The Guru’Guay Blog
Bringing you the beef on Uruguay since 2013
Uruguay tourism is about beaches, wine, ranches, Montevideo, culture and architecture. We’ve got info on Colonia del Sacramento, Punta del Este, Ciudad Vieja vs Pocitos, music & celebrations, the meaning of murga in English and way more
Our Latest musings on Tourism in Uruguay
Uruguay borders to remain closed for the austral summer
To conserve its exemplary COVID-19 response, President Lacalle announced on October 22, Uruguay will not be open to international tourism this summer.
Status update: Flights to Uruguay
A collection of the latest information on flights and flying to Uruguay. Read our update regarding opening the borders to travelers.
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.
Heidi Lender: stuck in Uruguay in the pandemic
This San Franciscan photographer runs a Uruguay/US creative arts institute. “There’s not a day that I don’t think, I’m the luckiest person in the world.”
Art, Music & Film
The day Mick Jagger got to experience Real Uruguay
What happened to Mick, is what makes Uruguay completely different from other places. And you don’t need to be world-famous to experience it.
Montevideo’s Old Town is blooming
Ciudad Vieja, the Old Town, is Montevideo’s most socio-economically diverse barrio. Check out how neighbours are bringing locals – and visitors – together.
What’s on tonight in Montevideo?
Insider tips for things to do -mostly off-the-tourist track- while you are in Montevideo, from The Guru.
April – anniversary of the world’s most famous tango
The world’s most famous tango song is over 100 years old–and it’s Uruguayan! Every year a week-long festival in April commemorates The Cumparsita.
Discovering Montevideo through its live music scene
Do the same as Austin music journalist Nancy Flores and let Guru’Guay take you on a Montevideo musical journey. Tips every day of shows you must not miss.
Ana Prada – the face of modern Uruguayan folk music
Nominated Revelation of the Year by Rolling Stone Argentina, Ana Prada hails from Uruguay. She’s the best thing since sliced bread.
Balls – Giant statue in Montevideo inspires soccer cartoon
A short cartoon by Uruguayan artist Matias Bervejillo, inspired by the naked “Greeting Man” statute, a gift from Korea, which stands in a Montevideo barrio.
Beaches
Should I visit Punta del Este?
If you’re a party-loving 20-something sun-worshipper you’ll love Punta del Este Uruguay in January. Everyone else, stick to Punta off-season.
A day by the sea? Piriapolis and Punta Colorada
Piriapolis, an hour from Montevideo, is a charming Uruguay beach town, ideal for families, has an art-deco promenade and you don’t need a car to get around.
Countryside & Outdoors
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.
Montevideo’s Prado neighbourhood
Minutes from downtown, Montevideo’s leafy El Prado district is a photographer’s paradise of ghostly mansions, stately art galleries and tangled greenery.
Whale-watch in Uruguay
In Uruguay you can watch whales close-up from the beach. Save yourself an expensive trip to Patagonia & feel great that your viewing generates zero stress.
Uruguay’s rivers – video, 3 years in making, captures peace
This lovely amateur video shot over 3 years around the Cuareim and Yaguarón rivers in Uruguay. Its simple Spanish text include names of flora and fauna.
Parque Rodó – beach, kitsch fairground & Sunday drummers
My favourite park in Montevideo, Parque Rodo has tons of stuff to do for adults and children alike and the best view of the sunset in the city.
Getting to Uruguay
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Food & Drink
Montevideo Wine Experience – the underground sommeliers
Montevideo wine tasting? There’s a charming little wine-bar close to the port of Montevideo with the friendliest English-speaking staff you’ll meet.
What time do people eat in Uruguay
Dinner time in Uruguay is …10pm??!! Revealed – Your secret weapon in the quest to make it alive to dinner in Montevideo.
6 Uruguayan wines you MUST try
Argentinians know wine. Local expert Claudio Angelotti selects neighbour Uruguay’s best wines. The Guru translates his recommendations for your enjoyment.
Checking out the craft beer in Uruguay
For a country of 3 million, Uruguay has a notable number of craft breweries, all producing excellent craft beer, many using Belgian hops.
Where to watch the World Cup in Montevideo. Or where the real sports bars are
Forget those plastic replicas in the shopping centres. These are the real thing out in the neighbourhoods of Montevideo. Find character and characters.
3 Uruguayan white wines you must not miss
Uruguayan red wines may get all the press but descendents of Spaniards are producing some great whites – albariño, cocó and cabernet blanc.
Breakfast is not big in Uruguay
Bizcochos, medialunas and cafe con leche or mate. The traditional breakfast in Uruguay revealed.
Wine & Wineries
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Getting Around
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Holidays & Festivals
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Progressive Society
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Staying Safe & Healthy
How healthcare works in Uruguay
The cost of living in Uruguay is not low but healthcare is good and affordable. Find out how the Uruguay healthcare system works and how to be eligible.
What you MUST know about sunbathing in Uruguay
A hole in the South Pole ozone layer means the sun in South America is VERY strong. You can get SERIOUS sunburn in minutes. Follow these tips during summer.
New vaccination requirement for residency in Uruguay
From 2018 the Uruguay Ministry of Public Health requires anyone applying for permanent residence to show proof of vaccination.
Beware of dye-marked banknotes
In 2018, a spate of ATM robberies led banks to put dye-packs amongst the bills. Dyed notes were no longer legal tender. The deterrent seems to have worked.
What beach warning flags mean in Uruguay
What’s that green cross on the red flag all about? Wondering what the lifeguard flags in Uruguay mean? Check out the beach warning code.
If you drive in Uruguay, NO drinking alcohol
There’s zero tolerance. Not even a glass. The police are hot on breathalysing tourists right now. And the consequences could be worse than you think.
Power sockets and plugs in Uruguay
In Uruguay we have a bunch of different electrical power sockets and plugs, so which power travel adapter should you bring? Simple advice from a local.
Is the Zika virus in Uruguay?
It’s a *South American* epidemic, right? Not so. South America is huge and diverse. Uruguay has had just one case of Zika virus, much less than the USA.
Pura vida! The air in Uruguay is the purest in the world – and that’s official
Uruguay has the best air quality in the world according to a study by Yale University. Guru’Guay looks at the 2006 smoking ban and forestation.
The Uruguayan Character
Does Uruguay have the happiest news show in the world?
The weekly Uruguayan news show is an “antidote to depressing TV news” and an internet sensation. #gottaloveUruguay
Uruguayans invented the mammogram and the birth control pill
As 10% of all women get breast cancer, the mammogram is arguably among the most important techniques of the last century in advancing women’s health.
The Andes 1972 Museum – one of the great human survival stories of the 20th century
Best things to do in Montevideo – visit the moving Andes 1972 museum which honours the survivors (all Uruguayan) of one of the greatest survival stories of the 20th century.
Uruguay is the best countreeee — Joke becomes national hit
Uruguay turned a national in-joke into an international tourism campaign. Do you think it works?
Things To Do
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Tipping & Money
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When To Visit
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About Guru’Guay
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