Uruguay ~ Travel Information & Travel Pictures
Travel in Uruguay a bonus South American holiday!
My all-too-brief travel in Uruguay came almost as an afterthought on a South America holiday in Chile and Argentina, when I realized that I could take the high-speed ferry from Buenos Aires across the Rio de la Plata to Montevideo, a three-hour trip.
My trip to Montevideo and the Uruguay resort Punta del Este (site of the hand in the sand) to Casapueblo and the beach at Piriapolis, turned out to be one of the highlights of my South America trip!
I fell in love with this friendly country -- great food, wines, shopping malls -- and can't wait to go back to explore more on a long stay vacation.
Uruguay Travel Information Read on for fast info about Uruguay visas, money, drinking water, safety, language, driving and more. Enjoy your trip !
Uruguay travel information and tips
Where did the word Uruguay come from? In the Guarani language, URU means Bird, GUA means Painted, Colored, and I means Water.
Currency - what money do they use in Uruguay? Uruguayan peso (UYU) 20 pesos UYU = $1 USD OR $1 USD = .05 pesos UYU (rates fluctuate) a favourable exchange rate for Canadian dollars. And one Euro = 32 pesos UYU. And One British pound = 39 pesos UYU. Other tourists that I spoke to (as you do when you're traveling), offered me the intriguing insight that Uruguay retirement homes or long-stay options give better value for money than those in the southern U.S.A. or other countries in Central America. See travel currency tips page.
Airlines, cruise stops in Uruguay International flights arrive in Montevideo (airport code MVD), often via Buenos Aires Argentina. There's also an airport in Punta del Este (airport code PDP) for connecting flights from Montevideo. The southern coastal areas of Uruguay is a favorite port of call for South American cruises. (See Uruguay resort Punta del Este for the giant hand in the sand!)
Uruguay Travel Maps and travel guides Check with your hotel for a tourism map, or for in-depth information, get Uruguay Country Profile (and Guide to Uruguay business, laws, etc)
What language do they speak in Uruguay? The official language is Spanish, with English commonly spoken; English is now taught as a second language in Uruguay schools. Take along a Latin American Phrasebook
Travel Health - Is it safe to travel to Uruguay? Travel is generally considered safe, but check with a travel clinic for current recommendations. See travel documents tips page and disclaimer page for government travel advisories links.
What side of the road do they drive on? In Uruguay they drive on the right. See hotel and air packages for Uruguay, and car rentals Uruguay.
Uruguay Weather and Climate Best time to travel is usually the shoulder seasons - Spring and Fall (opposite months to northern hemisphere). The Uruguayan summer months -- November, December, January, February can be very hot, with thunderstorms. August can see damaging windstorms. In July 2007, the temperatures dropped to near 0C (32F).
What to wear and pack for Uruguay Generally plan to wear whatever clothing you'd wear in Canada, the USA or Europe in similar season, allowing for rain gear or warm jackets depending on time of year and location in Uruguay. See all travel tips and what to pack tips here.
Do I need a Visa for Uruguay? Visa requirements vary by country, etc. Or use search box to check visas to from all countries here. Canadians check at Uruguay Embassy in Canada. U.S. citizens can go to Uruguay Embassy Washington. For Consulados de Uruguay, see Consulados de Uruguay (in Spanish, but addresses for USA offices listed here.)
Where to stay in Uruguay Check prices for all hotels in Uruguay (list by city).
Hotels in Montevideo In Montevideo, I stayed in the Old Town at the Balmoral Plaza, and was very happy there. Check prices for Montevideo Uruguay hotel deals here.
Hotels in Punta Del Este What do Punta del Este hotels cost? Or check rates for Punta del Este B&Bs, and a very special celebrity choice Casa in Punta del Este.
Phone Calls to and from Uruguay If you are taking your mobile (cell phone), check with your carrier first to make sure you can, and what the fees are. Info about why to use phone cards, preferably pinless rechargeable calling cards or buy phone cards locally in Uruguay.
Beaches in Uruguay all beaches in Uruguay are free and open to all.
How nice are Uruguayans? When I arrived, my ride was not there to meet me at the ferry terminal. The port staff (for whom English was as much a challenge as Spanish is for me) went out of their way to locate a driver to fetch me. What a wonderful welcome to this country, this kindness to strangers!
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