Uruguay
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South America - Country Directory - Home
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Uruguay |
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In the past, Uruguay was South America's best-kept secret. It seemed that only a handful of South Americans knew about the pristine beaches, atmospheric cities and huge steaks. But, when visiting the country became more affordable, visitors began flocking to Uruguay. They came, loved it and went back home to tell their friends and then everyone started putting this tiny country on their vacation list. Uruguay may be small, it's certainly big-hearted where attractions are concerned. It boasts one of South America's most interesting capitals, charming colonial towns, the hilly interior - true gaucho (cowboy) country - and a cluster of internationally renowned beach resorts. So, the next time you are looking for someplace different to visit for a holiday or vacation, think about Uruguay.
History |
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History
Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a
military stronghold, soon took advantage of its natural harbor to become an
important commercial center. Claimed by Argentina but annexed by Brazil in 1821,
Uruguay declared its independence four years later and secured its freedom in
1828 after a three-year struggle. The administrations of President Jose Batlle
in the early 20th century established widespread political, social, and economic
reforms that established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla
movement named the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's
president to cede control of the government to the military in 1973. By yearend,
the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold over
the government. Civilian rule was not restored until 1985. In 2004, the
left-of-center Frente Amplio Coalition won national elections that effectively
ended 170 years of political control previously held by the Colorado and Blanco
parties. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the
continent.
Travel
Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We
discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out.
TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference
point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide
travel. Our features and articles are written by professional
journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a
background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit
TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome,
do as the Romans do.”
Learn the
Language
The official language is Spanish. However, you will find English
pretty well spoken in the larger cities and resort areas.
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Best Time to Go
As the beaches are the main attraction, most visitors come in the summer.
Along the Río Uruguay the summer temperatures can be very hot, but it is
much cooler in the hilly interior, especially at night. Between late April and
November, strong winds sometimes combine with rain and cool temperatures.
There is a pronounced seasonal change during the year with the
winter months (June to August) being fairly mild. Average temperatures
then
range between 6°C (43°F) and 15°C (59°F). At this latitude, the summer is comparatively cool with average highs peaking around a pleasantly warm 28°C
(83°F). Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed over the year and tends to
fall quite moderately in just a few days.
Money and Costs
The main currency is the
Peso Uruguayo with banknote denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos.
Coin denominations are 50 centavos; 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos.
Casas de Cambio (currency-exchange houses) in Montevideo, Colonia and Atlantic beach resorts change cash and travelers checks (the latter at slightly lower rates or modest commissions). You may want to change some of your money before you arrive. In the interior, you will quite probably need to find a bank. Passports are needed for cashing travelers checks.
Costs are equal to what you will find in Argentina, especially with respect to accommodation and transportation. Budget travelers can get by on US$20.00 a day. However, for a good time, better comfort and nutrition, visitors should expect to spend closer to US$30.00 to $40 a day. Better hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards, and increasingly more Uruguayan ATMs accept North American or European credit cards
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Getting To and Around in
Uruguay
Passport Information
Visa Information
Getting To
Uruguay
Getting
Around in Uruguay
Check this chart to see what you need for entry into Uruguay
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Country of Citizenship |
Passport? |
Visa? | Return Ticket Required? |
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Australian |
Yes |
No | Yes |
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British |
Yes | No | Yes |
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Canadian |
Yes | No | Yes |
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Japanese |
Yes | No | Yes |
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United States |
Yes | No | Yes |
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Other EU |
Yes | No-1 | Yes |
Valid passport required by all with
the following exceptions:
►nationals of Uruguay who arrive from
Argentina, Brazil, Chile or Paraguay with a national identity card;
►nationals of Argentina, Bolivia,
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala,
Honduras and Paraguay with a national identity card for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Information
Required by all except the
following:
►nationals of countries referred to in
the chart above, except 1. nationals of Estonia and the Slovak Republic
who do need a visa (please note that nationals of Canada, Ireland, Malta
and the USA are only permitted visa-free stays of up to three months);
►nationals of Argentina, The Bahamas,
Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia,
Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel,
Jamaica, Korea (Rep), Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama,
Paraguay, Peru, Romania, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay;
►nationals of Dominican Republic,
Liechtenstein and Turkey for stays of up to three months;
►nationals of Malaysia for up to 30
days;
►holders of a re-entry permit issued
by Uruguayan officials.
