Uruguay is dwarfed by Brazil and Argentina, but this tiny South American country is emerging from the shadows cast by its giant neighbors The capitol Montevideo is warming up to becoming one of the continent’s favorite destinations. With its grassy plains and flat coastline, Uruguay naturally keeps a low profile. It’s an unhurried place where colonial architecture
and modern development balance each other out with ease. In between the high-rises of the capital Montevideo, stately mansions have been restored to their
former glory and now house theaters, museums and opulent hotels. Although Uruguay seems in no rush to be discovered, the news about its revival is spreading fast. In the past few decades, Montevideo has made a name for itself as one
of the most livable cities in South America, with advanced social policies
and free education for all. Add to that a warm, temperate climate, pleasant sea breezes and miles of beach boulevards and you’ll
understand why this peaceful city was bound to get noticed. From Montevideo’s pointy Telecommunications
Tower in the harbor you can see the lone hill that first gave
away Uruguay’s presence some 500 years ago. Some say a Portuguese explorer sailed by and
called out “Monte-vid-eo!” “I see a hill!”, while others believe it was the Spanish who
named the city. With the Portuguese claiming the land for
Brazil and the Spanish eager to expand Argentina, both nations hurried to forge strategic ports
and fortresses. This rivalry resulted in a tug of war lasted
for over three centuries, with Uruguay slipping into and out of the
grips of Argentina and Brazil. The Uruguayans never fully surrendered to
either side and, with England as referee, became independent in 1825. In the centrally located Plaza Independencia, visit the mausoleum for the revolutionary
hero José Artigas, who gave up his own freedom for the liberty
of his country. Above the ground, his statue faces the eclectic
design of the Palacio Salvo. A century ago, this skyscraper was the tallest
on the continent and it’s still a national symbol of pride
today. In the nearby Plaza Matriz, the cities oldest square, the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral also
reaches for the skies. Step inside to enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation
under its majestic roof. While this Roman Catholic church is still
the focal point of the Old Town, the multi-cultural ‘Montevideanos’ are
of many different faiths. With Portuguese and Spanish blood running
through their veins, it’s unsurprising that soccer has united
the locals like no religion ever could. Sports rivalries aside, the Uruguayans live in harmony with their
Argentinean and Brazilian neighbors and were quick to embrace the best of their
architecture, hospitality and culture. Ever since colonial times, Carnival has been just as important to Montevideo
as it is to Rio de Janeiro. Just like in Brazil, it all started with African slaves, who would dress up and parade in the streets
for harvest fest. And, in the Uruguayan capital you can also
get a taste of Brazil’s vibrant beach culture. Take a little vacation from exploring the
city and join the locals for a refreshing swim
or fun game on De Los Pocitos Beach. Watch closely, and you’ll see groups of
friends sharing a yerba mate A tea poured from a flask into
calabash gourds with silver straws. a tradition they share with the Argentineans. For the final proof that Uruguay combines
the best of both worlds, join the locals for lunch in the Mercado del
Puerto. From the irresistible barbecue smells coming
from under its wrought-iron roof, it’s clear that Uruguayans are just as passionate
about “parrilla” as the Argentineans are. First, take your pick from cuts of home-grown
beef or lamb at a market stall and then have the experts grill it for you
on the spot. One of the city’s most loved assets is its
19-mile long promenade, La Rambla. As you follow it along, from the Old Town to the outer suburbs, the walkway changes names often… but never
its appeal. Enjoy the community atmosphere in the late
afternoon, when office workers and students spill out
of the city to gather here for sunset. As they say, it’s often the journey that
teaches you the most about your destination. So, leave Montevideo behind for a little road
trip and soak up some history along the way. A great place to start is Colonia del Sacramento, just a few hours to the west of Montevideo
by car. Enter the riverside settlement over the drawbridge
of the Portón de Campo, the impressive city gate. Wander Colonia’s cobblestoned tree-lined
