Uruguay: best kept vacation secret
WHY URUGUAY?
Uruguay is a small country tucked in between two prominent countries: Brazil and Argentina. Argentina and Brazil have always been well known for their soccer teams, scenic beaches, and architecture. Uruguay has similar features and provides an rememberal experience as its powerhouse neighbors, and I believe it is one of the most underrated countries. This small country offers the chillest vibes and openness to any tourist that wants to be a part of Uruguayan culture. The people of Montevideo give the city a relaxing yet energetic vibe, you can quickly walk from one quiet street to another street full of dancers and drummers. Uruguay’s government is extremely progressive and liberal, it is one of the few countries that has legalized Marijuana. Their government focuses on humanitarian issues such as LGBT rights, housing and employment opportunities for all genders and races, and supporting civil rights issues. You immediately feel welcomed as a tourist walking around the city of Montevideo, it simply has a spirited energy that is contagious. The French and Spanish style architecture gives the city an ancient feel but with the touch of street art around these buildings, you can tell that youthful and individual expression is encouraged there.
WHAT TO SEE IN MONTEVIDEO
Wondering where to begin your journey if you make a trip to Montevideo, Uruguay? I have a few recommendations on how to enjoy this easily explorable and safe city. I started with taking a walk down on Las Rambla which is a waterfront path where you can see how the beach follows alongside the city for about 10 miles. If it’s the perfect time of year to take a trip to the beach, I would recommend Playa Mansa. Later I recommend taking a quick walk through the touristy area of Plaza de Independencia which separates the downtown from the Ciudad Vieja. The Ciudad Vieja meaning Old Town are the oldest districts of many Latin American cities. This area is where you can find nightclubs, restaurants, and cafes. Music and Dance are a huge part of their culture especially Tango, dozens of dynamic drummers in neighboring alleyways can be seen and heard banging the heavy beat of the Candombe for hours — Uruguay's unique style of percussive music. The music and dance of Candombe was originally brought to South Africans from African slaves, and has remained the heart and soul of Uruguay’s culture.
Plaza de Independecia
During the day a visit to Fortaleza Del Cerro is vital if you want to see beautiful views of the city, as this fort sits at the highest mountain in Montevideo. Built in the 19th Century to protect the citizens, this is the perfect stop to make if you want to learn more about the history of this port city. Teatro Solis is another important stop because it is the second biggest theatre in South America, and if you are lucky you can catch a concert or opera there one evening!
FOOD SCENE IN MONTEVIDEO
If you are wondering where to find fresh and local foods check out the Mercado del Puerto, originally a market for fruit, vegetables, and meats has kept its market style feel the stalls are filled with restaurants. The specialty is “Parrilla”, which is a grill style for meats and seafood which are very common in their dishes. These meals can be paired well with nearly impossible to visit Uruguay without trying their signature beverage. Yerba Mate is the most consumed beverage countrywide, and just about every person you see will be drinking it in a wooden spherical vessel known as a Gourd. Gourds are passed down through generations and are seen as “peace pipes” that are meant to be shared with not only your family but also with strangers! Dulce de leche is one of the most popular sweet treats amongst Uruguayans. It has a gooey but thick consistency similar to Nutella with a caramel color. People are known to put it on toast, pancakes, and fruit! It is a common ingredient in many cakes, pies, and pastries.
To understand how Uruguay became the country it is today, you must understand its history. Uruguay has had to fight for these amazing assets that their land has to offer. Spain gained control of the area in 1778 which resulted in the extermination of the indigenous people. Uruguay fought for their independence from Spain in 1811 only to be conquered by Brazil in 1817. Argentina being friendly neighbors of Uruguay assisted in their freedom from Brazil in 1825. The civilians of Uruguay had been ruled under dictatorship and military control from 1973-1984. After the military regime allowed for civilian elections they were able to restore political and civil rights. In 2003 when Uruguay elected its first “left” political President the country began to make more social changes. Since then they have seen the legalization of Marijuana and Same-sex marriages.
If you are looking to take a relaxing trip where you don’t feel rushed to wake up to do and see everything Montevideo is the place for you. After my visit to Uruguay I thought to myself, I could live here one day, I felt that it is a country socially headed in the right direction. Many travelers are told to skip Uruguay with the thought “there’s not much to do”, and I am here to tell you that they are wrong. Despite being in the middle of two largely popular countries, Uruguay still offers a strong cultural experience to anyone traveling there.