Uruguay is a country in South America that is well known for being a relaxing getaway for people in Brazil and Argentina since they both border this beautiful country.
Uruguay has a large coastline which attracts many people, but the capital, Montevideo, has a lot going on culturally and historically.
The president of Uruguay is also famous because he donates much of his salary to the those in need, drives an old car and lives very modestly. This a great example of the Uruguayan spirit, so if you’re in the mood for a humble fun, visit Uruguay!
What to Do
La Rambla is a long path, 10 miles long in fact, that takes you from one end of the city to the other. But, this Rambla is much different than others because it’s parallel to the water! That means you can walk all day and never have to take your eyes off the ocean, which is pretty spectacular.
Since there is so much coastline, take advantage of it and go for some beach days! If you want to stay within the capital city’s limits, look at beaches like Playa de los Pocitos, which is very close to the city center. Playa Ramírez is another great beach to look at, and it is wheelchair accessible which is very important. Lastly, Playa Malvín is a beach you have to visit because of the calm and clear waters, some of the clearest in the whole country.
The Old Town portion of Montevideo is an absolute must-see in the city, and Plaza Independencia is a good starting point. This is the central square of the city which separates the downtown area from the Old Town. Surrounding the Old Town until the early 19th century was a large wall that was built to protect it from invasions. Portions of the wall are still there now which is such an interesting fact of the city. Within the Old Town also is the Teatro Solis, which is the second biggest theater in all of South America and the most important gathering space in Uruguay. It opened in the mid-19th century and hosts many events.
Where to Eat
Mercado del Puerto is an old market where different produce and fish used to be sold. Now, it has been renovated into an open-air artisan restaurant market. An authentic cooking method called parrilla can be found in most places, which is a grill that makes sausages, meat, and seafood.
The Yerba Mate craze has swept through most of the US, but what people don’t know is that it was created in Uruguay! Chances are you will find it just about anywhere you go, but make sure to try it at least once before you leave.
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If you want a more upscale but still traditional Uruguayan meal, visit the La Pulperia, a well-known restaurant cooking locally grown food in the traditional Uruguayan style parrilla. This place also has a unique wine list that will make you grateful you are able to experience it all.
