Know before you go series

The Torres del Paine National Park. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Know before you go: 8 tips before travel to Patagonia

Written by Caro on May 10, 2021. Posted in Argentina, Chile, Know before you go series, South America & The Caribbean. 3 Comments on Know before you go: 8 tips before travel to Patagonia

Learn 8 tips you should know before you go to Patagonia.

Traveling to Patagonia is a dream destination for many travelers, either the weekend wanderer or the adventurous outdoorsman. This easily qualifies as one of my favorite places on earth; like many others I was mesmerized by the pure beauty of the landscape. And, like everyone with a little bit of gaucho in their blood, Patagonia left an indelible impression in my soul.

Patagonia is very diverse and simply breathtaking, but this blog will focus on the southern half of Patagonia, where you can visit El Chaltén, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Torres del Paine.

Patagonia is huge

Patagonia, simply put, is massive: not only does it span two countries – Argentina and Chile – it engulfs five of Argentina’s provinces: Chubut, Neuquén, Río Negro, Tierra del Fuego and Santa Cruz.

Patagonia is incredibly diverse and the best way to divide this region, is not by country borders, but in half: North and South. The North and South of Patagonia are very different environments, and you will need to prepare for both as such.

The North, which can be considered where Bariloche is located, is very similar to the Pacific Northwest with towering pines, mountain lakes, and thick forests covering the terrain. The South is pretty much a tundra of low grass, brush and wind – LOTS of wind. Flying over this part of Patagonia can feel like you’re over a desert, but you’ll see turquoise rivers cut through the grey landscape. Each half has its own charm and beauty but be prepared for two totally different experiences!

Tip: Chile’s side of Patagonia is even more different still – due to climate and weather phenomenons, this side of the southern Andes has trees and other vegetation apart from tundra and low brush.

When to go

There is no wrong time to visit Patagonia, but when you choose to go your experience may be totally different. If you go in the summer months, December through March you will have access to a lot more activities and hikes than other seasons. While the fall and spring bring their own charm, you may risk losing out on activities due to snow closings.

The weather is totally unpredictable in Patagonia, so be well packed and ready for anything no matter when you go.

The region is known for incredibly strong winds, sometimes reaching over 100 km/h, followed by storms that can materialize out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly. While it can be warm, don’t expect hot summer weather that you might encounter closer to the equator. When it comes to dressing for the weather in Patagonia, plan on wearing things that are waterproof, including your hiking boots, and prepare for the possibility of freezing temperatures.

What you NEED to bring

Check out our packing list to get the full scope, but you seriously do need hiking boots which are comfortable and waterproof. Patagonia can be cold, rainy, muddy and very rocky with many trails that go off the beaten path. Make sure you are prepared to handle whatever the region throws at you.

Bring lots of layers that allow you to regulate your body temperature and will keep you dry. Windproof and waterproof gear are the most important items you can bring aside from a good pair of hiking boots.

Tip: Bring thick socks. Blisters form when there is excess friction between the shoe and foot; thick socks will not only help reduce friction, but it will keep everything tight so if blisters do form it won’t be a major issue while hiking.

Slow travel

This is a rough landscape and travel will be slow; either the weather will not play along, or the terrain makes travel time much longer than you would expect. Plan ahead with a couple of buffer days in case the weather does not cooperate or if you have long travel days to get to national parks.

Tip: Some excursions or tours will take longer due to the route they choose. The longer tours will be a smoother ride, but with a shorter (tougher) drive you can avoid longer travel times.

View from Blanca Patagonia Boutique Inn and Cabins. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Border crossing

Border crossings can be a pain, and this is no exception. Depending on the time you arrive at the border it can be an arduous process… you will have to go through customs four times in an excursion (some have noted that it can take an hour or more going through customs).

If you decide to cross the border, be aware of what you’re carrying as each country has different laws. It’s easy to forget as you will spend lots of time on a bus but keep an eye out for the different control protocols. In Chile, as this area of Patagonia has more flora and vegetation, you will go through a screening process to keep invasive species out.

It’s normal to have on snacks in your bag for long journeys, but make sure you eat or drink anything that isn’t permitted before you get to the border (especially meat, fruit, and dairy products). Check all your bags and pockets thoroughly as you may face a hefty fine and delay the tour.

