Guru’Guay
A locally-produced guide to travel, living & investing in Uruguay
Latest musings
From the Guru’Guay blog
Is Uruguay a developed country? The case of Canelones
Every month, hundreds of people around the world Google ‘Is Uruguay a developed country’. This is the information they are looking for.
The sleepy beaches of Costa de Oro
Under an hour from the capital lie some of the Uruguay’s best kept secrets, because most of the tourists are… Uruguayan.
Guru’Guay ranks #1 of Uruguay sites
SimilarWeb.com has ranked Guru’Guay the top Uruguay website dedicated to travel, living and investing in March 2022.
Uruguay travel entry requirements 2022
Traveling to Uruguay? Requirements were updated by the government on April 1 2022. Check out what you need to travel at this time.
Is it hard to get residency in Uruguay?
Uruguay is probably one of the easiest countries in the world to obtain residency. Check out the requirements. UPDATED.
Why Uruguay celebrates “Tourism Week”—not Easter
Latin America is associated with Catholicism. As ever Uruguay is the outlier—with complete separation of church and state for over 100 years.
I was asked how the Covid situation is in Uruguay right now
Here’s my reply to how the Covid situation is like in Uruguay. I thought maybe you’d also be interested in an update. March 2022.
The curious tale of how Uruguay women first got the vote
The very first woman to vote in Uruguay was a 90 year-old of African descent. She and others decided the fate of a small town in 1927.
Not just great culture. Montevideo has 10 fine beaches
The capital of Uruguay has beaches with fine white sand, great for paddling or swimming, kitesurfing, with fairgrounds, and wheel-chair access.
When is the best time to visit Uruguay?
Avoid high season prices and crowded beaches. See Montevideo at its liveliest. Don’t miss carnival. So when is the best time to visit Uruguay?
Who can get tax residency in Uruguay?
…and how is it different to legal residency? Come away with a good understanding including how it compares with Portugal’s golden visa.
5 amazing beaches in Rocha, Uruguay
Without a doubt, Rocha has some of the very best beaches in Uruguay. And they’re almost totally deserted for virtually ten months of the year.
Taxes in Uruguay Q&A
Jump right in as we discuss burning questions from Guru’Guay readers on tax obligations for foreigners and residents in Uruguay.
8 things to do in Punta del Este
Argentines and Brazilians LOVE ‘Punta’–it’s Uruguay’s glamour puss beach resort. So you may be surprised at some of our must-do things to do.
Starting a business in Uruguay
Learn the basics of setting up a company in Uruguay—structures, set-up times, costs & requirements. Plus what to know about hiring & firing.
6 reasons not to miss carnival in Montevideo
Virtually unknown to people outside of Uruguay, carnival in the capital Montevideo is one of the most authentic in the world. Start planning now for 2022.
Our guides
Available on Amazon, Audible & good bookshops worldwide
The Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay
Beaches, ranches and wine country
The Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo
All you need to know about Montevideo
The audiobook is out!
The Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo
Your handy directory to Uruguay travel & living
Free download
Latest Guru’Guay Top Picks
Guru’Guay only recommends restaurants, hotels and people who absolutely love Uruguay & what they do
Salón No. 3 – La Barra gourmet cuisine, cafe & deli
Gourmet lunches, speciality coffee & pastries, out of an antiques store. Smoked hams, artisanal cheese & local produce from the Expendio.
Estancia El Ceibo – deepest Uruguay with minimal travel
It can take hours along pot-holed roads to reach the best estancias in Uruguay. This ranch, virtually unchanged since 1849, is just an hour from Montevideo.
Es Mercat – The best fish restaurant in Montevideo
We wager Es Mercat is the very best fish and seafood restaurant in the whole of Montevideo. Ask the chef to choose what you eat, for the best experience.
Doña Martina – 56 types of Uruguay empanadas
From classic beef to salmon & cream cheese, to delicious vegan to chocolate and nutella—Doña Martina serves up this Uruguay street food daily.
Los Nadies – Premium wine tasting in Montevideo
Your chance to taste some of the best Uruguay wines at the hand of one of the top three wine-makers in Uruguay at his home and winery minutes from downtown.
Wine Explorers – Private Uruguay wine tours
Private Uruguay wine tours & tastings. The unique wineries will be the highlight of your travels. Plus monthly group excursions for expats.