streets to take in the simple beauty of days gone by For lunch, find a table at an al-fresco seafood restaurant or take a seat in Colonia’s popular Drugstore
Café. The city’s most iconic landmark is its idyllic
lighthouse, set atop the ruins of a 17th-century convent. Make your way up to its lantern room and look out over the town and over the water towards Buenos Aires Basking in the last rays of the day, the colonial charm of this little peninsula
becomes even more authentic in the late afternoon. Hard as it may be to leave such a dreamy place
behind, it’s time to enjoy some of the country’s
historic beach resorts. Take a road trip along the coastal towns to
the east of Montevideo for a chance to really get off the beaten
track. Piriápolis is a local favorite, with nice beaches and great coastal views
from its hilltop San Antonio Temple. While there, view the Castle of Piria, the opulent mansion of a rich local who founded
the city in 1890. From Piriápolis, it’s few hour’s by car to La Paloma, another 19th-century beach resort centered
around its eye-catching lighthouse on the Cabo de Santa
María peninsula. Another recommended stopover on your way to Uruguay’s east coast is Punta Ballena. The small peninsula is home to Casapueblo, one of South America’s most awe-inspiring hotels local artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. Who created it as his workshop and living space, was inspired by the way local hornero birds shape their nest. After his death his life’s work became a
museum and the artistic rooms are rented out to guests. When you reach the lighthouse of Punta del
Este, you’ve arrived at the easternmost point
of the inlet, where the “Silver River” meets the Atlantic
Ocean. Punta del Este is one of those resort towns that reaches out to those who love the simple
pleasures in life, As with any journey, it’s often the little
things that stay with you the most. Although Uruguay may be small, its big heart…. and relaxing vibe…. create a lifetime of memories. Every time you feel a sea breeze, get a whiff of a smoking grill, or see the shimmering outline of a setting
sun…. you will think of Uruguay, and smile.
i want to visit uruguay
Uruguay in the wcup quarter final argentina on the way home
I love the mercato looks even better than the mercato in Barcelona- very nice movie !
Greetings from Greece to the beautiful Uruguay
Love uruguay from greece
Anyone else sees the fuck you spray painted on the wall at 5:22.
Beautiful city
Totally false , try going out at night…. very dangerous.
great stuff! would love to visit, seems like a very nice pleasant country.
I haven’t been back to Uruguay 🇺🇾 for 12 years going there next summer can’t wait to see my old neighbor hood but this time I’m going to see all of Uruguay not just stay in Montevideo
Expedia https://www.minilinkurl.com/7b0wf
Around 95% of Uruguayans are of European descent, with ancestry from Spain and Italy, but also from France, the UK, Russia, Germany, Poland, and some Eastern European countries. It is important to take this into account because most of these groups contributed to shaping our identity and their share in our ethnical makeup is often overlooked.
Muchas cosas q dijeron estan mal…pero igual buen video
This is a great country to visit.
Why do you have to constantly compare Uruguay you compare it to Argentina and Brasil. Uruguay is it own country !!
Uruguay is a suburb of Buenos Aires, except it's cleaner. LOL
Abrazo a mi amigos en Uruguay….Saludos desde Argentina!
¡Qué bonito es Uruguay caramba! Saludos amigos uruguayos desde Tikal, Guatemala.
Pienso visitar en Ago o Sep. Qué hermosa ciudad. Cuando es mejor epoca para ver partidos de futbol?
great video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRgrHwuexD0
Mi bello Uruguay, tendrían que poner imagenes de nuestros campos también, que son divinos. No todo es playa
Expedia https://www.minilinkurl.com/7vn6s
pasir pangang psa 2940
No te metas con uruguay entendistes
"Los Pocitos" beach jajajaja
Wrong ! We don’t have much Portuguese blood running through our veins ! We have predominantly Spanish, Italian, French & so on …
I don’t like how they talk about Argentina and Brazil so much but I liked the video. Planning to go there next year.
Saludos desde Ecuador.
Best Part about Uruguay, you can smoke cannabis outside, in public!
Hola, si te gusta Uruguay, debes venir ver nuestras videos
besos
Lo que hace tener poca población…
I know everyone are always searching for the best hotels and flights prices!
I found one of the best websites to book hotels,flights and cars rental!!!
