If there are still some areas of the world where travel without tourism is allowed, it is this small piece of land coiled between these two gigantic neighbors. Uruguay remains authentic. Montevideo has the air of a big European city, a feeling that quickly fades as soon as comparsas, milongas and tangos resound along the ramblas that follow the course of the Rio de la Plata or in the residential and shady alleys of the capital. Beyond its capital, the Uruguayan tourist guide takes us to the coast, from the coppery beaches surrounded by pine trees to the poetic charm of Rocha. The old center of Colonia, a UNESCO world heritage site west of the capital, is worth a visit, as is the interior of the country, populated by gauchos who, while sipping a mate, keep an alert eye on their cattle. Land of culture, in Uruguay we like to debate, especially about soccer, we like to read, dance and sing. Uruguay is also a tolerant destination in the heart of a rather conservative continent. Gay marriage, abortion and cannabis are indeed legalized. Yes, Uruguay is unique, warm and open-minded, with an old-fashioned charm and a pleasant way of life.

¡ Bienvenidos a Uruguay!

What to see, what to do Uruguay?

When to go Uruguay ?

When to go to Uruguay? Despite the small size of the country, the seasonality depends on the region. It is also important to know that many Argentines, especially porteños (inhabitants of Buenos Aires), and Brazilians come to spend their long vacations (January-February) in Uruguay. Reading grid to identify the best time to go to Uruguay.

Atlantic coast. Globally, the high tourist season extends from mid-December to the end of February (peak tourism in January, and the carnival throughout February also attracts people) and during Holy Week (Semana Santa), also called Semana de Turismo (in April). At this time, prices soar and the beaches are crowded, so it is essential to book your accommodations.

Coast (border area with Argentina along the Uruguay River). The high season extends from Holy Week (Easter week) to the beginning of December when temperatures are mild; this is the time to enjoy the thermal baths. In the summer (January and February) the temperatures are often too high to discover this area.

In the other departments, the high season always corresponds to the southern summer: it should not be forgotten that half of the country lives in Montevideo, and therefore that Uruguayan tourism is, first and foremost, a tourism concentrated in the capital.

Note that Uruguayans are used to leaving on weekends, to go to the countryside, in the interior of the country. Therefore, accommodation in Montevideo is not more expensive on weekends, and sometimes prices are lower than during the week. When to go to Uruguay to enjoy good weather and affordable prices? December (beginning of summer) and March (between Carnival and Holy Week) seem to be the best months.

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Practical information for travel Uruguay

L'Uruguay, une contrée petite en taille, mais infiniment riche en trésors, révèle une multitude de facettes à explorer selon les passions, les curiosités et le budget de chaque aventurier. Sur la côte atlantique, laissez-vous émerveiller par les dunes sauvages de Cabo Polonio, où les lions de mer règnent en maîtres. Poursuivez votre odyssée en vous prélassant sous le soleil divin des plages paradisiaques de Maldonado, puis entre juillet et novembre, admirez les majestueuses baleines depuis La Pedrera ou Punta Colorada. Pour les amoureux de paysages champêtres et d'authenticité rurale, plongez au cœur de la pampa et découvrez les estancias, ces exploitations agricoles typiques proposant diverses activités telles que des balades à cheval, de la chasse et de la pêche. Enfin, parcourez la région du littoral le long du río Uruguay, où foisonnent de nombreux thermes aménagés pour accueillir les visiteurs en quête de détente et de bien-être.

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How to go Uruguay

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How to go alone

If you are going to Uruguay, it is cheaper to fly to Buenos Aires and then take a boat to Colonia or Montevideo. This is less convenient, but most flights from Europe go through Buenos Aires before Montevideo anyway. Average price of a flight from Paris to Montevideo in high season (July, August and Christmas): from 1,100 to 1,800 €, a little less in low season. Economists, remember to book your accommodation in advance!

How to go on a tour

Except for the Atlantic coast, if tourist structures exist in Uruguay, they are not as ubiquitous as in the seaside resorts of neighboring countries. It can be interesting to use the services of tourist agencies specialized in South America, if only to take advantage of flight + accommodation packages. It is also possible to combine Uruguay tours with Argentina, Chile and/or Brazil.

How to get around

The international airport of Carrasco, next to Montevideo, is the most important one and ensures all international flights with Europe and its South American neighbors, Argentina and Brazil in the lead. Uruguay is not a huge country, but instead of planes (or rails, which have fallen into disrepair), we prefer the practical and cheap bus. For more autonomy and freedom, the car remains the king of transportation in Uruguay.

