the longest of their kind in the world. They start at the beginning of January and run all the way to mid-March. Over the course of over 50 days, lively and colorful parties fill the streets with joy in every neighborhood.
The Uruguayan Carnival gathers in its different manifestations the expressions of the different migratory torrents that populated our country. Thus, the European and African traditions gave form to this own and unique expression, that represents an authentic cultural heritage. It is totally different to the Brazilian version, as it is family-oriented, has much fewer tourists, a touch of politics and a lot of humour.
A Tablado is an open-air stage that are installed in different neighborhoods of the city and compete in the Summer Theater where their shows are perform night after night the different carnival groups that are divided into 5 different categories: “Murgas”, “Comparsas de Negros y Lubolos”, “Parodistas”, “Humoristas” and “Revistas”.
Learn about the Tango, the Candombe and the Murga
In general terms, it could be said that Creole traditions, indigenous ancestors, Afro-Uruguayan heritage and the importation of European immigrant customs make Uruguayan cultural expressions a heritage as rich as it is diverse.Tango is recognized as one of the greatest cultural contributions of the Silver Region to the world. At the same time, it includes dance, music, song and poetry. In September 2009 it was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, by Unesco.
Candombe, is part of this great party and is one of the most popular expressions of Uruguayans. Its roots date back to the arrival of African slaves during the colonial era in Montevideo. In 2009, along with tango, it was also recognized as Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.
The murga is one of the greatest expressions of Uruguayan culture because of its popular adherence. They are performed by a choir of about 13 to 17 people, who sing songs and perform musical pictures. The main theme revolves around the outgoing events of the year, with political and social criticism. The choir is accompanied by a “drummer battery”, composed of bass drum, cymbals and drummer, which plays the rhythm known as “truck march”. The murgas are one of the main attractions of the Uruguayan carnival.
Visit at least one of the beaches
The Uruguayan coast has a diverse geography of beaches that satisfy all types of visitors, so it is difficult to choose which ones are the best. Some bathed by the temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean and others by the Río de la Plata, offer entertainment for people of all ages.
The most recognized beaches are: Atlántida, Minas, Maldonado, Piriápolis, Punta del Este, La Barra, José Ignacio, La Paloma, La Pedrera, Cabo Polonio, Valizas, Aguas Dulces, Punta del Diablo and Chuy.
In the almost 600 kilometers of beautiful beaches, each one has its own style; you can find some of soft waves ideal for families and others with rougher waves, especially desired by surf lovers. What is certain, the most advisable thing is to travel in a rental car to visit also the main cities that are close to these beautiful resorts.
Try the Tannat Wine and a Typical “Asado”
Being a nation of immigrants that arrived mostly from Europe and a country moved by passions and feelings, Uruguay is not indifferent to the love for food and wines.
Red meats and the typical “asados” are a “must” in the country as well as the opportunity to taste the famous “mate” which is much more than a drink or tea; it ́s almost a ceremony that enhances friendship and the attitude to share.
The country’s wine heritage goes back to the fi rst Spanish and Italian immigrants who brought the grapevine some 250 years ago.
In 1874, a French Basque immigrant named Harriague imported grapevine cuttings of the obscure French variety called Tannat (“Tah-naht.”). This red grape, usually grown only in Madiran, a small wine region in Southwestern France, produces dark, dense red wines of extremely tannic nature (the name “Tannat” is said to stem directly from “tannin”), so harsh and unyielding that they often require years of aging to become drinkable.
Tannat proved an excellent match for the soil and climate in Uruguay, and it has become the country’s leading variety, as closely associated with the place as “Malbec” has become the trademark variety for Argentina.