Read blog: Visit El Calafate in Argentina: The gateway to the best attractions

Mate

Mate is the one thing I never leave without…but against better judgment I left it off this trip. However, there is no shortage of the local beverage and you’ll find lots of hot water stations to refill your thermos. Mate will also last longer than coffee and provide you hours of energy from the caffeine – this will come in handy while you are braving the extreme elements Patagonia can throw at visitors. One of the great joys I get is to drink mate outside surrounded by nature. Take a chance to zen out in front of a mountain lake or waterfall while drinking the warm tea.

What to eat

Argentina is famous for its parrillas – multiple cuts of beef grilled over wood coals; Patagonia does not shy away from this tradition at all. However, the region is famous for grilled lamb –Cordero Patagónico – a dish you cannot leave without trying. There are tons of different restaurants all offering this iconic meal, but don’t worry, no matter where you go you’ll be eating very well.

Guanacos are the regional cousins to llamas and a puma’s dream meal. Guanacos can overpopulate land, bringing more pumas to estancias (ranches) or they end up eating all the grass meant for herds of sheep. These animals were decimated in the early centuries by fur traders, so hunting guanacos can be controversial but considered by some to help maintain the population at safe levels. In Patagonia, the meat is considered a delicacy and not a normal dietary staple. However, there are some restaurants that are allowed to purchase guanaco meat – this is one of those delicacies found when traveling, and if you are up for the experience, try a guanaco burger or empanadas.

Stews (guisos) are a great way to warm up and get crucial nutrients while out in the Patagonian wilds. The local corn, squash and lamb stew, Locro, is very good and found all over the region. Other stews made from lentils or rice are just as delicious and filled with hearty items like sausages.

Patagonia beer is my favorite beer brand in South America and brewed in northern Patagonia’s Bariloche. They have a whole array of flavors, each that pair great with the full spectrum of Argentine cuisine. Wine from Patagonia is very unique and pairs well with most meals. However if you want a good hearty wine you can’t go wrong with a local Malbec.

Calafate ice cream: Calafate is not just the name of a town but it’s a local berry that grows in the wild. Yes, it may be cold out, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying this local and unique flavor of ice cream.

Cost

Flying to the edge of the world can be expensive. You may want to consider a few options to help you manage costs regardless of how long you will be staying in Patagonia.

Combining trips: Trips to Patagonia can be much cheaper if you buy them from Argentina, Chile or Uruguay – like we did – as flights will be cheaper. However, it may not be the case from other South American countries so make sure to check prices within you first destination.

Accommodations: While there are lots of options ranging from luxury hotels to communal hostels, choosing a good place is key. While we stayed at a gorgeous hotel with cabins which included breakfast, there are other accommodations offering kitchens where you can cook on your own. However, many travelers to the region will be on all day excursions, which offer lunch, so a personal kitchen may not be worth the price.

Excursions: The majority of your budget will be taken up by your trips to the national parks or other iconic locations. Some places, like the Perito Moreno glacier, will offer activities not included in your initial excursion for an extra charge. Many of these options are worth the additional cost, so keep in mind you may need to make tough choices.

Restaurants: Generally speaking, you will get a great meal in Argentina for less than you normally spend in other countries. In Patagonia, you’ll find the same experience, but it also depends on where you stay. If you stay in El Calafate, you can be sure you’ll be eating great in a variety of restaurants and not break the bank. If you stay in a more isolated location, you may spend more than you bargained for.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

Overwater bungalows at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Know before you go: 8 tips before travel to French Polynesia

Written by Caro on March 4, 2021. Posted in French Polynesia, Know before you go series, Oceania.

Learn 8 helpful tips before you travel to the wonderful destination of French Polynesia.

Whenever I think about French Polynesia a few things come to mind: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Gauguin, and surfing. French Polynesia is the true “once in a lifetime dream destination”; not only are the islands literally in the middle of nowhere but the associated costs can be daunting. I was so excited when we decided to make this our honeymoon destination and it would definitely check one off our travel bucket list. However, I quickly realized how little I knew about the islands. Here are some tips you should know before travel to French Polynesia.

