Another country which was not in my plans BUT: talks and people made me change my plans. Finally, I decided to give a chance to the small country between Brazil and Argentina and discover the capital: Montevideo and the Saint Tropez of South America: Punta del Este.
Uruguay has a lot of Brazilian and Argentinian influence. Actually the Spanish accent in Uruguay is very close to the Argentinian one and the food is almost the same. Let’s say the assado is the base and after: some pizza, pasta and Bla Bla Bla. Just like Argentina.(and they also drink mate, the typical Argentinian tea).
My visit was short and I would recommend Uruguay if you have time, some money to spend and some friends heading with you. If you are backpacking around South America, I would not recommend Uruguay because it is a very expensive country and from what I saw: there is nothing you could not miss there APART the fantastic sunset (sorry Uruguay).
Colonia
It is an historic city and a lot of people say it is the most beautiful city of Uruguay. Unfortunately I could not explore it as I wish. Advice: Make sure you take the boat to Buenos Aires from here and to here if you are looking to pay less.
Montevideo
The capital is small compared to Buenos Aires or São Paulo however it is busy as hell. Most of the universities are here and every young come to the capital to study.
I walked and cycled around the city. I visited the National Library, the historic door of the city and, of course, the ramblas (cycle road closed to the sea… it is great to cycle all the city in sunny days.)
I did not feel in love for Montevideo as I did for Buenos Aires but it is a nice city (clean, organized and people are friendly).
After 2 days I left the capital and I went to the MIAMI of South America: Punta del Este.
Punta del Este
Are you ready to party?
Because if you are not and you do not have much money forget Punta. Punta is the city to live life, to enjoy the beach, to do extravagant things.
The story about Punta: — A couple I met in Brazil invited me to Punta and this why I included it in my road. I was happy. A lot of people told me maverolours things about PDE and as I was staying with friends I would not spend much money (things ended up differently, as always).
I arrived in PDE at night by bus and I needed to take another bus to get to my friends’ place. I was not very sure about the address and I was a bit lost especially because it was almost 10 pm (I knew it was not dangerous but I was not very sure where I was going).
I sat down in the bus I told the driver my stop and asked him to tell me when I should get off the bus. 2 minutes later an old lady sat next to me and she start asking me where I was going and from where I came from.
She had visited Portugal! She loved Porto! She was a big fan of Fado! She knew most of the cities in Portugal Ahahah. It was the first time in my South America trip someone knew my country so well. And from that, 5 minutes later she was already inviting me to stay at her place and go to friends on the next day.
You do not know where it is, it is dark. I like traveling…. You can stay at my place and go tomorrow morning to your friends. And you know what: I did it!!! And I am so glad I did it. I stayed in a lovely house constructed by the father of her husband in a very nice area. I felt I was in a fairy tale: Amazing beautiful.
Sometimes is just good to risk a bit.–
About things to do in Punta del Este: MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT MISS:
Sunset on the beach
Staying all day on the beach and at the end of the day drink mate and watch the sunset has been one of the best experiences I had in PDE.
On top of that: you can walk in the port at night and check the amazing Yates parked.
Beach
There are brava and mansa beaches and they are divided by the bus station in the city center. In brava you have more waves and the famous fingers. Make sure you take the traditional picture.
Night life
Barra is the place to go out. You have all the bars and clubs. Otherwise the city center and Ovo in the port also can offer you everything you wish to have a good night out.
Ps: There is also this huge restaurant in the city that moves while you are up there. So you can start your meal with the view to the city and finish in front of the sea. Something different!
I hope you liked this post about Uruguay and keep following my adventures.
Beijinho,
Daniela