Uruguay is a country in South America located between Argentina and Brazil. It has a good size landmass (the size of England and Wales, or Washington state in the US) but a population of just 3.5 million people. The unassuming nation has been off-the-radar to most Europeans and North Americans. But neighbouring Argentines have been flocking here for over a century to invest in property and, since the pandemic, to live.
Karen A Higgs, CEO of Guru’Guay, talks to foreigners—generally English speakers—about their experiences living in Uruguay.
Uruguay’s strengths include high rankings in terms of plentiful sources of water, a temperate climate, political freedom and civil liberties, and corruption (lack of). It is well above average in terms of healthcare, human development, economic freedom, income equality and sovereign debt.
As a small country, Uruguay is not a wealthy nation and does not have the resiliency of a large amount of sovereign wealth compared for example to a place like the US. However in an increasingly unstable world, when measured overall, Uruguay is one of most resilient countries to live. Read analysis.
Guru’Guay covered the stories of eight foreigners who found themselves stuck in Uruguay when the borders closed in March 2020 for El Pais, Uruguay’s oldest national newspaper. Uruguayans LOVED reading the stories—they are generally a very self-critical lot and found the appreciation for their country unexpected.
Read on to get an idea of what Uruguay is like in times of crisis. Good to know, right?
Thanks to Kris and Ryan from Oakland CA, Vici from South Africa, Elle and Jeremy from Canada, Chris from NYC, Clara from Spain/USA, Kate from Russia, Jao from France, Heidi from San Francisco by way of Garzón.
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.
