Uruguay is a small, relaxed country brimming with charm, and I ended up liking it far more than I had anticipated. Even before my trip was over, I was already making plans to return. I traveled there with my husband and my sister, flying from Miami into Montevideo. Thanks to my husband’s T-Mobile plan which covers South America it was hassle-free to grab an Uber from the airport for about $30 USD and head straight into the heart of the city.
We stayed at My Suites in Pocitos, an upscale neighborhood that made it easy to explore on foot. Getting around by Uber within the local area generally cost about $5 USD. While there is plenty to say about Uruguay, here are some key reasons I believe it deserves a spot on any traveler’s destination list:
- Safety: Uruguay is one of the safest places to visit in South America. We felt comfortable walking around both day and night in a group of three, and from what I saw, anyone taking basic precautions should be fine even solo travelers. Uruguay has a strong economy, and many people enjoy a good quality of life. In fact, the World Bank classifies it as a high-income country.
- Cultural Blend: Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian influences are woven into the fabric of Uruguayan culture, alongside a notable African presence. On Saturday afternoons, you can often find drumming ensembles performing in front of the City Hall, though we missed it because we were visiting Punta del Este at the time.
- Beautiful Beaches and Coastline: If you have the chance, make sure to venture out to Punta del Este or other coastal towns beyond Montevideo, as Uruguay’s shoreline is truly stunning. There are countless beaches to choose from, and Punta del Este even offers decent surf though I’m no expert, so perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised. Buses from the Tres Cruces terminal to Punta del Este cost about $18 USD one way, and it’s wise to get tickets at least a day before to guarantee a seat (otherwise, you risk having to stand for two hours).
- Great Food: Asado, pizza, chivito, cafés, and even quality fast-food options await you. I’ll write more about the food soon, including our experience at the restaurant La Otra. We later learned that Anthony Bourdain visited Uruguay just two weeks prior for an episode of Parts Unknown slated for 2018.
- Friendly Locals: Spanish is the primary language, but you can still get by if you don’t speak it. Plenty of people speak some English and will go out of their way to welcome you. One particular woman we met at a market spent about ten minutes passionately sharing her perspective on Uruguay, emphasizing that racism does not exist there. She explained that the population includes people of African descent and that Uruguayans are eager to see more visitors of African heritage. Her pride in the country’s history and culture was evident, and I’m always inclined to speak with locals to get a sense of everyday life.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Life here appears to move at a calm pace, with little visible stress.
- Architecture: Make sure to visit the Old City, known as Ciudad Vieja, to admire the beautiful historic buildings. Also, head to the 22nd floor of the Montevideo City Hall for a free panoramic view of the city.
- Tristan Narvaja Market: Anyone who loves unique finds should spend a Sunday at this sprawling outdoor market Uruguay’s largest. You’ll discover antiques, food, clothing, art, and more. It’s arguably the country’s most famous market and well worth the visit.
Overall, Uruguay’s charm, safety, cultural richness, breathtaking coast, and welcoming people made it a place I’d revisit in a heartbeat. If you’re considering a trip to South America, I highly recommend adding Uruguay to your itinerary.
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