Island hopping: what island(s) to visit

French Polynesia has an enormous number of islands that can overwhelm travels when choosing where to go. Bora Bora is the most popular island, but the hidden gem is Moorea – you have an entire island with tons of beaches and restaurants. In Moorea, you’ll have lots of opportunities to venture out on your own, explore beaches and hike up mountains to get unbelievable views. We highly recommend you don’t skip over Moorea, as you’ll have many more things to do than in Bora Bora (and expeditions/tours are much cheaper).

Tahiti, the capital island, is much more urbanized than you would expect and can tend to be overlooked. While it has its charm, it’s a great island for surfing, our focus was maximizing our time relaxing by the beach. We stayed one night upon arrival and set off to Moorea in the morning.

If you plan to visit multiple islands, consider Air Tahiti, the domestic air carrier (Air Tahiti Nui is the international carrier). Air Tahiti offers several multi-island passes which can save you lots of money instead of booking multiple single leg flights.

Surfing

Surfing is big here, like in many South Pacific islands, and if your timing is right you can catch some of the biggest names competing in the Billabong’s Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o in this elite tournament. But don’t just watch…Tahiti is great for surfing and there are lots of schools for beginners to learn the sport!

Pearls

French Polynesia is famous for its abundance of pearls…specifically black pearls. In truth, pearls can be bought pretty much anywhere on the islands, from resorts to jewelry stores. For more adventurous types you’ll have a chance to dive for pearls, but unlike Steinbeck’s The Pearl, there are plenty of farms offering travelers lots of opportunities to harvest these jewels.

Gauguin

There are few places in the world that have become so synonymous with a single artist, and French Polynesia goes hand in hand with Paul Gauguin, the post-impressionist painter. The moment you land in the archipelago, you are instantly transported to his world. It blew my mind to get such a sense of familiarity just by being acquainted with his paintings of the islands and its inhabitants.

More than that, Gauguin lived the western dream of leaving civilization behind to live in paradise – you can even visit his grave. He served as the inspiration for generations of artist and travelers, despite his shortcomings you cannot help but see the islands through his eyes, experiencing the intense colors sprinkled throughout and snapshots of life his paintings offer. Many times on this trip I would find myself looking at the landscape feeling I was in one of his works – it is that close to the reality of the islands.

On the ground

Language:

Yes, it’s obvious that French is the official language, but you’ll find English is widely spoken as well.

Safety:

French Polynesia is one of the safest places in the world, but it’s always good to practice basic precautions – don’t leave valuables out of sight and don’t walk around by yourself on deserted beaches.

Plugs:

Power plugs are type A, B (both are used in North America), and E (typically used in Europe). The standard voltage is 110/220 V, and the frequency is 60/50 Hz. While we had no issues using type A or B, it’s always best to have a universal adapter (with surge protection) handy.

Currency:

The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (CFP). US dollars are widely accepted, especially for excursions, but if you are off on your own it’s best to have some of local currency for small purchases. Keep in mind that some shops, like roadside food stalls will only accept cash.

You can use your credit card at resorts, for car-rentals, restaurants, and various shops.

Tip: ATMs are called “billetterie” and can be found in banks, resorts, and some post offices.

Expensive

Yes, French Polynesia is an expensive destination to visit, but there are some tips to avoid all the expenses. As one of the more desired honeymoon destinations, a trip to French Polynesia is a luxurious experience with overwater bungalows, lots of luxurious resorts and R&R options that can dent your wallet.

We did a half board option that included breakfast as our meal option, which worked well in Moorea – the island has plenty of dining options and you can get cheaply priced groceries at any market (perfect for a picnic or on-the-go meal while exploring). However, when we got to Bora Bora we realized that an all inclusive option would have saved us much more money! The most popular resorts are too far from the main section of the island that you are essentially forced to have all your meals at your hotel.

Tip: Strategize your excursions carefully. For example, you can go whale watching from any island as all boats go to the same geographical area, but in Bora Bora the prices are almost double what you would pay in Tahiti or Moorea.

Marine life

Whale watching is a must do when visiting French Polynesia, but what’s even more fun? Swimming with humpback whales! The islands where you will have the best chance to see or swim with whales are Moorea, Tahiti and Bora Bora. Moorea is all around the best choice to go on a small group tour to see whales – it’s much more affordable than Bora Bora for ocean adventures to see marine wildlife.

