Thursday, February 23, 2023

Uruguay

Uruguay Flag



Why visit Uruguay?
For travelers seeking to enjoy antique automobiles, architecture, beaches, bicycling, birdwatching, cafes, casinos, culture, ecosystem, fashion shows, fishing, golf, horseback riding, lagoons, museums, national parks, old world charm, small towns, surfing, tennis clubs, water sports, wineries, and yachting.



Casapueblo, Punta Ballena, Uruguay. Photo Credit: Ernesto Velázquez/Pixabay 



At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Artisanal ornaments, caramel, gaucho hat, leather goods, semi-precious stones, and wool sweaters.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Alfajor (snack). Chajá (dessert). Chivito (beef sandwich). Dulce de leche (caramel). Fainá (chickpea flatbread). Martin Fierro (dessert). Milanesa (fried breaded beef). Pastafrola (dessert). Tortas Fritas (fried cakes). Queso Colonia (cheese).
  • Local Drink to Try: Mate (hot herbal).


Photo Credit: Ernesto Velázquez/Pixabay 



Fun Facts
  • Portuguese were the first Europeans to enter (1512).
  • First railway line (1867) was a horse drawn train.
  • Estadio Centenario (Montevideo) hosted the FIFA World Cup (1930).
  • South America's smallest country.
  • Part of Southern Cone Region of South America.
  • Cerro Catedral is the highest peak (1,686 ft).
  • Only South American country situated entirely south of the Tropic of Capricorn.
  • Has 10 national parks.
  • One of the world's largest producers of beeswax, horse meat, quinces, soybeans, and wool.
  • Beef is their main export commodity.


La Mano, Punta del Este, Uruguay. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 



Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) White Night, (February) Carnival, Jazz to the Streets, Las Llamadas Festival, (October) Milk Festival, (March) Gigantic Paella Celebration, and (April) Beer Week.
  • Holidays: New Year's Day, Children's Day, Carnival, Landing of the 33 Patriots Day, International Workers' Day, Battle of Las Piedras, Birthday of José Gervasio Artigas, Constitution Day, Independence Day, and Columbus Day.


Lionel Viera Bridge (aka: Puente de la Barra & Maldonado Bridge). Photo Credit: Ernesto Velázquez/Pixabay 



Good to Know
  • Makes for a great side trip to/from Buenos Aires (Argentina).
  • Pack your own insect repellent due to local inventory.
  • Airport tax "boarding fee" for departure is imposed.
  • Montevideo area offers several winery options.
  • Hot Springs are popular in Artiga, Payandu, and Salto.
  • Dinner service tends to be around 9PM or later.
  • Rainy Season is July - August.
  • Cannabis and prostitution are legal.
  • Majority of tourists are from Brazil, Chile, Europe, Paraguay, and North America.
  • Crime is an issue.
  • Avoid 40 Semanas, Bella Italia, Borro, Casavalle, Casabó, Cerro, Cerro Norte, Hipódromo, La Teja, Marconi, Malvín Norte, Tres Ombúes, and/or Villa Española area.
  • Police Officers tend not to speak English.
  • Avoid public demonstrations.
  • Tourism is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
  • Punta del Este is a popular seaside city known for beaches, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
  • Seat belts are mandatory.
  • Headlights must be on at all times, both day and night.
  • Children under 12 years must ride in the back seat.
  • Motorcyclists must wear helmets and reflective vests.
  • Right turns at red lights are not permitted.
  • Bus Service connects to/from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay. 
  • Ferry and Hydrofoil Service connects Colonia and Montevideo with Buenos Aires, also the best method to/from Argentina.


This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Subject to cyclones, high temperatures, humidity, and tornadoes.

  • Best Time to Visit: March & April
  • Coldest Months: June - September
  • Hottest Months: December - March
  • Peak Season: December - February


Colonia, Uruguay. Photo Credit: Analía Yugdar/Pixabay 



Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Church of Atlántida, Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape, and Historic Quarter of the City of Colonia del Sacramento


Montevideo, Uruguay. Photo Credit: Guillermo Aromando/Pixabay



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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.   

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