Further, more detailed information can be found
on the
E-World Guide.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Getting Around in Uruguay
There not any domestic flights within Uruguay except
for the domestic leg of international flights from Punta del Este via Montevideo
to Brazil. Buses provide the main mode of transportation and are reasonably
priced with frequent services to all sizeable destinations. Traveling by car
poses few problems, with the exception of driving in Montevideo where the
traffic is terrible. The countryside is filled with winding roads and hilly
terrain. Local transport is predominantly by bus and metered taxi.
If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Cities, Towns and Areas of Uruguay
Montevideo
Mercado del Puerto - Be sure to visit the Mercado del Puerto. Covered by a
wrought-iron superstructure, you will find restaurants that serve huge steaks.
Saturday lunchtime is a fun time to come - the market is crammed with locals, as
well as tourists to enjoy the market area and listen to the street musicians.
Coming Soon. In the meantime, if you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Welcome to the Conrad Punta del Este Resort &
Casino. Located in the heart of Punta del Este and only 20 minutes from
the international airport, the Conrad Punta del Este hotel is the only
Las Vegas-style casino and luxury hotel in the Punta del Este region.
The hotel, which faces Gorriti Island and is only a short walk from La
Mansa Beach, enjoys a strategic position 35 minutes east of Buenos Aires
by plane and two-and-a-half hours south of Sao Paulo.
The Conrad Punta del Este Hotel & Casino offers 296 contemporary and luxurious guestrooms, including 24 beautifully appointed suites, all with open terraces and breathtaking views of the beautiful Uruguay coastline. The hotel’s five restaurants offer an eclectic mix of cuisines, ranging from our St. Tropez fine dining restaurant with Mediterranean and Italian influences, to our al fresco Gaucho’s Pool Grill & Bar. In addition to indoor and outdoor swimming pools, our hotel in Punta del Este also features a health club, a luxury spa, and two outdoor tennis courts. The hotel is home to one of Uruguay’s largest convention centers, with a column-free ballroom, state-of-the-art meetings technology and a dedicated Business Centre. Wi-fi Internet access is available throughout our Punta del Este hotel. The Conrad Punta del Este Resort & Casino effortlessly combines the height of contemporary luxury with the peerless tradition of hospitality and service for which every Conrad Hotel and Resort is renowned. So why not experience the greatest luxury of all… The Luxury of Being Yourself. For additional information, or to make reservations at a Conrad Hilton Hotel or Resort, click on Hilton Hotels and Get Our Best Rates. Guaranteed. |
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| Book Hostels in Uruguay Online You can also find a hostel almost anywhere in the world through Experience Paradise, a partner of Getting Away. |
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Coming Soon. In the meantime, if you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Coming Soon. In the meantime, if you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Casa Pueblo
In
Punta Ballena, Casa Pueblo is an beautiful Mediterranean villa and art gallery.
The villa was built by Carlos Páez Vilaró entirely without right angles and
boasts some unbelievable views. Visitors can tour five rooms, view a film on the
artist's life and the building's creation, or have a drink at the bar.
Mercado del Puerto
In Montevideo you will want to be sure to visit the Mercado del Puerto. Covered
by a wrought-iron superstructure, you will find restaurants that serve huge
steaks. Saturday lunchtime is a fun time to come - the market is crammed with
locals, as well as tourists to enjoy the market area and listen to the street
musicians.
Museo del Indio y del Gaucho
This museum is located in the center of gaucho (cowboy) country in the town of
Tacuarembó. There is a nice museum that pays proper tribute to Uruguay's
original inhabitants and gauchos.
Museo Didáctico Artiguista
Built between 1771 and 1797, the Cuartel de Dragones y de Blandengues consists
of several military fortifications. Its Museo Didáctico Artiguista honors
Uruguay's independence hero, Artigas. Displays depict his battle campaigns.
There is also the room with the bronze busts of the Liberators of the Americas.
Parque Nacional Santa Teresa
This historical park the hilltop Fortaleza de Santa Teresa, begun by the
Portuguese but captured and finished by the Spaniards. Santa Teresa also has
some nice, uncrowded beaches and areas for camping in the forest.. The park gets
crammed during Carnaval.
If you have something you believe should be added to this section of Getting Away, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
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