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Guru'Guay Guide to Uruguay
Beaches, ranches & wine country
Excellent rating
Based on 37 reviews![]()
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Don’t leave for Uruguay without it This book was incredibly helpful. I used it for planning in advance, learning about the country, and choosing some last minute options. There is so much research, and because the author is essentially a local, it’s all updated and detailed. I’m just sad I couldn’t do everything, explore more of the country. Thank you for this research and info!ssd 5March 28, 2025
Another Practical and Insightful Guide to Uruguay As with her first guide book to Montevideo, Karen Higgs' most recent book on beaches, ranches and wine country is another gem for any traveler to Uruguay. My wife and I used it to plan our recent trip to Uruguay and it is well written, well organized, and filled with practical tips and great ideas. And as with her other book, you feel like Karen is talking directly to you as you read it which we can confirm since we have met with her twice, by video chat and in-person in Montevideo. Her book is unique, authentic, honest and yet still very passionately positive about this wonderful country, Uruguay. Karen, her books, her website will do wonders for your trip and we give her our highest recommendation.David BMarch 26, 2025
A Wonderful Read. The best and probably only good guide on Uruguay. A pleasure to read. You learn about all the wonderful places to visit: wineries, estancias, beaches, etc… Karen shares her interesting life and insights on Uruguay. She taught Spanish in Buenos Aires and then moved to Uruguay. A fascinating story. I love her books!victoria coxDecember 8, 2024
Expertly Researched and Engagingly Written! This book is a treasure because it combines in-depth research with an engaging style of writing. Karen Higgs skillfully combines history, perceptive observations, and a personable approach to both her readers and the people she encounters through Uruguay to produce a gem of a book. As a professor of history, I admire her ability to distill what she has researched and experienced into a guidebook that not only is eminently useful, but also a delightful read.Architectural HistorianNovember 16, 2024
Uruguay at its best This is a down to earth book for anyone interested in this beautiful country.Amazon CustomerNovember 14, 2024
Puts me in the mood for my Uruguay adventure! I’m going to Uruguay in December, so the timing of this new addition of the Guru'Guay Guide to Uruguay is perfect for me. I’ve already made many of my arrangements based on the Guru’s recommendations, but reading the 2nd edition is putting me in a good mood for my upcoming adventure. The author's relaxed and colorful, but also exacting, style of writing in perfect, colloquial English keeps my attention. It’s got the basic info I need, such as making sure I’m prepared to communicate on What’s app and to access Instagram for restaurant details, and to bookmark the interactive map for getting around Montevideo. For each of the destinations she recommends, the Guru describes such details as access to ATMs or how to be prepared to pay for services, as well as driving directions. But much of the dry stuff is at the end of the book, unlike in other guide books. Right from the beginning, you dive into enticing descriptions of relaxing destinations, with recommendations for hotels, estancias, restaurants, and wineries where the author refers to the proprietors by first name, and tells delightful stories about the place that often reach back many generations. The Guru also offers her own personal stories to illustrate her points. For example, in one restaurant review she writes, “My prawn sandwich called for 'red pesto’ and as I don’t like red peppers, they happily substituted a green basil pesto instead. I love these guys.” The Guru puts the reader right at the table with her. If you’ve already got the 1st edition as I do, it's still worth getting the 2nd edition, which includes many updates including descriptions of post-pandemic changes where they have emerged.Margaret P.November 12, 2024
Everything you need in one place! The author Karen Higgs is THE expert on Uruguay! Get this book and save yourself time searching through disorganized blogs. Her book and website make planning a trip easy!Solo travelerNovember 11, 2024
A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Uruguay's Hidden Gems! I recently had the pleasure of reading this book , and it exceeded all my expectations! As someone who loves to explore unique destinations, this book offers a fresh, insider's perspective on Uruguay that you won’t find in typical travel guides. The authors have done an amazing job showcasing not just the well-known spots, but also the hidden gems and local culture that make Uruguay so special.What sets this book apart is the depth of information and the genuine passion behind it. You can feel the authors’ love for Uruguay on every page, from the insightful historical context to the practical tips for travelers. Whether you’re interested in nature, food, culture, or local traditions, there’s something for everyone here.The writing is engaging and the photography is stunning. I also appreciated the eco-conscious recommendations and tips for responsible travel, which show that Guruguay really cares about preserving the beauty of this incredible country.If you're planning a trip to Uruguay or just want to learn more about this fascinating destination, this book is a fantastic resource. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic travel experience!PEREZ PATRICIANovember 11, 2024
Best guide to our country Perfect companion whether you are visiting or live here.Virginia IsbellNovember 11, 2024
The ONLY guide you will EVER need for all things URUGUAY!! Guru'Guay Guide to Uruguay is the only source we ever needed to learn about all the beautiful and wonderful places to visit in Uruguay, before actually MOVING to Uruguay last year! So think twice before buying her book, because you might actually end up falling in love with and moving to Uruguay as well! ;)This guide is wonderfully detailed, written, and has a wide variety of places for people to visit. ITs our go to!Christian O.November 11, 2024Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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The Guru'Guay Guides
The only Uruguay guidebooks written in Uruguay
Perfect for travellers and if you’re living 100% of the time in Uruguay.
Available on Amazon & Audible. Or order from good bookshops.
So, who's the Guru?
At the mere age of 22, Guru’Guay founder, Karen A Higgs, found herself stranded in Mexico City airport—with just a pocket Spanish dictionary for company. Since then, she’s lived most of her life in Latin America.
In 2000, she moved to Uruguay and promptly fell in love with this most understated and “European” of Latin American nations.