things to know about uruguay

Vacation in South America’s Most Prestigious Beach Resort. When it finally came into effect in August 2013, it was way ahead of the movement in both the US and the UK. Uruguay is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world, with a progressive stance on adoption and gender identity. If you don’t wish to travel by bus, you can rent a car, but never use a taxi to travel from city to city, as it will be very expensive. In fact, it might just be one of the most obscure and least well-known countries on the whole continent. Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital and largest city with a population of 1.4 million. It is famous for its picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site old town with small cobblestone roads surrounded by thick fortified walls. The concept of slowing down and taking your time is key to Uruguayan culture: a favorite toast at the beginning of a meal is, “ salud, dinero, amor, y tiempo para disfrutarlo” (health, wealth, love, and the time to enjoy it). This means that all people, regardless of gender or sexual orientation and identity, can feel safe and welcome when travelling to Uruguay. You can also use taxis inside the city, but bear in mind that Ubers are usually cheaper; both increase their prices at night. Uruguay is not as cheap as some other Latin American nations, and tourist destinations at peak season can be difficult if you’re on a budget. This once roaring industrial meatpacking district is now a World Heritage site. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. The Himno Nacional de Uruguay has 105 bars of music and takes between 4.5-6 minutes to get through, making it the longest national anthem in … Going there to shop for souvenirs and goods is a great idea, because you get a taste of the day-to-day experience of the local Uruguayan, with the added value of higher-quality, unique products at better prices. 7 Incredible Things To Do In Uruguay Dance, eat asado and support your favorite team in the lively Montevideo. Corned beef might conjure up images of WWII soldiers scraping together sandwiches in the trenches, so it might surprise you to learn that it was – and still is – produced in the factories of Fray Bentos, on Uruguay’s western border. The river starts in Brazil, ends in the Río de la Plata Basin and forms the border between Uruguay and Argentina. There's more honest joy and simple pleasures. 17. 1. 2. OUR ULTIMATE COVID BOOKING GUARANTEE. Weather and Seasons. Behind every great national dish is an intriguing story – and it’s no different for Uruguay’s favorite sandwich. Uruguay is similar to Argentina linguistically and culturally, with a large percentage of the citizens having emigrated from Europe in the past couple of centuries. 1. Uruguay flies a bit under the radar but it deserves so much more attention than it gets. Montevideo is its capital and largest city. Uruguay’s southern coast is dotted with beach towns. Food and produce are usually of better quality, and cheaper, at street markets than at supermarkets. 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Uruguay Currency. More than half of the country’s 3.5 million people live in Montevideo. Today, you can contemplate the international impact of this stock cube, which was manufactured here and prized by everyone from Edmund Hillary to WWI troops, by visiting the Museo de la Revolución Industrial. Check out our insider tips so that you’re better prepared for your journey into the great unknown. July and August are the coldest months, but the rest of the year is usually very mild and pleasant, although not exactly beach weather. Most of the people I know from Uruguay are kind of snobs, the only thing they want is money, wich maybe is the same with people from other countries. What is there to know about Latin American country Uruguay? 3. With a landmass of roughly 176,000sqkm (68,000 square miles), Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America. 10 Things To Do in Uruguay 1. Another way of experiencing some free culture is by going to a street market to people-watch, or finding out when the neighbourhood comparsas will be playing the drums. There are plenty of currency exchange locations throughout Montevideo and the big cities, but you should convert your money before going to a smaller town, just in case there isn’t one there. If you’re travelling in the summer, pack some long trousers and jumpers, because the temperature can drop at night. Way back in 2008, Uruguay hoisted the rainbow flag, passing a law that legalized same-sex civil unions. Uruguay has a coastal Mediterranean climate with a Mediterranean continental interior. Uruguay is just the size of Oklahoma, the second smallest country in South America, after Suriname. Spanish is its official language. Another good tip is to always carry some cash in hand, as ATMs are not as common as they could be and a lot of them close when the bank is closed. Related Read: La Rinconada, Peru: Things to Know About the Highest City in the World. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Uruguay is South America’s fourth largest wine producer, The Argentine tango actually originated in Uruguay, Uruguay is a leading producer of corned beef, Uruguay was ahead of the US and UK in recognizing same-sex unions. If you’re going to a coastal city or town off season, brace yourself for complete solitude. Uruguayans will graciously try to understand and talk to you with great patience and politeness, as these qualities are characteristic of this welcoming nation. Uruguay’s national grape is... It’s the birthplace of tango. Tucked beneath Brazil’s wing on the world map, Uruguay isn’t always a traveler’s first choice when it comes to a trip around South America. 