Uruguay is one of the smallest countries in South America, but it’s a prosperous and well-developed one. In English, its name means “river of the colourful birds,” and it’s also been referred to as the South American Switzerland, as a nod to its political stability. Atlantic Ocean cruises that stop in Uruguay port in the country’s capital, Montevideo, an exciting multicultural city with strong European roots.
Montevideo is an incredible place for sight-seeing, not only because of its beauty, but also because there are so many different architectural styles competing for your attention. From stylish Art Deco buildings to stately colonial establishments, the country’s British, French, Portuguese, and Spanish roots are evident wherever you look, in the narrow alleys of the Ciudad Vieja, or “Old Town,” which dates to the eighteenth century, to the wide, palm-lined avenues that line the oceanfront, and the modern Plaza Independencia, the city’s main square.
Arriving at port in Montevideo, you’re almost right in the heart of the Old Town, with beautifully-restored eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings instantly capturing your attention. There are restaurants with tempting local specialties, as well as shops and stalls offering local handcrafted items—leather and suede goods are the most popular purchases for visitors. From the Old Town, a walk of less than half an hour—or a short taxi or shuttle ride—will find you at the Plaza Indepencia, marked by a statue of the man who is considered Uruguay’s greatest hero, Jose Artigas, who was instrumental in the country’s fight for independence.
A walk along the Rambla de Montevideo is not to be missed. The Rambla is a wide walkway south of the Bay of Montevideo, crowded with tourists and locals alike. As you walk along you are treated to gorgeous views of the beach and ocean, and the sounds of the busy city, and there are shops and cafés for rest and refreshment along the way.
The sun, sea, and warmth that go along with a South American cruise make it a wonderful getaway for those who are hoping to escape a cold and wet winter. The peak busy season tends to be November to April, but the weather is comfortably warm for much of the year.
Uruguay is one of the smallest countries in South America, but it’s a prosperous and well-developed one. In English, its name means “river of the colourful birds,” and it’s also been referred to as the South American Switzerland, as a nod to its political stability. Atlantic Ocean cruises that stop in Uruguay port in the country’s capital, Montevideo, an exciting multicultural city with strong European roots.
Montevideo is an incredible place for sight-seeing, not only because of its beauty, but also because there are so many different architectural styles competing for your attention. From stylish Art Deco buildings to stately colonial establishments, the country’s British, French, Portuguese, and Spanish roots are evident wherever you look, in the narrow alleys of the Ciudad Vieja, or “Old Town,” which dates to the eighteenth century, to the wide, palm-lined avenues that line the oceanfront, and the modern Plaza Independencia, the city’s main square.
Arriving at port in Montevideo, you’re almost right in the heart of the Old Town, with beautifully-restored eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings instantly capturing your attention. There are restaurants with tempting local specialties, as well as shops and stalls offering local handcrafted items—leather and suede goods are the most popular purchases for visitors. From the Old Town, a walk of less than half an hour—or a short taxi or shuttle ride—will find you at the Plaza Indepencia, marked by a statue of the man who is considered Uruguay’s greatest hero, Jose Artigas, who was instrumental in the country’s fight for independence.
A walk along the Rambla de Montevideo is not to be missed. The Rambla is a wide walkway south of the Bay of Montevideo, crowded with tourists and locals alike. As you walk along you are treated to gorgeous views of the beach and ocean, and the sounds of the busy city, and there are shops and cafés for rest and refreshment along the way.
The sun, sea, and warmth that go along with a South American cruise make it a wonderful getaway for those who are hoping to escape a cold and wet winter. The peak busy season tends to be November to April, but the weather is comfortably warm for much of the year.