When in Bora Bora, you can take advantage and visit the Sea Turtle Sanctuary on Le Meridien resort or take one of the many tours to swim in the wild with these adorable animals.

If you are more adventurous, I recommend swimming with sharks and rays. Don’t be scared of these prehistoric predators – all the sharks you’ll swim with are too small and too scared of humans to make the cut for Jaws.

And who can forget the stunning coral reefs of French Polynesia? The islands are surrounded by some of the worlds best corals and you cannot miss this opportunity.

There are plenty of locations around the islands where you can go scuba diving for a deep-sea adventure. If you are a beginner, you can find multiple locations to get certified and take safety courses.

Tip: The archipelago has countless animals to see – birds, dolphins, fish, even wild horses. If you go on a guided tour, make sure you combine as many as you can; tours can be very costly. Our small group excursion to swim with sharks included swimming with rays and snorkeling with fish in coral reefs.

Wet and dry seasons

French Polynesia, like most tropical locations, has wet and dry seasons. The islands are at their best between June and August, the southern hemisphere’s winter months. During this time, the weather is very pleasant during the day with cooler nights, and there’s a smaller chance of storm clouds coming in to a perfect day. However, this is also the high season, and prices will skyrocket.

During the wet season, from November through April, you’ll find tropical storms roll in much more frequently, but the storms can be short-lived, with the sun out again before you know it. Keep in mind that with storms, you’ll have the summer humidity to deal with so make sure your hotel has AC!

View of Bâlea Lake. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Know before you go: 10 tips before travel to Romania

Written by Caro on February 18, 2021. Posted in Europe, Know before you go series, Romania. 10 Comments on Know before you go: 10 tips before travel to Romania

Romania is one of the coolest destinations where few western tourists visit. Ask around and see how many of your friends have it on their bucket list…not many do but EVERYONE should add it.

Romania is easy to fall in love with – unspoiled medieval towns, lots of outdoor adventures, friendly locals, and a deep history – this is a country you shouldn’t skip when traveling to Europe.

No matter when you go, Romania will provide a unique experience for that season. We went in July and were able to do many hikes and other outdoor activities. In the winter, you will find some of these options closed. However, you can stay in an ice hotel in Bâlea Lac if you travel in winter.

Internet and Wifi connection

Romania has some of the best internet connection in the world. No matter where we found ourselves – from isolated mountain tops to tiny villages – we never had any issues; in fact, the connection in the mountains was better than in some places in the US.

This is a major asset for roadtrippers and travelers alike who rely on Google or Apple Maps instead of a GPS. We used Google Maps almost the entire trip, and never got lost while using it. While the rental car had a decent GPS, we ended up getting lost leaving Bucharest until my wife had the bright idea to fire up Google Maps. Trust us, it’ll save you a lot of travel time and you can still make stops in villages or castles you’ll find along the route.

Tip: If driving, make sure to pack some motion sickness medication that may come from the serpentine mountain roads. Also, drivers are very “Latin” driving with the same intensity you’ll find in places like Italy, Argentina, Spain and Uruguay.

What to pack

The weather can change drastically depending on where you are in Romania. In the mountains you can experience every season in a single day, so pack accordingly. Make sure you layer up and carry easy to pack waterproof ponchos. In summer you’ll have very nice warm days that are perfect for traveling.

Tip: it is important to have the right hiking boot as the mountain terrain is full of jagged rocks. You will need a pair of boots that have grips on both ends to help keep you balanced. Below are the hiking shoes we used and highly recommend. They are waterproof and provide cushioning and stability.

Language

As speakers of multiple Romance languages, including our native Spanish, Romanian can be hard to pick up. While it is one of the main romance languages, you can also feel Romanian history and geopolitical influences through the language.

Don’t be nervous because it’s mostly phonetic and you can always find someone who speaks English…or in our case perfect Castilian Spanish. If you happen to be in a small town, use Google Translate on your phone to help navigate conversations with locals.

Currency

Despite joining the European Union back in 2017, Romania’s currency is the lei for now. As of January 2020, 1 euro equals 4.87 lei. You can exchange or withdraw local money from the ATMs.