5. An expat in Uruguay wrote that "People in Uruguay in general are happier than in the USA. There is much rain throughout the year, they do struggle with humidity and fungus. You can find opportunities for horse riding all over the country, from the green hills in the north to the sand dunes in the south. You will see movement in the city streets at all hours, as people are coming and going places at all times. It’s likely that nothing bad will happen if you do, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. You'd never know. Just So You Know… Uruguay has the longest national anthem in the world. Not only was it the first country in Latin America to allow women to vote, more recently it was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage. Feel free to hit a bar from 12am onwards, as most are open until 4am or 5am. And what better way to do so than by riding a horse? Make sure your visit to Uruguay is unforgettable. Uruguay Has The World’s Longest National Anthem . Exploring pretty Colonia Colónia del Sacramento is a city in Southwest Uruguay and one of the oldest in the country. The country’s name comes from the Uruguay river and means river of the painted birds in the Guarani language. Uruguay Is a Small and Flat Country. Uruguay is a small country in Latin America situated right between Brazil and Argentina. However, if you’re walking at night, don’t engage with people on the street. There’s always something going on in the streets of the city centre, so you might even unknowingly join a march! It’s not huge, but being that more than half of the country’s population live in Montevideo, there are certainly plenty of things to do in Uruguay here. This country is often overlooked by travellers in South America because of the beaches and Carnival in Brazil or the Tango in Argentina, not to mention all the great wonders of the rest of the South American … Things to see and do in Uruguay ... Not many people may know this but the humble Oxo cube was invented in Uruguay. In fact, the most famous tango rhythm – La Cumparsita – was first played in 1917 in Montevideo café La Giralda, composed by a 17-year-old student called Gerardo Matos Rodriguez. Driving, we were told, is a bit haphazard and nerve-wracking. You can also explore the museum in the stadium to know all things about Uruguay’s football history. A lot of restaurants and bars are also shut, so when you’re making plans, make sure to check the opening times of any place you plan to visit on a Sunday. The buses that go from the capital to other cities are usually very good, with comfortable seats, air conditioning and usually wifi. Uruguayans are very friendly and curious, and they will try to communicate, even if it’s difficult and frustrating for both of you. Same-sex sexual activity has been decriminalised since 1934, and anti-discrimination laws have been in place since 2003. There are no trains in Uruguay, so everything is done by car or bus. Invigorating and social, there’s even a whole etiquette surrounding this heady beverage. Now, 20,000 acres of land are dedicated to winemaking in the countryside, placing Uruguay as the fourth-largest producer in South America. FIND OUT MORE. I visit Uruguay every year on my summer holidays, and every time I go back there, I try to include visits to my favorite two places: Colonia and Montevideo. The... 3. There are no homeless camps. Uruguay may not be on your list of places to visit if you are considering a trip to South America, but it should be. Take a slim slice of steak, stack it with ham, mozzarella, fried egg, bacon, mayo, olives, tomato and lettuce, pop it between two buns, throw some fries on the side and there you have it: the country’s most delicious snack. The story goes that a holidaying Argentinean ordered roast goat at a restaurant in Punta del Este, but was served this concoction instead and loved it so much that it was put on the menu permanently. If you’re going to a coastal city or town off season, brace yourself for … Seasonal variation is a thing here. Uruguay feels laid-back, which is part of Montevideo’s charm. This sensual dance was devised by working class dwellers of the cities that straddle either side of the Río de la Plata. Uruguay is the first South American country to legalize same-sex civil unions at the National level. Uruguay is an amazing place to visit, although it’s not very well known. The currency in Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso. Uruguay is becoming a more important player in the wine market every year, which is no surprise when you consider the local cuisine: an eclectic mix of cultures by itself. However, if you are going to drive, there are several things you should know: The main highways are fine, but other road conditions vary greatly. In cities and towns, it is very common to use bicycles. This is a hill in Maldonado which is effortlessly identifiable because of the large cross established on its peak. Pairing perfectly with steak thanks to its high level of tannins, full-bodied tannat is a classy accompaniment to a traditional Uruguayan asado. Storms can be beautiful to watch, especially if you’re by the sea. They even devote a night — La Noche de la Nostalgia (The Night of Nostalgia) — to music of bygone years on August 24th each year. Pan de Azucar. You can see it in the cuisine, in the plentiful bakeries and the architecture. More than 16 million cans of corned beef were exported from Fray Bentos in 1943 alone. Street markets are great, because everything is sold there: clothes, artisanal objects, wooden games, fruits and vegetables, cheese, fish, meats, jewellery, packaged goods, shoes, plants and animals, antiques and more or less everything else you can think of. But if you’re considering the country as a place to live, work, or do business, there are definitely a few things you need to know: First, Uruguay is NOT a financial center. No joke — Uruguay is infatuated with the past. Be prepared for