Really big differences!!! https://app.travelor.com/r/18129
The best national anthem
…but then at night(creepy voice) Uruguay turns its back on you…
Seriously though Uruguay🇺🇾 looks beautiful and I hope to visit Montevideo soon
Love from the USA 🇺🇸
Uruguay es un pais muy bonito wey. Saludos desde Mexico hermanos ✌🏽
Expedia
https://www.minilinkurl.com/8h1j2
"Uruguay is emerging as one of South America's…" Well, during my upbringing in Santa Barbara, California, it couldn't be lost on anyone, however hard of hearing, that the upper classes there felt — and perhaps all over the US — that Uruguay was the equivalent of Switzerland. And this was in the 40s and 50s. Perhaps even before that. So "…emerging…" might not be an accurate description of the country's historical position as a tourist destination. Entonces Viva Uruguay, tierra bonita y gente amable con mejores recuerdos del tanguero Carlos Gardel.
Hay barrios chinos y japoneses como se encuentra en Vancouver, B.C., en Montevideo?
Wow ☺️ wonderful country with lovely people 😍😍😍
Definitely an underappreciated travel destination and undeservedly so albeit it wont be escaping my eye though. How I would love to visit next yr from Trinidad and Tobago. Uruguayans are like my soul mates, we're unapologetic meat and wine enthusiasts in kind.
진짜 할거 없습니다. 한국분들은 거르세요 꼬옥
Thinking of going pass Montevideo for a few days, does anyone know how it would be traveling solo?
the paradise or the iluminatti.
magellan a portuguese explorer went to Uruguay and may have called that montevideo
there is a big mistake in this video, the Uruguayans are mostly descendants of Spaniards and Italians, not Portuguese and soccer was brought to this country by the English railroad workers, it is the first world champion and the country with the most official titles in the world, It is not a small thing for a country with only 3.5 million peoples.
hermoso, algún día los visitare, saludos desde Chile…
I was there almost 10 years ago and loved it!!! I really liked the food, culture, customs, people, love of liberty, and all the old classic cars that people still drive. I drove through 15 of the 19 departments of Uruguay! I met the man outside of Colonia de Sacramento that is in the Guiness World Record Book for his pencil collection. I loved the Hot Springs in Dayman, south of Salto, way up north. I climbed to the top of that lighthouse in Colonia, but never did visit Paloma, which was past Punta Del Este. Great Vlog, you got my vote!!
hidden germ of a city
Estaría chido irse a vivir unos 5 mesesitos a Montevideo
Chance y hasta agarró una bella uruguaya y me la traigo a México 🇺🇾🇲🇽😁🤙
Nice
Free Education? Taxpayers paid for the education…..
Pais maravilhoso povo muito refinado e educado .
Beauty lies in the soil of Uruguay🇺🇾 .. Grasias from Bangladesh🇧🇩
Muy linda mi provincia rebelde 🙂 Saludos desde Argentina hermanitos 🇦🇷
Como que los datos históricos de independencia están muy errados….
Montevideo – my favourite city in Latin America! I will go there again in February! It is so great to walk thru Ciudad Vieja and along the Rambla and finish the day with a glass (or 2 or 3) of delicious Tannat red wine in Bodega Gato Negro in Punta Carretas! 😁
My Mum is from San Pedro Sula Honduras. I went there two years ago. I was terrified for every moment I breathed.
My Dad is from Uruguay and I have never been. After seeing this video….I desperately need to go. I didn't realize there were safer Latin American countries.
Went there back in 2009,and loved the relaxed feel of Uruguay.Hired a car and drove around the whole country.No traffic jams and fairly good roads.I want to visit again this year.Hope I get there!Adios!
Must go
İkinci vatanım seni cok seviyorum
That place is unknown…
Europe village video upload
Decent. 😀
Like Montevideo ,home Alop!
Montevideo and Adelaide of Australia are very similar. I really don't know why Uruguay not so famous(except football off course).
It's been a couple years since bringing this to the attention of Expedia and the Uruguayan government; at 5:23, on the left side of the screen, there is a clear and obvious obscenity spray painted on a structure, in English. This does not reflect very professionally on either agency as this video continues to be viewed unedited. On the other hand, it's nice to know that British, Canadian, and American tourists are given ample lingusitic accommodation when it comes to profanity in Uruguay 🙂
I luv Montevideo❤❤
MUY BUENA VIDEO SOY DE ALEMANIA Y VOY A IR JUNIO QUE ALEGRIA!! URUGUAY NOMASSS
Lindo país. 💓
Uruguay hijo de argentina
Expedia make a video about swaziland ;mbabane!!!!
