Country number 54 for me – Uruguay, Montevideo and Punta Del Este which is one of its most popular resorts and referred to the St Tropez of South America. Check out my VLOG.
Trivia – did you know the first Football World Cup took place in Uruguay (1930) & all matches were played in the capital, Montevideo. Uruguay defeated Argentina 4–2 in the final.
Montevideo, the capital, boasts wonderful architecture, waterfront, statues and street art. Wandering the Old Town (Ciudad Vieja) is a joy. Check out the Teatro Solís (theatre), Plaza Independencia, Palacio Salvo and the Catedral Metropolitana. Mercado del Puerto & surrounds in downtown is also a great place to wander. Try the ‘parrillas’ (fire grills) for a heafty meat lunch or one of the many flavours of delicious empanadas for a lighter option!
You can see several statues celebrating José Gervasio Artigas (1764 – 1850), a soldier and revolutionary leader who is regarded as the father of Uruguayan independence. That goal was not attained until several years after he had been forced into exile.
Luck was on my side to see the Uruguayan armed forces in their full regalia, practising to swear in the new President the following day.
In Punta Del Este, one of its most famous landmarks can be found on Brava Beach which is stunning. It depicts 5 human fingers emerging from the sand – “La Mano” (The Hand). At the port, you can find sea lions waiting for snacks from the local ladies filleting their latest catch. But just 5 miles off the coast is Lobos Island (Isla de Lobos). This small island hosts large colonies of sea lions (15,000) and South American fur seals (250,000). This is the largest sea lion colony in the western hemisphere, making it an official nature reserve.
Wander the peninsula & take in the atmosphere, plethora of bird life, church and lighthouse. Then head back down Gorlero Street for shops & restaurants, saying hello to José Gervasio Artigas (1764 – 1850) who is a national hero – “the father of Uruguayan nationhood”.