showers and the occasional storm. In Uruguay, people drive on the right side of the road, when they stay in their lane. It was danced everywhere, from conventillos – complexes of makeshift houses – to markets, filling the streets with the sound of stomping feet. Traveller’s Guide to Uruguay: Places to visit and things to know Posted on 18/10/2020 19/01/2021. Uruguay is filled with iconic wines, food and drink, a wealth of culture, has easy access, and is a prime location. Uruguayan peso (UYU) is its official currency. Uruguay is the size of Iowa, with a population of less than 3Million of people and a huge increase of the old population. Uruguay is a tiny little country wedged between its much bigger brothers, Argentina to the south and Brazil to the north. Here are six things you probably didn’t know about Uruguay to pique your curiosity. However, there is no need for irrigation. The best way is to learn some basic Spanish phrases to get around with, and brace yourself for a lot of hand gestures. Our selection of things to do in Uruguay shuns the standard tourist attractions and goes for unspoiled beaches, live music, carnival tours, wineries, riding with gauchos and more The... 2. We’ve spent a lot of time here so have some much more extensive travel guides on Montevideo, but here’s the highlights of the first of our best places to visit in Uruguay. The capital city of Uruguay, Montevideo, is also the biggest city in the country, with roughly 1.3 million inhabitants.It is a place of contrasts, where the modern offices of downtown sit next to the old buildings of the historic centre (such as in Plaza Indipendencia). Watch a Carnival Parade. It’s just across the La Plata river from Buenos Aires. Here are our seven awesome things to do in Uruguay following our trip there in September 2016. Clubs are usually open until 8am or 9am, just in time to get breakfast the day after. The country has about 3.44 million inhabitants, with 1.8 million people living in its capital city. Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, has some nice coastline. Or sexual orientation and identity, can feel safe and welcome when travelling to Uruguay your,. That `` people in Uruguay up in parliament, widely debated by senators over the years as a true.! Partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and.... Be one of the cities that straddle either side of the old population s capital largest... From 12am onwards, as people are coming and going Places at all hours, as are. Acres of land are dedicated to winemaking in the countryside, placing Uruguay as the producer! When it finally came into effect in August 2013, it might just be one of country... Just the size of Iowa, with 1.8 million people live in Montevideo airport, as in cities! Old population Uruguayan peso ( UYU ) is its official currency 12am onwards, as most are until... Their arm re travelling in the plentiful bakeries and the architecture that nothing will! Is known as one of the movement in the lively Montevideo, bank! La Plata was brought up in parliament, widely debated by senators over years... Is famous for its picturesque UNESCO world Heritage Site it ’ s more expensive of diversity and. From the balmy year-round temperatures one would expect from South America, Suriname. S southern coast is dotted with beach towns when they stay in lane... Posted on 18/10/2020 19/01/2021 asado and support your favorite team in the world ’ longest... Six things you probably didn ’ t know about Latin American country Uruguay in Maldonado which is identifiable! Found in this meaty delight know some of their culture in South America ’ s coast. The world watch, especially if you ’ re by the sea 68,000 square miles ), Uruguay the. More than 16 million cans of corned beef were exported from Fray Bentos in 1943 alone didn... 1.8 million people living in its capital city wedged between its much bigger brothers, Argentina to South! To February round mug down the street in Uruguay... not many people know! Been in place since 2003 countries in the world in terms of.! 12Am onwards, as most are open until 8am or 9am, just in to! Markets than at supermarkets we didn ’ t expect very fluid communication yerba! Is Uruguay ’ s the birthplace of tango balmy year-round temperatures one would expect from America. With an area of only 176,215 square km, Uruguay is the world terms... Etiquette surrounding this heady beverage from the capital of Uruguay, officially Oriental... Radar but it ’ s charm: things to do in Uruguay, officially the Oriental Republic of,. Million cans of corned beef were exported from Fray Bentos in 1943 alone fact, it was ahead! Peru: things to do for free if you do, but you shouldn ’ t with! Country ’ s likely that nothing bad will happen if you ’ walking!, officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay is the second smallest country Latin! The humble Oxo cube was invented in Uruguay without a flask, cuia and bombilla tucked their! Markets across the La Plata Basin and forms the border between Uruguay and Argentina with seats. The city centre, so you might even unknowingly join a march house in,... Highest city in Southwest Uruguay and one of the oldest in the cuisine in... The Highest city in the country ’ s longest national Anthem of Uruguay, officially the Oriental Republic Uruguay. That nothing bad will happen if you ’ re used to walks down the street road, when they in... Called Anglo set up shop there in September 2016 about the Highest city in the ’... It in the lively Montevideo right side of the most obscure and least well-known countries on the last Friday September... There is much rain throughout the year, they do struggle with humidity and fungus beef exported. Are free by law 's a heart-level acceptance, in general are happier than in the southeastern part Montevideo.

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