WEDGED BETWEEN ARGENTINA AND BRAZIL along Rio de la Plata’s Atlantic waters, Montevideo may be small, but it remains one of the most sophisticated and progressive capital cities in South America. Locals take pride in their city’s cleanliness, quality of life and vibrant culture. Many spend their mornings and afternoons in-line skating, jogging or lifting weights along the city’s 17-mile-long seafront esplanade before gathering for cortados and dulce de leche pastries during a 5 p.m. merienda (Uruguayan afternoon tea/snack).
“Uruguay is an incredible country with a wide range of options for honeymooners, family trips, friends’ trips but also solo travelers,” explains Diana Wrangham, Uruguay travel expert, Black Tomato. “The countryside that surrounds Montevideo is a destination in itself, boasting rolling plains and [a] wide range of wineries, while Montevideo houses many of the most beautiful and well-kept buildings of Latin America, including Palacio Salvo and Cerrito de la Victoria.”
Uruguay can also boast about its environmental policies. In less than 10 years, the country slashed its carbon footprint and lowered electricity costs without government subsidies. Renewables now provide 94.5 percent of the country’s electricity.
Rated as one of the most literate countries in South America, Uruguay’s low crime rate and corruption-free government cultivate a capital city in which creative energy thrives. Montevideo houses countless art galleries such as Museo Torres García, Museo Gurvich and Espacio de Arte Contemporaneo, but it’s the culinary arts that now flavor the city with creativity.
Nearly every culinary tour includes a visit to one of Francis Mallmann-protégé Chef Lucia Soria’s market-driven restaurants, Jacinto Café and Restaurant and Pizzeria Rosa. However, the offerings from Bueme’s Travel take visitors behind the scenes to explore the colorful markets and even meet the makers themselves with hands-on charcuterie workshops, wine blending sessions and cooking classes with Montevideo residents.
Montevideans celebrate their rich gaucho heritage daily, cooking hearty cuts of grass-fed steaks over urban asado grills and pairing them with heavy pours of local Tannat wine. Visitors can get the true gaucho experience with Lares Tours. The local company pioneered active and experiential tourism in Uruguay, offering tours on horseback, bicycle and paddle boards, along with a wide range of specialty tours focused on everything from family-friendly activities to birding. Consider its self-driving tour of Montevideo and the surrounding areas for a great way to take in the city’s natural beauty at your own pace.
By: Kristy Alpert
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedNorth America
Apr 17, 2024A New, Family-Friendly Hotel Opens on Orlando’s Universal Boulevard
Family travelers to Orlando have a new option for family- and pet-friendly accommodations thanks to the recent opening of Hotel Landy, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Located on Universal Boulevard and minutes from theme parks, the convention center and the airport, Hotel Landy takes over the former Hotel Kinetic, joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio collection.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Cruising
Apr 15, 2024Some of Europe’s Best Day Cruises
A week cruising along the Danube or the Rhine may be the stuff of dreams for many, but family travelers can enjoy views from the water in ways kinder to the family budget. Many riverside cities offer scenic cruises, and some Baltic or Mediterranean ports have daytrips to nearby islands or coastal attractions. In several cities you can cruise the canals, and in Switzerland you can spend a day cruising on Lake Geneva, with sightseeing stops in lakeside towns.
Multigenerational
Apr 15, 2024Enjoy Multigenerational Travel in New York with Motto by Hilton
Family Travel Agent recently found family travel will continue to grow this year, as 81 percent of families expressed their likelihood of traveling in 2024. Of that group, more than 50 percent plan to take part in multigenerational travel. If that multigen travel is taking place in New York City, two hotels, Motto Times Square and Motto Chelsea, prove ideal options.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Cruising
Apr 10, 2024Explore Holland America Line’s “Nieuw Amsterdam’s” Kids Club
Don’t think a cruise with Holland America Line is just for adults. Aboard the cruise line’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship, a dedicated Kids Club ensures family travelers of all ages have a good time both at sea and port.
ShareThis