planning a trip to
Uruguay
Here is what you need to know:
Uruguay is truly one of a kind. It’s a chill and laid-back country, with great vibes everywhere you go.
The locals aren’t stressed, and that relaxed atmosphere is contagious. We spent 10 days traveling from north to south, following the stunning coastline.
We discovered amazing places and met incredible people along the way. One of the highlights was experiencing a traditional Uruguayan barbecue.
The barbecue is cooked slowly: on one side, there’s the fire to create ember, and on the other, a grill for the meat. Slowly, the ember is moved under the fire for 2 hours to ensure the meat is cooked to perfection. It’s a real treat and a must-try experience!
About
Uruguay is a small country in South America, with a population of about 3.5 million inhabitants.
Around 90% of Uruguayans are of Spanish and Italian descent, and there are very few Indigenous people left. Approximately 44% of the population identifies as Catholic, with the rest being non-religious.
Uruguay’s independence wasn’t gained through its own efforts but was a result of decisions made by Argentina, Brazil, and Portugal.
The horizontal stripes on the flag represent the nine original departments of Uruguay. The Sun of May represents the May Revolution of 1810; according to the historian Diego Abad de Santillán, the Sun of May is a figurative sun that represents Inti, the sun god of the Inca religion. It also appears in the Flag of Argentina and the Coat of Arms of Bolivia.
SOLO MATE! Uruguay is a mate country, and it’s a daily ritual for many locals. Mate is a traditional herbal tea made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. Uruguayans carry their 2L hot water bottles and a small pot filled with mate herbs everywhere, allowing them to enjoy this refreshing drink throughout the day. It’s not just a drink, but a social experience that brings people together.
Uruguay has three times more cows than human inhabitants, with around 12 million cows roaming the country. Known for its thriving beef industry, Uruguay exports meat all over the world. It’s no surprise that barbecue (or “asado”) is a beloved national dish, as meat is a central part of the local diet. The country’s rich tradition of grilling meat slowly over an open flame makes for an unforgettable culinary experience.
In Uruguay, cannabis is legal for personal use. Every household is allowed to grow up to six cannabis plants. If you prefer not to grow it yourself, you can purchase cannabis from licensed pharmacies, but you must be a resident of Uruguay to make legal purchases. This progressive policy makes Uruguay one of the few countries to fully regulate cannabis use.
What to expect?
Language: The official language of Uruguay is Spanish, and English is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas.
Food: Given the country’s large cattle population, most local dishes feature meat. The barbecue (asado) is a must-try, along with other popular dishes like Chivito (a meat sandwich) and Tortas Fritas (fried pancakes). While meat is central to the cuisine, vegetables are also available.
Transportation: Uruguay is a small country, making it easy to travel from north to south by bus. Buses are usually comfortable and modern, and the distances between major cities aren’t long, so travel time is manageable.
Money: The currency in Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). At the time of our visit, 1€ was worth about 48 Pesos. While ATMscan be found in Montevideo and Shui (on the border with Brazil), smaller towns may not have many ATMs, making it tricky to get cash. In Punta del Diablo, Brazilian BRL is accepted.
Plugs: Uruguay uses type C plugs (Euro standard), with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz.
Safety: Uruguay is a safe country for travelers, with welcoming locals. Even homeless individuals can be surprisingly helpful without expecting anything in return.
Punta del Diablo
Montevideo
Colonia del Sacramento
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