Bordered by Argentina to the west and Brazil to the north, Uruguay has a long coast, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Rio de la Plata to the south.
While it may be a small and often overlooked country, there’s a lot that makes Uruguay stand out. For one, it’s considered the strongest democracy in the Americas. Uruguay also ranks towards the top of the heap in South America for peace, economic freedom, innovation, and income equality. It has the lowest poverty rate in Latin America.
Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, truly is the beating heart of the country. There’s plenty to see and do here—from learning about the guacho culture and attending barbecues to watching soccer matches and enjoying mate (tea made from the yerba mate plant).
Montevideo is on a freshwater river but going to the beach is still a big part of life here. Playa Pocitos, within walking distance of the city center, is a great place to lay your towel down and relax for a bit with a picnic.
History buffs will love the beautifully-preserved 18th century buildings you’ll see all around Montevideo. And if you like to socialize, you’re in luck. There are numerous bars, restaurants, and cafés all over the city where you can go to enjoy the finest steaks and the best wine.
If you want true beachside living, look to Punta del Este. It’s one of the most famous beach towns in South America, attracts the elite from around the world, and is often referred to as the St. Tropez or Monaco of South America. You’ll find high-end developments with stunning penthouses and multi-million dollar yachts docked in its marina.
Spend your days in Punta enjoying the beaches, browsing the main shopping avenue of Avenida Gorlero or looking at local handmade crafts at the fair. The beachfront boulevards coupled with the lighthouse and the yacht harbor are also worth a visit.
Renowned for its white sand and clear water, Brava beach is a local and expat favorite. The beach is lined with restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops—so if you need a break from the sun there’s plenty of other things to keep you entertained for the day.
The Punta Shopping Mall has an array of stores and restaurants… plus entertainment venues where you can watch a movie or go bowling. You’ll find water sports in abundance here, including swimming, sailing, kayaking, and surfing. If you are a golfer or tennis player, there are plenty of courts and courses in the area, too.
Although Uruguay is not the cheapest country in South America, it’s still more affordable than living in parts of the U.S. or Western Europe. A couple should budget about $2,500 to $3,000 a month for a comfortable lifestyle.
Until next time,
