South America's Best-Kept Secret: Uruguay

Steph Gulledge

Combining characteristics from various places—a dash of laid-back California, rolling hills akin to Tuscany, and even the windswept sophistication of the Hamptons or the glamour of Cannes—Uruguay is a tiny country that packs a big punch.

A teardrop-shaped country about the size of the U.S. state of North Carolina, Uruguay is wedged between the giants of Brazil and Argentina, occupying a relatively discreet little slice of the Atlantic coastline. With such big neighbours, the country, travel-wise, is relatively overlooked in comparison, which is exactly why it’s one of my favourite places to travel on the continent. Once you get here, you, too, will understand its appeal. Don’t let South America’s best-kept secret slip through your fingers! Here are some of the quintessential things to know before you go.

A Bit About Uruguay

Intriguingly, this progressive little country is known as one of South America’s most socially advanced, and was named The Economist’s ‘country of the year’ in 2013. The country was founded in the year 1825, where it declared independence from the Empire of Brazil. The first indigenous inhabitants of the country were the Charrúa people, a small seminomadic tribe of hunter-gatherers, who were largely eliminated in the 1500s by European colonizers. The first wave arrived in 1512 from Portugal, followed closely by the Spanish, who entered the territory in 1516.

The capital of Montevideo was established in the early 18thC by the Spanish, who took advantage of its natural harbour and port for strategic reasons. Fought over by the British, Spanish (who sought to expand their colony of Argentina), Portuguese (who sought to expand Brazil), a three-hundred-year tug-of-war ensued. Uruguay eventually gained its independence after a long struggle, with its first constitution adopted in 1830.

Montevideo: Ultra-Liveable and Laid-Back

The southernmost capital city in the Americas, Montevideo sits along the bank of the Rio de la Plata and ranks high in liveability, reaching the top of the list in Latin America, according to a 2017 Mercer report. First founded by the Spanish in 1724, it is home to about 1.3 million people, it is the political, economic, and educational hub of the country.

From its mix of colonial and modern architecture, this beachside capital has much to recommend it, in particular, its 22-kilometre (14-mile) oceanside pedestrian avenue, La Rambla. The longest continuous sidewalk in the world, it’s one of my favourite places to start or end the day. You can jog, bike, stroll, and people-watch, as it’s a popular gathering place for friends, especially to view the sunset. There is no development on the beach side so your view is completely unobstructed. For another touch of local culture, head to its market, Mercado Puerto, filled with restaurants and shops, along with the traditional parilla barbecue meal. Pair it with a glass of local wine.  

The historical part of the Ciudad Vieja (Old City) is filled with national heritage sites and colonial buildings. A few major sites include the main square, Plaza Independencia, where you can see the remnants of the fortifications that once guarded the city, and the Artigas Mausoleum, a monument to the ‘father of the nation’, José Artigas. You’ll also see the Palacio Salvo, completed in 1928, which was once the tallest building in Latin America; it remains a point of pride today.

Punta del Este: Beachside Chic

There’s always a ‘second city’ in every country, but Punta del Este stands out on its own. This gorgeous resort town of about 220,000 residents swells to three times its size in the balmy summer months (late December through March). Oft-compared to Miami or Cannes, the city has received all kinds of nicknames aligning it with even Monaco, St. Tropez, and the Hamptons of South America. No matter the reference point, you get the idea: glamorous, beachy, chic, and sophistication is what Punta del Este possesses in spades.

Filled with arts, music, and cinematic festivals, along with a fine dining scene and intriguing architecture and visual landmarks—such as ‘La Mano’, the giant hand that seems ‘buried’ at X beach; the circular Laguna Garzón Bridge, designed by homegrown starchitect Rafael Viñoly; and even pretty whitewashed Casapueblo, built by the Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró.

I haven’t even mentioned the colonial architecture that derives from its Portuguese roots (the town was founded in 1907).  Just a bit east of Punta del Este, you’ll find sculptor Pablo Atchugarry’s foundation and studio, a place where we visit (and if we’re lucky, will catch a glimpse of the artist working on his massive sculptures) on a pleasant bike ride!