Dios!! que bonito es Montevideo!!!! Gracias Expedia!
I'd love to go here! Greetings, from Northern California 🙂
Montevideo is beautiful city and capital uruguay
Hay muchisimo mas que ver en Uruguay solo llendo por dos semanas basta para recorrer todos los puntos mas lindos del pais recomiendo: barrios carrasco(montevideo), sierras de lavalleja ,dep.(estado) de lavalleja, dep. Rivera. , Salto termas , tacuarembo , paysandu y el cañon de laureles entre otros pueblos y cuidades
Wow Amem Glory be to God beautiful place Godbless im from philippines
Que lindo es montevideo, tengo que volver… Arriba uruguay carajo! (y eso que soy argento jajaja, Brasilero [email protected]@@ ajajajaja -no es en serio, me caen bien los brazucas, abrazos a todos y dejense de pelear al pedo.)
I luv Uruguay n i will settle there 4 ever. Amen live n die here. Peaceful Country no crime. GB Uruguay. Amen
Montevideo. Excellent job.
The narrator sounds Mexican.
Salute To All My Uruguayan Brothers From Naples Florida 🇺🇸 The Truth Of Uruguay 🇺🇾 Is in The People That’s What Makes Everybody That Visits Uruguay Want to Come Back Proud To Be Born in Uruguay 🇮🇹🇺🇾🇺🇸
Too bad the right wing authoritarians are trying to bring the world to a police state.
I think of Uruguay and ask why
Es muy lindo montevideo. Ermosa como argentina. Sus playas y la junte. Pero mi comentario es a la lotería como en argentina . Me gustaría que fuesen más controlados por que nadie gana más que las loterías que se respetará más desde que tenemos control con las computadoras las posibilidades de ganar no existen .
Que hermosa ❤️🇺🇾
Wonderful video. I grew up in Toronto Canada but I'm from Maldonado, the city surrounding Punta del Este and have a beach front property in Punta. I wish the video would have focused a little more on the amenities offered by Punta, as the peninsula is entirely devoted to it's annual tourist base. Punta del Este is not cheap. It caters to a huge amount of South American celebrities and the jet-set elite but there are enough hotel and restaurant varieties as well as cost free activities to allow visitors of every pocket size to come and enjoy what Punta has to offer. Most of the people I know, who have traveled to Punta for the first time, say it's the most beautiful place they've ever gone to, with the most beautiful, sun tanned people.
Uruguay is basically a large ‘neighborhood’ in South America, it’s not going to appeal to anyone who’s a tourist — that’s partly why I absolutely love it.
❤️
Soy de Buenos Aires y veo que Montevideo se parece mas a Buenos Aires que a Brasil 1. Por lo llano 2. Por el modo de hablar 3. Por la Carne 4. Por el Futbol 5.por similidud de Arquitectura Francesa española igual que en Buenos Aires y por lo Italoamericanos que somos ambos 6. Por el Idioma, 7. Por los Apellidos 8. Por tener el mismo río 9. Por las Personas 10. Por el Tango
Beautiful video on Montevideo.
I came here to see the country with the poorest president in the world
Great and beautiful country and people…….
I so much want to visit!! LOL
Going to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina can’t wait!!!
I met a nice man from Uruguay a month ago and I realised I didn't know anything about his country. Now I know more. Thanks!
Parabéns Uruguai, amei te conhecer e em geral as pessoas são super educadas.
how did Uruguay speaks spanish if portugal ruled that place? and why portuguese not spoken in Uruguay?
Hermoso, mi país…
Muy buen video..soy uruguayo viviendo en USA y este video me tienta a irme ..jjj
Uruguay lindo,saludos desde Croacia!
24.09.19. Wonderfull video. Me gustó mucho la sencillez con que instruye sobre lo que está filmando, para facilitarnos el conocimiento de los lugares, emblemáticos de las ciudades principales de Uruguay. Muy recomendable que lo vean los que no conocen este país acogedor, y para los que nacimos en él y queremos renovar nuestros recuerdos. Gracias! Desde Caracas
Montevideo is very but eful