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Where are the best beaches in Uruguay?
A secret from North Americans and Europeans, Uruguay’s best beaches have been beloved by Argentinians and Brazilians for years.
For a few magical moments, we were in the Financial Times
Was it a dream? No. We have a screenshot that captured the kudos—us as “The best and most accurate guide to Uruguay”. #HappyDance
Uruguay looks to open cannabis to tourists
Visitors to Uruguay may soon be able to buy cannabis. The motivation, says the govt, is to remove ‘inequality’ between tourists and citizens.
An introduction to Uruguay wine country
Uruguay is the new world’s undiscovered wine gem. Plan your trip to Uruguay wine country. Tips to regions, wine tasting in Montevideo & private wine tours.
6 reasons I’m grateful I lived in Uruguay for the pandemic
Der Spiegel ranked Uruguay’s pandemic response #11 in the world. So what have I been grateful for every day of the pandemic?
How much does the Buenos Aires-Montevideo ferry cost?
As the borders open, we check out recent prices for the ferry between Buenos Aires, Argentina and the Uruguay capital, Montevideo.
Montevideo Carnival 2022 dates
Uruguay carnival is back in 2022! The world’s longest carnival returns. We’ve got the links you need about where to go and what to see.
*The* travel guidebooks to Uruguay & Montevideo
Praised by Lonely Planet, NYT and National Geographic, the Guru’Guay guides are the only Uruguay travel books on Amazon written by a local.
Why travel to Uruguay
Though barely on the radar to westerners, Argentines have been flocking to Uruguay for decades. So what kind of vacation awaits you?
7 things that I love about daily life in Uruguay
I moved to Uruguay with my family in 2000. These are some of the things that I’ve come to love about life in Uruguay—some big, some trivial.
7 things that frustrate me about daily life in Uruguay
I’m a Brit living in Uruguay. I could be living anywhere but chose life in Uruguay over two decades ago. Time to spill the beans!!
Updates for Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay: Beaches, Ranches & Wine Country
The beauty of buying a guidebook written by a local. Post pandemic, our Uruguay travel guide is still the best resource to finding the gems.
Spanish language students can enter Uruguay
While the Uruguay borders remain closed to most travellers until Nov 1, it is possible to enter as a language student regardless of your age. Updated.
Las Cárcavas – exclusive ocean front lots close to José Ignacio
Las Cárcavas is a beach-front real estate development of exclusive sustainable ranch-style lots on the coast, close to José Ignacio, Uruguay.
Those unmistakable rural schools in Uruguay
In the 1960s, a philanthropist and an engineer set about replacing “school shacks” in the poorest, most remote parts of Uruguay. They went on to build 228.
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.
Montevideo’s Romantic Museum, aka the Marble Palace
Hugely instagramable, this tiny museum hidden in Montevideo’s old town depicts the lifestyle of Uruguay’s most affluent at the time of independence.
5 reasons to put Uruguay on your travel bucket list
The unassuming South American nation is off-the-radar to Europeans & North Americans. But Brazilians and Argentines have been flocking to Uruguay for years.
Uruguay has a new UNESCO World Heritage Site
This modest church built entirely of brick has been called “a marvel of modern architecture”—and received the world’s greatest cultural recognition.
Atlántida – beachtown & UNESCO heritage site
Fine white sands, pines, 2 mysterious structures—an eagle head & a UNESCO Heritage church. The Uruguay beach of Atlántida is just 30 mins from Montevideo.
Popular with our readers
All about Uruguay – an overview from Guru’Guay
Coming to Uruguay? Get a quick overview of this little-known South American nation. Progressive politics, stable economy, amazing culture, soccer stars….
10 typical Uruguay foods you must try
Typical Uruguay foods — chivito, tira de asado, pamplona, torta frita, alfajor, dulce de leche… We go through each one, what it is and how you say it.
What is the average salary in Uruguay?
I often get asked what salaries are like in Uruguay. If you have any idea of the cost of living, you may be surprised. Figures from July 2020.
The night sky: Best places to stargaze in Uruguay
NASA-recognised astrophotographer Fefo Bouvier tells us about the night sky in the southern hemisphere and Uruguay’s best stargazing places.
Uruguay vaccine plan prioritises health workers, teachers & care homes
Uruguay to begin a mass vaccination plan against Covid-19 in March. Which vaccines are being used and who will receive them first?
So who’s the guru of Guru’Guay?
Karen A Higgs moved to Uruguay in 2000. Her renowned Guru’Guay travel guides to Uruguay and Montevideo are praised for their passion and soul.
Andes 1972 plane crash museum
The museum, in Montevideo, honours the survivors of the Andes plane crash. Yes, one of the greatest survival stories of the 20th century is Uruguayan.
Travellers in a pandemic in Uruguay – Where are they now? (Part 1)
The coronavirus pandemic trapped them in a country they did not know, yet they adopted it as their refuge. Where are these travellers a year later?
Top things to do in winter in Uruguay
Between June and August, visit Uruguay for horse-riding, deserted beaches, great culture, live music, bonfire parties, winetasting & whale-watching.
Can I get into Uruguay right now?
Are you trying to travel to Uruguay right now? Find out what the current entry requirements are and if you meet them. UPDATED.
“Uruguay is an eye of calm in a global storm”
This risk-management expert analyses the best countries for expats. Find out why he and his wife have just moved to Uruguay to live permanently.
What is the best way to travel from Buenos Aires to Montevideo?
Guru’Guay looks at the fastest, cheapest & most relaxing ways of going Uruguay to Argentina and back by ferry, plane and bus.
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.
Emigrating to Uruguay: How to become a resident
Immigrating to Uruguay? You usually need only an income of around 1500 USD and a clean criminal record. But don’t be flitting in and out once you apply.
Can foreigners buy marijuana in Uruguay?
Weed is legal in Uruguay but as a non-resident you won’t be able to buy cannabis. But you can receive gifts & smoke in public.
Scheduling your Covid vaccine in Uruguay
Vaccinations for COVID-19 are underway in Uruguay. Struggling to sign up for yours? Here’s what you need to know to schedule your shot with minimum stress.
Can I apply for residency from outside Uruguay?
If moving to Uruguay is your #1 goal but you don’t meet current entry requirements, there may be another option–residency via a Uruguayan consulate.
Uruguay’s new tax residency requirements
Uruguay’s new government wants to attract immigration. Their first move, on tax residency, is aimed at neighboring Argentines but could benefit you too.
Spanish language students can enter Uruguay
While the Uruguay borders remain closed to most travellers until Nov 1, it is possible to enter as a language student regardless of your age. Updated.
Winter in Uruguay – sunny and 60° F out
The temperatures for winter in Uruguay (June-August) may look balmy. But you may be in for an unpleasant surprise if you don’t do your research. Start here.
Our latest Top Picks
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.