Uruguay, the best hidden gem in Latin America
There are places that for a long time have remained in a state of secrecy, hidden under a cloak of supremacy or set aside by great tycoons, such as Argentina **or Brazil**, with its majestic and idyllic landscapes.
But what happens when we decide to turn the wheel and begin to explore a different territory, one that overflows peace in its maximum brightness and an unmistakable sparkling seduction. **Make way for the best hidden gem in Latin America: Uruguay **.
An imminent peace, wild and pure. A horde of calm, that's what it offers this country that lies in the south of the neighboring continent , with a population that barely reaches 3.5 million people, which makes Uruguay in a pleasant surprise for those who decide to approach eastern soil.
Uruguay offers an imminent, wild and pure peace
Fly from the main spanish cities –yes, we recognize that they will wait for you for a long 12 hours– or travel from Buenos Aires by ferry , take a car and immerse yourself in the interior of this small and very interesting country.
Do not limit yourself to visiting a single destination, that would be a complete waste, be ready to go through it in its entirety , from north to south, from east to west and through all its nooks and crannies. you will come across one unimaginable gastronomic offer, historic quarters, wineries, beaches with translucent waters and sundowns worthy of competing with the acclaimed sunsets of the iconic Greek islands.
SACRAMENT COLONY
Let's start by diving into this picturesque region located on the edge of Silver river , brimming with cobbled streets, old lampposts, small inns and a dreamy romantic setting. Its Historic Center, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 It becomes one of the essentials of the excursion.
Since its foundation, back in 1680, at the mercy of the Portuguese Manuel de Lobo, the area was sought to become a strategic point for trade at that time. For many centuries, Colonia del Sacramento , considered the oldest in the country, has been battling between Portuguese and Spanish hands, until finally on July 18, 1830 Uruguay manages to finalize its liberalization process and declared independent.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Something that will happen to you when you arrive Cologne is to feel that it could easily be explored in a day, but if you want to make the most of its appeal, choose to sleep in a hotel or in one of its charming inns . We recommend The Cocoon Inn , with abundant, delicious and homemade breakfasts. The place has a swimming pool and also offers bicycle rides through the different circuits of the city.
You can start the tour at Historic helmet , crosses the Puerta de la Ciudadela, walks the legendary **street of sighs, Plaza Mayor, the Azulejo Museum** -the construction dates back to 1750 and contains an invaluable collection of Spanish, Portuguese and French tiles-, the San Francisco Xavier Convent and next to it, an old lighthouse that dates back to 1857 and protects one of the best views of the city. the ruins of the House of the Viceroy and the Church of the Holy Sacrament they are also worth it.
And if you are looking for good gastronomy? slow wonders will be one of your favorite places, with proposals for unmissable lunches and snacks, which include baked salmon, salads, sandwiches and an unmissable carrot cake . The pearl of the place is simply a beautiful garden overlooking the river.
Other options can be the drug store , recommended for its seafood , although it also has vegan and gluten-free options, The Cellar with Uruguayan chivitos, meats, pastas and traditional pizzas.
charco bistro , available from brunch to dinner, with an unbeatable location and gourmet dishes. Finally, Choperia Mestra Colonia offers a wide variety of craft beers , DJs and live shows.
Definitely Cologne is an indisputable stop , you will feel that you are experiencing a trip to the past, you will enjoy every minute you spend there while you are immersed in a leisurely pace bubble , with an architecture that has a strong Portuguese and Spanish heritage , with colonial and post-colonial odes.
A sunset in this bubble of leisurely rhythm
MONTEVIDEO
We marched 177 kilometers to the east, towards the capital and we enter the heart of Uruguay . Perhaps you do not feel amazed by its extension, it is not comparable to that of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires or Mexico City , but not for that lack of charm, history or beauty.
We walk the Avenida 18 de Julio and Plaza Independencia , the most transcendental in Montevideo, the one that connects the Old City with the New or as they usually call it 'The Center'. There is the statue of the local hero, Jose Gervasio Artigas , and below the Mausoleum where his remains are still preserved.