Dracula

Dracula was the mythical blood sucker who put Transylvania on the map. However, Bram Stoker never went to Romania and his description of the country is dramatically different than reality. Yes, castles and forests dot the mountainous landscape, but we found it to be bright and cheery instead of the land of monsters. In fact, the town where Dracula’s inspiration, Vlad the Impaler, was born -Sighisoara- turned out to be extremely colorful with yellow houses brightening up the cityscape.

Everyone wants to go to Bran Castle, the inspiration for Castle Dracula and boy does it live up to the reputation. If you ever played Castlevania on Nintendo, then you’ll feel like you’ve been at the castle before. In reality, Vlad had very little to do with the castle (we visited his real fortress later) but this impressive castle is a major tourist destination.

Bran Castle is one of the best pictures you’ll take during the trip and we found a great location not far from the town. Club Villa Bran is a local resort with great food and even better views of Bran Castle.

Oh, and don’t worry about garlic, you’ll have plenty of garlic in the local cuisine to protect you from creatures of the night.

Electricity

As with most countries in Europe you may need an adapter. Romania’s electrical sockets take the standard continental European dual round-pronged plugs. All outlets in Romania provide a standard voltage of 230V. We recommend you buy an universal adapter so you don’t need to worry about figuring out the right adapter every time you travel.

Bucharest city center/Party central

Bucharest is a fascinating city where you can see the history of Romania in every building. From Medieval ruins to French Nouveau (aptly christening the city “The Paris of the East”) to Communist era buildings and giving way to 21^st Century Modernism, Bucharest wears its entire history on its sleeve.

As with most European cities, the city center is the hub of tourism but it also provides the most picturesque walking experiences in Bucharest. However, it is also the local party center and the party doesn’t stop till sunrise.

Bucharest, like many major European cities, is very safe for travelers. We stayed at the beautiful Hotel Europa Royale, which is located directly behind the ruins of Vlad the Impaler’s Princely Court!

blast of color

The colorful streets of Sighisoara. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Romania is full of color. From fields of yellow sunflowers to purple mountains, the Romanian countryside can inspire any artists worth their salt.

However, the color doesn’t stop there. Town after town you will find cheerful colors and bright hues throughout. Yellow houses, pink municipal buildings and cobblestone streets charm visitors and locals alike.

Check out Sighisoara, which is by far the most colorful town in Romania but also one of best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Stop and smell the flowers. Sunflowers dot the landscape during summer in Romania giving the landscape a sea of bright yellow. I’m not one who tends to notice flowers but you cannot escape the fields of these beautiful flowers following the sun as you drive through the countryside.

Food

You can see a pattern in Romania where history and geopolitics leave an indelible impression on the country. Food is no different. You’ll find most of the local fare has been influenced by one historical epoch or another – From delicious Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls, similar to dolmades) to Mititei (caseless pork sausages, similar to kabobs) to Brânzoaica (fried sweet cheese pastry).

Food here is hearty, will stick to your ribs, and is absolutely delicious. Some dishes can have intimidating ingredients, like garlic or tripe soup for example, but don’t be scared; look to what the locals are eating and dive in. You won’t regret it.

We also had great teatime snacks that reminded us very much of our home country of Uruguay. Make sure you stop by a coffee shop or even better a confectionery for those with a major sweet tooth.

If you want a true Romanian experience, make sure you have a night cap of Țuică, local plum brandy. While very tasty, the liqueur is very strong and will put some hair on your chest!

Tip: Water is very safe to drink like in most of European countries.

Cabanas

Cabanas in Romania are mountain cabins/inns that host overnight hikers. They can be found throughout any trail, and while custom dictates they must take hikers regardless of space, we recommend you book in advance to get a private room. Many have social media or websites, but they don’t all do online booking. Best to call ahead and make your reservations – keep handy your bank account information as some will not accept credit cards in advance.

Cabo Polonio's lighthouse. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Know before you go: 10 tips before travel to Uruguay

Written by Caro on February 17, 2021. Posted in Know before you go series, South America & The Caribbean, Uruguay. 6 Comments on Know before you go: 10 tips before travel to Uruguay

Before you travel to Uruguay here are some helpful tips to maximize your adventure.

