URUGUAY TRAVEL GUIDE
Uruguay is a South American country known for its verdant interior and beach-lined coast. The capital, Montevideo, revolves around Plaza Independencia, once home to a Spanish citadel.
Often called the Switzerland of South America not for geographical features but for a stable democracy and social benefits such as free education, but mostly due to a developed financial sector based on bank secrecy.
Uruguay lies across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires (Argentina). If you thought the tango is the copyright of Argentina then you have got to see what a favourite it is with the people in Uruguay! They celebrate the Carnival with the joie de vivre of all Hispanic Americans. People visit this country to see the sublime Atlantic beach resorts, the beautiful town of Colonia still frozen in the 18th century and enjoy the great range of sports on offer.
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URUGUAY QUICK FACTS
- Capital: Montevideo
- Government: Republic
- Currency: Uruguayan peso (UYU)
- Area: 176,220 km²
- Population: 3,449 million (2018)
- Language: Spanish (official), Portuñol, or Brasilero
- Religion: Roman Catholic 66%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, non-professing or other 31%
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URUGUAY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 6 January, Epiphany/Children’s Day
- 19 April, Landing Day of the 33 Orientales
- 1 May, Labor Day
- 18 May, Battle of Las Piedras
- 19 June, Birthday of José Gervasio Artigas
- 18 July, Constitution Day
- 25 August, Independence Day
- 12 October, Battle of Sarandi/Día de la Raza
- 2 November, All Souls’ Day
URUGUAY WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Warm Temperate; Freezing Temperatures Almost Unknown
SPORT & ACTIVITIES
HIKING & CYCLING IN URUGUAY
You can enjoy outdoor activities in Uruguay throughout the year. The peak season is from December to March and can be a little hot, while the months of May to September can get rather chilly. The best time for hiking is during the shoulder season months of April, October and November when the crowds are less, but the weather still good.
BEACH OPTIONS IN URUGUAY
The best time to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Uruguay is from October to May, with the busiest peak tourist season (and warmest weather) between December and March.
SURFING IN URUGUAY
Uruguay has over 80 surf breaks scattered along its 200kms of Atlantic coast. There are waves all year round, but the best months are from September to November and from March to May.
KITESURF IN URUGUAY
You can find suitable conditions for kitesurfing in Uruguay from September to March, with December and January being the most consistent months. There are good flat water lagoons and wave spots for both beginners and advanced riders, the most popular being Laguna Garzon.
LGBTQ IN URUGUAY
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Uruguay are among the most liberal in both South America and the world. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1934. Anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBT people have been in place since 2004. Civil unions for same-sex couples have been allowed since 2008 and same-sex marriage in Uruguay has been legal since August 5, 2013.
Uruguay is arguably the most LGBT-friendly country in Latin America and has also tied 3 ranked most LGBT-friendly countries in the world with France and Switzerland. The annual Gay Pride Festival is currently known as the Diversity March and takes place in the capital Montevideo.
