Highlights of Uruguay
Uruguay is in Lonely Planet's top 10 countries to visit in 2020. Quite right, if you ask us. The country is often forgotten by travellers. It's a shame, because Uruguay is a wonderful country to travel through. Are you curious about what Uruguay has to offer? We have listed 5 highlights of Uruguay.
Highlight Uruguay 1. Capital of Montevideo
Montevideo is definitely a highlight in Uruguay that is well worth a visit. The capital is home to about half of the Uruguayan population. It is a lively city full of culture and history. It's nice to visit the historic centre. At lunchtime go to the harbour market where you can have a good steak of the asado with a red wine. Cycle along the promenade and visit the national museum of visual arts.
Tip: Not only neighbouring Brazil is an expert in carnival, they also love to swing in Uruguay. Discover the colours and the rhythm of the Uruguayan Carnival on a unique journey. A guide will take you through the history of Murgas and Candombe, famous Spanish African music styles. Take part in a percussion workshop and enter the swinging world of the Uruguayan drum.
Highlight Uruguay 2. Colonial history
Colonial del Sacremento is a small colonial town not far from Montevideo. The town lies on the Rio del Plata, with Buenos Aires on the other side, the capital of Argentina. This charming town with narrow alleys where the streets are devised with cobblestones and a unique architecture takes you back to the past. The small coloured houses, the defensive wall and the lighthouse that protrudes above the whole make it a place where you can stroll around.
Tip: At the end of the day, walk towards the pier for a romantic sunset.
Highlight Uruguay 3. Wine & Dine
Uruguayans are incredibly good at enjoying themselves. Everywhere in the country the atmosphere is relaxed and the people are friendly and helpful. In addition, they also have a Burgundian life. After Argentina, Chile and Brazil, Uruguay is the 4th largest producing wine country in South America. The Uruguayan pride is the Tannat, which is mainly produced in the west of the country. Here you will find rolling vineyards and great lodges where you can stay. With a large Swiss colony you can enjoy delicious cheeses during a round trip and olive oil is produced in abundance. Enough ingredients for a great night out.
Highlight Uruguay 4. Staying on an Estancia
Uruguay is not known for its extreme and untouched nature. The country consists of a beautiful coastline and a lot of countryside inland. Great to drive through. Moreover, as far as we are concerned, it is highly recommended to get acquainted with this farm life. Throughout the country there are several traditional estancias, farms, where you can stay. During the day you can go horseback riding, hiking and cycling through the Uruguayan countryside. The estancias are tastefully decorated and there is no lack of any comfort and hospitality.
Highlight Uruguay 5. Following in the footsteps of Francis Mallmann
If you are a real cooking lover, then you are undoubtedly familiar with Chef Francis Mallmann and his successful cooking book 'Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way'. Not only in Argentina, but also in Uruguay you can enjoy his special cooking techniques. The originally Argentinean chef fell in love with this beautiful agricultural area with his very unique and own charm. This is how he discovered the small town of Garzón and opened one of his successful restaurants where you can discover his tasty dishes. In this town you can also spend the night and visit the bodega Garzón.
Want to visit the highlights in Uruguay yourself?
Would you like to make a trip through Uruguay yourself with the above highlights? Then take a look at the travel itineraries that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas. Feel free to contact us using the contact form, call+31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.