Uruguay is our home. While I grew up in the States, I would go back almost every year and spend my “second summer” through the holiday season. Even in Washington DC with my parents, Uruguayan culture and traditions ran deep – I even married an Uruguayan girl! I am very passionate about my country and feel a responsibility to spread the word about Uruguay to the world. I hope this small love letter inspires you to take a trip down south and feel the warm ocean breeze as you eat some BBQ on the beach.

Modern and progressive

Uruguay has always been at the forefront of modern idealism – most obviously seen throughout the country in its architecture where the styles span trends of each era; from French Nouveau to Art Deco to 21^st century minimalism. Digging a bit deeper you’ll find Uruguayans have also applied this throughout their political history; it was the first country in the New World to give women the right to vote, the second country in South America to legalize same-sex marriage and the first country in the world to legalize marijuana. While Uruguayans keep pushing forward, you’ll also be charmed to find some hold overs from previous epochs sprinkled into everyday life, like the mate.

We eat very late

Oh boy do we ever! Uruguayans have a late lunch and an even later dinner…especially in the summer months. Be prepared to eat around 10pm or later whether you go to a restaurant or visit some friends; you’ll spend lots of time chatting over a meal no matter where you eat.

But don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of snacks to nibble on in between meals. Make like the locals and head to the rambla or beach with a bag of bizcochos (fresh baked pastries), a mate, and watch the sunset to inspire you for dinner.

Parrillas

The quintessential culinary experience in Uruguay; no matter where you are, there’s a steakhouse around the corner. While described as steakhouses, they are closer to an old Texas BBQ joint with multiple cuts of meat on an open flame. Just picture walking into a restaurant, overcome by the delicious smell of grilled meat and then, seeing the entire back wall as a massive grill filled with every cut of beef you could imagine. You won’t be at a loss for choices as you will immediately want to dive into some chorizos (sausages), asado (short ribs) or pulpón (rump steak). For the more adventurous you can ask for blood sausages and other yummy nasty bits.

BBQ, or asado, is more than just a meal – it’s a lifestyle and culture that stems from our most prominent historical figures, the gauchos.

Food

Uruguay typically is one of the leaders in beef consumption per capita in the world. However, beef is not our only dish. We have major influences from Italy and Spain in our cuisine. You’ll find pizza joints on almost every block and a huge variety of fresh baked pasta on every menu.

Tip: if you want to cook yourself stop by one of the many pasta shops throughout the country to get the freshest artisanal pasta you’ll ever try.

We have very unique cultural dishes like the Chivito (a fully loaded steak sandwich), milanesa (deep fried breaded steak), ñoquis (or gnocchi – traditionally eaten every 29^th of the month), tortas fritas (fried dough traditionally eaten when it rains), Pascualina (a spinach tart like spanakopita) and pasta caruso (a unique sauce made with cream, ham, mushrooms and tomatoes with your choice of pasta).

This doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface and we haven’t mentioned sweets! You’ll find lots of desserts like panqueques de dulce de leche (crepes stuffed with dulce de leche), and the Torta Chaja (a peach and merengue cake) only found in Uruguay.

Peso

Exchanging money is simple and places are easy to find. You always want to have cash in hand, especially in some of the more rural parts (including beaches) just in case.

Many restaurants will encourage you to pay with credit cards if you are a tourist – as a foreign visitor using a credit card you may be exempt from sales taxes, so ask ahead of time.

If you plan to eat with friends and plan to split the payment between each other, make sure you tell you waiter before ordering; due to a variety of regulations, it is very difficult to split the payment after ordering.

Tip: When you exchange currency, do not do it in the airport as you’ll find better rates at malls and even hotels.

Transportation

Lighthouse. Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Credit: Carry on Caro

Uruguay is a safe country, usually listed among the safest in South America. Driving around the country is fairly simple, there are few difficult terrains and the roads are pretty straight forward. Montevideo and Punta del Este are the most complex places to drive, as most “big” cities tend to be, so make sure to use your GPS!

Uruguayans tend to drive fast…ok very fast, and road rules are a casual suggestion to follow. If you rent a car, make sure you drive in the right lane and use all of your “spider-sense” while on the road.

