So the new hot spot of travel is emerging, Costa Rica 2.0, a place that is inexpensive, but still has a lot to offer. Uruguay is a great place to go unwind and relax and make the most of a vacation, however if you don’t have any experience in this nation or part of the world perhaps a little heads up is in order. These are some pointers so can insure your best time in Uruguay.
Montevideo is not Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is often called the “Paris of South America” this is not what Montevideo is. Though Montevideo is filled with wonderful architecture and culture, it is better known by how the locals describe it – “tranquilo.” The idea of tranquil is not something generally placed on Paris or Buenos Aires for all their virtues. This is a great city for relaxing and drinking coffee in cares and knowing that when you cross the street the cars will stop for you.
Cosmopolitan cusine (no); Great BBQ’s (yes)
Uruguyans by nature are a conservative people so don’t expect wild swaths of different food like you would find in other countries and capitails. One food and piece of Urguyian culture that must be sampled however is asados (barbeques) done over time meat is cooked to perfection and friends and family feast upon it. Take part in this yourself, just be sure that you have at least 4 hours to do it. There are couch surfing groups that organize proper asados.
Punta del Este is not all there is for beach towns…
Though Punta del Este is Uruguay’s most well known beach town that draws the rich, famous, backpackers, and all forms of Brazilian and Argentine tourists. You’ll have a great time here without a doubt, especially between December and March… but, there are other more low key beaches that are well worth a visit too. If you are looking for more backpacker, and less glitz, check out Punta del Diablo which is a fish town environment with great surf beaches mixed in.
Montevideo is Safe
Enjoying the reputation, as concluded by the Mercer consulting firm, of being the third safest city in South America travelers can rest easy while in Montevideo. Unfortunately, as things tend to even out, for that safety you may not enjoy the cheapest prices on the continent, but regardless with some common sense there is little to fear of really dangerous crime.
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