Flying Dutchman Pat

The tiny country Uruguay is almost squeezed in by his 2 big brothers Argentina and Brasil. Uruguay is not marked high on the tourist radar, but it still has a lot to offer and I really enjoyed my time here! You will find in Uruguay one of the best steaks you will ever eat, horseback rides through the countryside, lovely beaches (Punta Este) and suburb wines!

Facts

• Capital: Montevideo
• Language: Spanish
• Currency: Uruguayan Peso (1 €  ≅ 32 UYU)
• Population: 3.5 million
• Size: 176.215 km² (4 times Holland)
• Daylight saving time: No
• Visas: Not required for most nationalities
• Best time to visit: Dec – Feb (summer of southern hemisphere)
• Visited: 2011 (part of South America trip)

Colonia del Sacramento

I took the ferry from Buenos Aires, Argentina, crossing the Rio de Plata to the historical town of Colonia del Sacramento. The journey takes 3 hours and there is an hour time difference between Argentina and Uruguay. The old part of Colonia is gorgeous; every corner reveals lovely views on the colorful decorated houses. You will see plenty of old-timers throughout the town. Sometimes it felt like I went back into time.

Beautiful colorful houses in Colonia del Sacramento.

Left: Lighthouse – Right: Beautiful covered street with trees

Anybody need a ride?

Colonia del Sacramento feels like going back in time.

Montevideo

There are plenty of buses going from Colonia to the capital of Uruguay; Montevideo. While looking out of the window you will see a glimpse of the beautiful countryside. There are plenty of farms / ranches in this area. Meat is the biggest export product of Uruguay and they have absolutely one of the best meat products I have every tasted; the steaks and sausages are heavenly good!

The population of Montevideo is roughly 1.3 million. The lively Plaza Independencia marks the centre of the capital and there’s always something happening here. The old part of Montevideo is called Ciudad Vieja and consist of narrow streets, squares and old houses decorated with graffiti. One of the best places to go for lunch is the Mercado del Puerto. This market hall, established in 1868, is a collection of numerous ‘parilladas’ (steak and grill restaurants) where they serve the best steaks, chicken legs and chorizo sausages! The Uruguayans are crazy about their meat and this place gets really crowded during lunch time. It’s a great place to hang out! When you are in Uruguay or South America in general, you should definitely try out their mate. This is their local tea, a bit strong, but superb in taste. The locals bring their cup of mate with them everywhere they go, It’s like bringing your keys with you when you leave the house.

Left: Plaza Independencia – Right: Montevideo equals meat lovers heaven!

Local fruit store.

Football is very popular in South America; it’s really part of their culture. Visiting a football match is therefor a must when you’re traveling through South America! When I was in Montevideo the qualifications for the South America league for 2014 were ongoing. We went with a group from the hostel to see the match Uruguay vs Bolivia. It was raining the entire day, but just when the match was about the start the rain stopped magically! Actually this was the first time in my life I visited a football stadium! Yeah, not a big football fan. The atmosphere in the stadium is very pleasant and joyful; the Uruguayans and Bolivians are living the match intensively! Uruguay wins the match with 4 to 1.

Left: Lovely church – Right: Street art

Let the game begin!

The tango capital of the world is for many Buenos Aires. The Uruguayans believe that the tango was founded on both sides of the Rio de Plata and the dance has therefor both an Argentinean as an Uruguayan flavor. I take a few tango lessons, but realize pretty quick that my body is not made for this kind of dance steps. I stick to watching the professionals performing this incredible dance. Tango performances are everywhere; on the streets, in bars and even on the ferry between Uruguay and Argentina.

Punta del Este

Roughly 145 kilometers east of Montevideo lies the popular holiday destination of both Uruguayans as Argentinians; Punta del Este. Unfortunately I had only rain at the time I visited, but I can imagine how it looked like if the sun would be out! For next time!.

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