There are lots of modes for transport – taxi and buses are all over the country for public usage, while Uber is only available in Montevideo and Punta del Este (for now). I recommend you use Uber where available as it’s safe and cheap. Taxis can overcharge tourists so watch out.

I recommend you use the bus for trips – buses run at every hour from terminals to take you to the beaches of your choice or into the Uruguayan countryside. Make sure you ask for the direct bus lines or your trip will take a lot longer than anticipated.

Tip: Uber is great but there are some issues when going to and from the airport. When you arrive, there are car services that will take you to your destination and then back to the airport when you depart; some of these services will ask for payment for the return destination but will do so at a reduced rate.

Beaches to ranches

San Franscisco, Uruguay. Credit: Carolina Valenzuela

Uruguay is famous for its miles and miles of coastline – and Uruguayans are fanatical about the beach. If you don’t have a place at your favorite beach, then you rent one for vacation…every vacation. Add the fact that Montevideo is a beach lover’s dream with beach access just about everywhere in the city.

Uruguay is not only for beaches – you have lots of ecotourism, very cool spots in the countryside, and you can visit a classic estancia, or ranch. Estancias are a must as you will stay in a classic Uruguayan estate from the 1800’s (which are now retrofitted as resorts) and get the full gaucho experience which includes riding horses through the countryside.

Another new tourist attraction are vineyards. In Uruguay you can get the full tasting and food pairing experience, and even stay overnight. I recommend you stop by Bodega Garzón, Uruguay’s most award winning vineyard, in Jose Ignacio (30-40 minutes from Punta del Este). While you are there stop by Garzón the restaurant, the town of Garzón, just a short drive away to dine at world famous chef, Francis Mallmann’s flagship restaurant.

Football

Estadio Centenario. Montevideo, Uruguay. Credit: Carry on Caro

Football, or soccer, is pretty much religion here in Uruguay. No matter where you go, you’ll find kids playing in the streets, friends gathered in cafes watching games, or families arguing who is the better team. Uruguay has a rich history of soccer including multiple World Cups (recognized by FIFA as a 4-time winner), winners of international tournaments of all kinds, and even winners of the Mundialito (a tournament of past World Cup Champions that happens once every 50 years). While Uruguayans love the international teams, they are fundamentally split between two club teams – Nacional and Peñarol. These two teams rival the modern European clubs in trophies and international fame.

Tip: If you plan your trip right, you may get lucky and catch Uruguay’s biggest rivalry – Nacional vs. Peñarol – at the Centenario stadium. It’s an experience you will never forget with fans singing, banging drums, and shooting fireworks off from the stands all game.

Mate

The mate, the source of my comfort. Every afternoon when I make one, it floods me with memories of drinking the piping hot tea with my grandfather. Mate is another of those traditions that cut across the Uruguayan and Argentine boarder – areas with deep connections to the gaucho. The drink, made by pouring boiling water into a gourd with dehydrated leaves and drunk through a metal straw, is a vital experience. You’ll find everyone in Uruguay drinking it; whether they are relaxing at the beach, studying for a test, in the office, or simply walking the Rambla, the mate is as essential to our culture as wine is to the French.

Music

Uruguay is similar to Argentina in musical taste, culture and heritage. You’ll find that almost every musical style or artists has legitimate claims to both countries; leaving modern audiences bewildered at the true origins of the artist or work. This is the case for our most famous genre and artists – the Tango.

However, there are two uniquely Uruguayan forms of music that are not found anywhere else: Candombe and Murga. Candombe is essentially a drumline (made from pear shaped drums), whose origins can be found in Afro-Uruguayan descendants and is very popular doing Carnival. However, Candombe is heard year round through Llamadas, long drum processions calling for neighbors to dance in the streets, that spontaneously pop up throughout the year.

Murga is another genre that is linked to Carnival – it’s a theatrical music group who play all Carnival long. Imagine elaborate shows with brightly painted singers, like an army of happy jesters, singing almost acapella with the sound of drums rolls keeping the beat.

Bonus: Uruguay and Argentina share the same culture with little differences due to geographical distances. If you have been to either country, you’ll feel right at home visiting the other one.

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