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Discover Uruguay

If Uruguay is such a popular destination, it is above all for its incomparable lifestyle. In this peaceful and welcoming country, simple pleasures reign supreme. Between the tasting of meats grilled to perfection on traditional parrillas, horseback riding in the vast plains, the gentle idleness along the wild beaches and the tango evenings in the bars of Montevideo, everything is an excuse to relax, to contemplate and to marvel at the beauty of the world. What's more, the Uruguayan is the image of his country: contemplative, calm and not very talkative. He takes the traveler in a hurry to discover his quiet rhythm, offering him an interlude of serenity in an often magical setting. Here, time passes slowly, without haste. It is therefore advisable to take advantage of the present moment and to let oneself be carried by the poetry of the surroundings, where the art of living is an art in its own right.

Pictures and images Uruguay

Calle de los Suspiros, à Colonia del Sacramento. Steve Heap - Shutterstock.com
Chivito. Marcos Milan Rodao - Shutterstock.com
Joueurs de candombe pendant le carnaval de Montevideo. Kobby Dagan - Shutterstock.com
Plage de Punta del Diablo, dans le département de Rocha. Ksenia Ragozina - Shutterstock.com

The 12 keywords Uruguay

1. Asado

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Uruguayans take their meat seriously, and if you want to survive in this country, you'd better learn to appreciate a good piece of grilled beef. But beware, theasado is a marathon, not a sprint! There are so many grilled meats to eat that you have to know how to measure your portions so that you don't end up on the floor in a ball, with an overloaded stomach..

2. Carnival

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An event that thrills the whole country, where the streets are invaded by hordes of characters dressed in extravagant costumes, ready to party until dawn. There are feathers, beads, ridiculous hats, exaggerated make-up... A real haute couture show for those who have a slightly... different sense of fashion.

3. Casual

This small country wedged between two giants, Brazil and Argentina, has its own personality, so much so that one wonders if it is really on the same planet as its neighbors. Here, time passes so slowly that it seems to be under the effect of sleeping pills, between naps and aperitifs. If you want to live cool, you won't be disappointed!

4. Estancia

These vast expanses of land where the gauchos reign supreme, and where tourists come to seek a little change of scenery. Don't be fooled by the bucolic image of these farms, because many surprises await you! Between the training of the animals, the harvest of the grapes and the preparation of theasado, you will not have a second to lose!

5. Soccer

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Ah, Uruguay and soccer! It's as if every Uruguayan was born with a ball between his feet and a fan song in his head. As for Peñarol, the most famous club in the country, it attracts fans who are ready to sell their soul for their team (well, except maybe the fans of the club Nacional, but we won't hold that against them).

6. Gaucho

The gauchos, the South American cowboys who bravely ride the plains, are admired for their courage, legendary hospitality and thirst for freedom. No wonder Uruguay boasts a motto as valiant as "Libertad o muerte" (freedom or death) and a national anthem where the word "freedom" is repeated 8 times!

7. Glamour

Do you want to swim in a pool of champagne, eat caviar until you're sick and dance the night away to the beats of international DJs? Then Punta del Este and José Ignacio are the places for you! But don't forget that in order to enter this ultra-exclusive circle, you have to be prepared to pay big money..

8. Mate

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Mate in Uruguay is much more than a simple drink. It is a tradition, an obsession, a reason to live! Uruguayans drink it all the time and everywhere. Drinking mate is also an art with unwritten rules to respect. Not trying it is like not eating croissants in Paris, or not trying sushi in Japan.

9. Pioneer

This country has proven to be a true laboratory for experimenting with bold social projects, leading to notable progress in the areas of cannabis, renewable energy and the rights of the LGBTQI+ community. It has distinguished itself by proving that it is possible to build a more balanced and just society.

10. Playa

Get your best swimsuits ready and get out your towels, because the beaches in Uruguay are ready to welcome you! Whether you're a sunbather or a seasoned surfer, there's something for everyone. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of whales swimming majestically on the surface of the water!

11. Tannat

Tannat, the undisputed symbol of the country, is the source of bold, full-bodied red wines with notes of black fruit. Its high tannin content makes it the ideal accompaniment for a choice grilled meat. Let yourself be tempted by a visit to a vineyard or taste it in a typical parrilla to appreciate all its subtleties.

12. Tango

You have set foot in the sacred land where the undisputed king of tango, Carlos Gardel, was born. Here, the streets still hum his melodies, and his artistic spirit continues to inspire music lovers around the world. Welcome to the cradle of Tango, where music is a passion that runs through the veins of every inhabitant.

You are from here, if...

You walk around with your mate in your right hand and your thermos tucked under your arm.

Instead of using the typical Argentinianexpression "che", you use "bo". This term is equivalent to "dude" and comes from the shortened form of "botija," a slang word meaning "child.

You have the ability to name almost every player on the Uruguayan national soccer team.

You are familiar with the terms "murga", "comparsa" and "llamadas".

Instead of using charcoal to grill(asados), you opt for firewood.

You are generally more relaxed and casual than your Argentine neighbors, who tend to be more passionate and emotional.

You are able to differentiate the musical rhythms of candombe from those of salsa, rumba and samba.

You are more committed and inclined to respect your civic duties than your neighbors are.

Card Uruguay

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