The city's cultural and artistic activity revolves around the square, beginning with the Solis Theater , inaugurated in 1856 with the representation of the opera "Ernani" by Verdi . The facade, the shape of the room and the interior bear a resemblance to the Carlo Felice theater in Genoa, Alla Scala in Milan and the Metastasio theater in Prato in Florence.
Independence Square in Montevideo
strolling through the Palace Saved , the emblematic building of the capital designed by the Italian architect Mario Palanti and conceived in the beginning as a hotel, although at present it houses only offices and private apartments. Sadly it is not possible to immerse ourselves in it, so we will only settle for observe its neo-gothic style from the ground.
Don't forget to appreciate the Legislative Palace, the Gate of the Citadel, the Estevez Palace –Government House Museum–, the Plaza Matriz and the Contemporary Art Space. It will be worth getting away and moving to the Prado neighborhood to see the **Botanical Garden and the Blanes Museum**.
Before walking the 22 kilometers offered by the extensive Rambla of Montevideo , one more museum: the National Visual Arts , and now yes, prepare to clear yourself outdoors and enter the Quarries of Rodo Park.
A walk along the Rambla in Montevideo
Do not forget to try the typical national drink –yes, the one that is fiercely disputed between Uruguayans and Argentines for its origin–, the matte badge , you will see all the locals with a thermos under their arm, uruguayan badge For nature.
Although there are beaches in this area, the waters usually intermingle with the Río de la Plata , so its color does not become very attractive, although it should not be ruled out Pocitos , one of the highlights of the city.
WHERE TO EAT
Time for the culinary touch? nothing better than going to Port Market , a recognized gastronomic center with an infinity of restaurants, there you will find the true local barbecue. 879 houses is recommended for its artisan bakery and french inspired dishes , while ** Leyenda Restaurante ** is the place to sit down to devour elaborate delicacies such as entrails with onions and mushroom risotto or lamb ribs and truffle purée.
Without deviating too much and about 15 kilometers from the center, we come across the luxurious residential area of Punta Carrasco . The most attractive bars and restaurants rub shoulders on Avenida Alfredo Arocena, with special mention to the Sofitel Montevideo , a magnificent building that invites you to have tea at sunset.
La Leyenda Restaurant is the place to devour delicacies
More places? santana coffee, the rotisserie, Dining Mission , Iki Bistró Café Libros, La Latina Café and Salmuera Café Bistro will be among your favorites.
EASTERN POINT
In the department of Maldonado, a wild-chic style is worn, east end It is often compared to the great European resorts, because it overflows with elegance and luxury, with 5-star hotels, boutique shops and casinos. It is the perfect combination between Saint Tropez, Ischia and Ibiza , that's right, a nod to their eternal beach parties and discos until dawn.
It is perhaps the destination par excellence that many South Americans choose to celebrate the arrival of the new year –and in style, fireworks everywhere–, although if you want to avoid crowds, do not go there during the last days of December and especially the first fifteen of January, It would be like traveling to Greece at the end of the summer month.
What prevails here are the beaches, la Mansa and la Brava , two of the most famous, are located on both sides of the peninsula. Although you can feel the somewhat icy waters, you will keep in your retina the sunsets from La Mansa, they are worthy of stepping on the heels of the unlikely Mykonos or Santorini sundowners.
Punta del Este is compared to the great European resorts
But if you are looking for a different experience, Jose Ignacio becomes one of the must-sees in Punta del Este, white sand beaches and transparent waters that you won't be able to let go. And why not sleep in the Hotel Laguna Garzon Lodge ? is a very interesting project, with floating rooms that allow contact with the nature and blend perfectly with the environment.
Parador The Footprint brings out a great kitchen, synonymous with the fact that traditional is good and the environment is charming. ** La Susana Beach Club & Restaurant ** is ideal for sunset, although its seafood is priceless. Get ready to enjoy on the beachfront.
Do not hesitate to visit Bodegas Garzon , awarded this year as the second best in the world , a pioneer in sustainability and with the cuisine of acclaimed chef Francis Mallmann.
What if we tell you that we have found a country that seems to have it all ? a peace that embraces and invites you to discover this little Latin American treasure full of colonial beauty, culture, harmony and tranquility.
What if we told you that Uruguay seems to have it all?