Bar Montevideo al Sur – Historic bar & cafe
If you’re looking for a traditional Montevideo bar with a community-feel, good honest food, great cocktails and a friendly vibe, this is your place.
Baco – Montevideo’s top wine restaurant
A French bistro with probably the longest wine list in the city and multiple by-the-glass choices is one of the best new Montevideo restaurants by far.
Pantera – Montevideo’s 1st bread club
A new Montevideo bakehouse selling ‘bread and other stuff’. Bagels to DIE for. Their innovative club sends sourdough (& culture) direct to your door weekly.
Bar El Mingus – Chill Out Restobar + Tuesday & Sunday Jazz
El Mingus is a one of the best restaurants in Montevideo—cool, contemporary, with the intimacy of an old-school bar. We love the great food & live music.
Verne – Fine dining in an aromatic herb garden
Outdoor dining in Verne, the star of a new restaurant scene on the coast a short drive from downtown Montevideo, is a feast for the senses.
Casa Flor – live the Uruguay coast like a local (VIP)
One of the very best hotels near Punta del Este, whose well-connected owners will give you access to the secrets of Uruguay’s coast most can only dream of.
Estación Penitente – Magical hill-top restaurant in Minas, Uruguay
Overlooking Uruguay’s Sierras de Minas, with views reminiscent of Greece. Traditional cooking, Uruguayan BBQ & wild boar. Day trip from Montevideo & Punta.
Big Bang Nature Stays – Bohemian beach domes
Unique ocean-front location to reconnect with nature—with luxury touches—on one of Uruguay’s most deserted beaches in Maldonado.
Mobility LC – Outstanding Uruguay relocation specialist
Uruguay residency, work permits, bank accounts, citizenship & whatever else you as expats in Uruguay need to make your landing smooth.
Academia Uruguay – Learn Spanish in Uruguay
If you’re planning to move to Uruguay, who better to learn Spanish with than native Uruguayan teachers? Online and face-to-face options.
Team Haverkate – recommended Uruguay real estate brokers
Team Haverkate specialise in finding dream Uruguay real estate for expats. They speak English, German, French and Dutch and can now offer you virtual tours.
Lobo Suelto – Best little foodtruck in the East
The best traditional food in Uruguay between the airport and the beach. Chivito, seafood and salads, all locally sourced — & veggies from their garden.
Arazá – Native Uruguay cuisine
Native Uruguay cuisine in Montevideo. Special events include monthly expeditions to El Prado park to identify local plants–and after you get to taste them.
Il Tano Suites – 420-friendly Punta del Diablo hotel
Your suite with private deck, close to secluded beaches, next to Pdd’s best restaurant. Probably the best value of all Punta del Diablo hotels.
Cabaña Verónica – Great steak & Uruguayan asado
The Port Market—Disneyland for carnivores—is not to be missed but avoid tourist traps! At Verónica’s, you’re guaranteed great steak & Uruguayan asado.
Il Tano Cucina – pasta & seafood in Punta del Diablo
One of the best seafood restaurants in Punta del Diablo & open all year round. Family-run, it’s minutes from the ocean & specialises in home-made pastas.
Stella Lorenzo Arq. – property appraisal and inspiration
An independent appraisal by a recommended professional with 20+ years experience will take the risk out of buying property in Uruguay.
Hotel Solís – historic, coastal B&B
Be a part of history. One of the best hotels in Uruguay—and British spy HQ!— nestling by Maldonado beaches and wineries, is being lovingly restored.
Adriana Rossi – your personal wine shopper in Montevideo
Can you believe this? A personalised wine delivery service in Montevideo. Adriana selects Uruguay wine to your taste and budget & delivers to your home.
Private consultations: Is Uruguay a great fit for you?
Are you considering a move to Uruguay—full-time, sabbatical or snow-birding—and want expert advice specific to your circumstances?
Alma Historica – art nouveau boutique hotel in Montevideo
Set off the most romantic park in Montevideo, Alma Historica is a truly boutique hotel. You’ll love the views of the Old City from the roof-top hot tub.
Living, working & investing in Uruguay
Guru’Guay teams up with one of the country’s top law firms, Andersen, to get some professional advice for our readers and foreigners all over the world.
NEW CONTENT
I’m buying a NEW build outside Montevideo
2021 ended with some big news for my family. We bought an investment property outside of Montevideo near the airport. And I’m documenting the process through articles and off-the-cuff videos.
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.
As seen in
