Find Guru’Guay products and services for your travel or relocation to Uruguay
Vacation
→
Relocation
→
Montevideo’s agricultural market, known locally as the MAM, will be the first business in Uruguay to be certified a ‘Friendly Biz’. Making it the first officially gay friendly market in the whole of Latin America.
Uruguay is the second country in the world to adopt the certification standard which was developed in another Latin American nation, Colombia. The standard guarantees LGBT clients respectful and equal treatment.
The Friendly Biz standard is being promoted by the Uruguayan LGBT chamber of commerce as well as the government.
The chamber is quick to point out that Uruguayan business owners or employees don’t actively discriminate against LGBT clients and businesses welcome guidance around what’s appropriate—and indeed, legal. The certification is an opportunity to educate in neutral, respectful language as well as Uruguay’s progressive legal framework of rights for LGBTI folk.
The Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo or MAM is a publically-owned, privately-run market with shops, bars and restaurants. It is the first Uruguayan business to take the certification which involves training workshops for employees, an evaluation and an audit. The process to become a Friendly Biz takes about 6 weeks and after the MAM, the chamber plans to certify at least ten businesses in 2018.
The Friendly Biz certification has been developed by the Colombian LGBT chamber of commerce (CCLGBTco) as a business quality of service certification. Uruguay is the second country to adopt the standard as a country-wide initiative.
It makes good sense in a country where during the capital’s pride parade—known as the Diversity March—brings together almost 100,000 people, one in every 15 inhabitants.
Uruguay does it again in terms of LGBTI rights. #GottaLoveUruguay
Gay Uruguay The most gay friendly nation in Latin America
Cover photo: From the MAM website
Namasté — Vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo
Namasté is more than just a vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo. This colourful, family-run spot has been serving vegetarian and vegan food since 2008. And the food is only part of the experience. Come for a relaxed meal, stay for the atmosphere, the friendly service and the chance to slow down for a while.
Dance tango in Uruguay. Whether a complete newbie or you already dance, the tango scene in Montevideo is a great way to make friends.
Estancia Los Plátanos – Authentic 6th generation ranch
Venture into deep Uruguay to Estancia Los Platanos, a working ranch. Just 3 guestrooms—and there’s a gorgeous indoor pool.
Nominate your favourites for the 2027 Montevideo Guru’Guay guide
Do you love a business in the capital that absolutely MUST be in our next best selling Montevideo guidebook?
Ignacio Fuentes, RE/MAX – Recommended Montevideo realtor
Montevideo real estate made easy—foreigners trust this realtor for smooth, reliable rentals and property purchases.
Estancia El Cangüé – Cattle & roses in Paysandú
Home to Uruguay’s biggest rose collection, this 200 year west Uruguay estancia is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure or a wedding.
Martín Pescador – Sierras ranch 1 hr from ocean
Just an hour inland from the beaches of Punta and José Ignacio, the perfect Uruguay estancia, horse riding and trekking.
Uruguay LGBT rights – A trailblazer for over a century
Did you know Uruguay is among the most LGBT-friendly countries worldwide? Small nation. Big equality record.
TEFL Uruguay: new qualification for foreigners and Uruguayans to teach English abroad
TEFL Uruguay comes to Montevideo in 2027: Four-week face-to-face training for foreigners and English-fluent locals.
Expats in Uruguay spill the beans: What life is really like
We interview foreigners in Uruguay who moved here from principally English-speaking countries so you can learn from their mistakes.
Did you know Uruguay is among the most LGBT-friendly countries worldwide? Small nation. Big equality record.
Uruguay makes history once again. Euthanasia in Uruguay is now legal. We learn what went on behind the scenes from the most visible campaigner.
I’ve lived all over the world. Here’s my evaluation based on my experience living and travelling in Uruguay for the last 20+ years.
Cannabis in Uruguay decoded: How legal weed works—from pharmacy scans to 420 culture—its surprising stats and real social impact
A member of the Guru’Guay team shares her great-aunt’s story, highlighting the dictatorship’s lasting impact on Uruguayans.
Uruguay is known for its progressive laws and society. So how come it fell under a dictatorship? Guru’Guay explains.
