Uruguay
The land between giants Brazil and Argentina.
Known as the Switzerland of South America, Uruguay sits on a piece of flat grassy land (the Pampas) known for the gaucho, who is similar to the cowboy in the American west. The gaucho is central to Uruguay's national identity, and cattle/sheep herders continue this tradition today. Another cultural highlight is the yerba mate (coffee/tea like drink) everyone seems to be drinking all hours of the day.
Post trip thoughts: First, it's a great, safe, and friendly nation with sandy beaches, hot springs, ocean lighthouses, stone forts, lovely old city plazas, cute museums, churches, and mile after mile of rolling grasslands, cows, and sheep. Also, Uruguay has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After traveling over 1,000 miles (1,900KM) across the whole country, I would say I've seen it all, and it's probably not a place I would return to. Also, the basic needs: gas, food, drinks, and even coffee were surprisingly expensive. Specifically, gasoline was about $2 dollars a liter, or $7.5 a gallon...A tiny coffee to go was $3-5 dollars, and a burger/fries from a food truck was around $10 and up. Going to an actual restaurant would set you back $30-40 for an entree and a tall beer. In sum, it is a very nice country. I'm glad I had the opportunity to see it all.
Quick facts: Source: CIA World Factbook
Area: smaller than the state of Washington
Population: 3.5 million
Ethnic groups: White 87.7%, Black 4.6%, Indigenous 2.4%, other 0.3%, none or unspecified 5%
Language: Spanish
Religion: Roman Catholic 36.5%, Protestant 5% (Evangelical (non-specific) 4.6%, Adventist, none 47.3%
Capital: Montevideo
GDP Per Capita: $32,000
Currency: Peso ($1 = 40 Uruguayan Peso)
Uruguay
Trip Summary
The land between giants Brazil and Argentina.
Date: September 12-25, 2025
Map Source: Google Maps
Distance: 1000 miles (1800KM) in a rental car
Route: Montevideo > Cabo Polonio > Punta Del Diablo > Chuy > Treinta y Tres > Melo > Tacuarembo > Salto > Paysandu > Fray Bentos > Mercedes > Colonia del Sacramento > Kiyu > Montevideo > Ferry to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Montevidio
Relaxed capital city surrounded by the ocean
This city of about 1.4 million people facing the Atlantic Ocean was founded by the Spanish Empire in 1726 as a military post to counter Portuguese expansion in Brazil. After being claimed by both Argentina and Brazil during the time of colonial succession in Latin America, Montevideo became the capital of an independent Uruguay in 1830. Today, roughly 40% of all Uruguayans live here.
Cabo Polonio
Rustic beach town inside of a national park
Fortress of Santa Teresa
Outpost Bordering the Spanish and Portuguese Empires
First built by the Portuguese, then rebuilt by the Spanish, this fortress started as a result of the 1761 Treaty of El Pardo which muddied the boundaries between these completing empires. In 1762, the foundation stone was placed in honor of Saint Teresa, and 3 different fortifications were built on this site the last being completed by the Spanish in 1775.
Fort San Miguel
Small but spectacular
Built by the Portuguese Empire in 1737, this small but well built defensive structure sits almost on the border between modern day Uruguay and Brazil. It was originally meant to observe Spanish forces in the region and then serve as part of a defensive line after the fall of Colonia del Sacramento to the Spanish Empire in 1762. It remained largely abandoned after Uruguayan Independence in 1828, but fortunately it has been well restored.
Fray Bentos
Anglo Meat Packing Plant: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Uruguay was almost a one export commodity economy: beef. A lot of this beef was processed at the Anglo facility (1859-1979) in Fray Bentos. From 1924, frozen meat was also exported, and the compressors, etc. for the cooling system is still largely intact and open to the public at the museum. The museum also showcases the office with all of it's communication and accounting equipment. More information about the site can be found at the UNESCO website.
Colonia del Sacramento
Historical UNESCO World Heritage Site
This touristy city was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 on the Rio de la Plata as an outpost that would end up trading hands several times between the Spanish, Portuguese, and later Brazilian Empires. It was permanently part of Uruguay after its independence in 1828. There's even a lighthouse, many old buildings, and other remnants of the past here. To learn more checkout the UNESCO website.
