Uruguay - What NOT to Do in Uruguay

The Don'ts of visiting Uruguay. What tourists should and should not do when they visit Uruguay. From missing out on the Chivito and Tannat to mixing up Uruguay with Argentina there are some definite "Don'ts" of Uruguay. Here we give some travel and tourism advice and tips for visiting Uruguay.
Filmed in Colonia and Montevideo, Uruguay
Copyright Mark Wolters 2021

#uruguay #visituruguay #montevideo

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[vall]

As an uruguayan, I can definitely say this must be the most accurate dont's of Uruguay video there is. Usually these kind of videos are made by people who just went to Wikipedia and made up stuff, but this one is actually quite nice. There are a few things I would disagree (like the vegan/vegetarian options, but I do understand this video is a few years old. Nowadays the offer for vegan and vegetarian restaurants is bigger), but overall, this is accurate.

[dft]

I've lived in Uruguay almost 3 years now. Originally from California but have lived in both Guatemala and Spain. It's a Lovely country, friendly, helpful welcoming people and Safe (especially when compared to other places!!) . Culturally speaking it's Amazing- theater, poetry, music, films, dance, literature etc.- more don't miss! I love the laidback pace and style, no heavy emphasis on consumption, high literacy rate (and it shows!) lovely beaches- Punta del Este least favorite( bit too touristy IMO) better Aguas Dulces, Punta de Diablo, Piriapolis and the gorgeous interior with its farms and gauchos :) Viva Uruguay!

[marceloquiroga]

As a Uruguayan, it's not a bad review. Two things I'd like to point out: 1 - the images of the mate were all Argentinian mates, we have a different way of presenting it. 2 - Yeah, the weed's for locals only (but we're nice enough to share 😉).

[viruse]

This has to be the most accurate tourism video about our country I've ever seen.

[xXPyrophorusXx]

Thank you very much for covering, a "hidden" gem in South America. Uruguayans are like a soul brother to us Canadians...we understand you.

[germandiaz]

im Uruguayan i have no idea why the algroitm make me watch this but its pretty funny and accurate.

[flacadiabla]

This man has removed lots of stress from our travels. THANK YOU💗💗

[TheTwilightSagaF]

As an Uruguayan, I am actually impressed by this video. It is really accurate. I have watched many of these videos out of curiosity and they are mostly inaccurate. I was very pleasantly surprised and loved hearing what we look like from the outside hehe! I actually laughed when you said to not compare us to Argentina, it is actually very, very true! Great work! :)

[MeansToTravel]

Love this video and remembering my trip to Uruguay
SOOO fondly! More don’ts: 1) don’t forget to request an automatic if you’re renting a car in Uruguay and you do not know how to drive a manual 2) don’t expect great table service in Punta Del Este if you go during summer 3) don’t expect restaurants to be cheap in Punta del Este 4) don’t spend the whole time in Montevideo and instead make sure to get out to the smaller towns 5) don’t expect everyone to know English 6) don’t forget to learn some words in Spanish 7) don’t expect fast food restaurants to have the same items on the menu as in America (we got a burger with guacamole at McDonalds in Montevideo) 8) don’t lean against or climb Los Dedos in Punta because it smells like urine 9) when visiting Colonia, don’t expect to roll your suitcase to your hotel from the ferry because many of the streets are all cobblestones 10) and just to reiterate what Mark said...don’t forget to try the tannat wine cuz it’s wonderful!! 🇺🇾

[bvtiger]

I lived in Uruguay for a 1.5 years and have been to 95% of the country while I lived there

Don't forget about the interior (everywhere but Colonia, Montevideo, & the beach towns) Salto and the Termas, Paysandú is beautiful.
My favorite is Villa Serrano near Minas in the Lavalleja province and Las Cañas near Fray Bentos.

The three places I haven't been but locals love are Quebrado de los Condores in Treinta y Tres, Valle del Lunarejo en Rivera, Nuevo Helvecia a Swiss town in Colonia.

Speaking of Don't call them states or provinces they are departamentos, and don't confuse the departamento with the city 12/19 have the same name such as Canelones, Artigas, Rivera, Salto, Colonia, etc.

If you speak Spanish and come from Argentina some words change like facturas becomes bizcochos (delicious) colectivo becomes bondi and I'm sure there are a few others.

Speaking of Argentina, don't assume the locals are like Argentines especially Porteños (Buenos Aires residents) while mentioned in the video that is the quickest way to insult an Uruguayan other than calling it a province of Argentina (it's not and even historically wasn't, although Argentines may disagree)

If you have the time you could probably get a pretty good overview of the country in 7-10 days staying 2-3 days in MVD 1-2 days in Colonia 2-3 days in the interior and going to Piriapolis, La Paloma, José Ignacio, Punta del Este, Cabo Polonia, or Punta del Diablo for 3-5 days.

[bravoninetyseven]

To me Uruguay, even in Montevideo, has a small town feel. Everybody is very friendly and helpful. Also, their alfajores are the best and just embrace the mate circle!

[gigidoesthingss]

About the language barrier: younger generations are more likely to speak english, but we're not a majority. If you come here to visit knowing little to nothing of spanish, you may have a hard time communicating. The positive side is, we uruguayans love tourists, and we're very patient with the communication obstacles. (I've seen my mother talking to Irish costumers with her hands, pointing at the menu and so, and they were pleased lol).

[okobia]

Great video, Uruguay is actually the most expensive South American country, but it's worth it.
🇺🇲🇺🇾

[gabrielaramosmachado]

Actually, just one point. In Montevideo at least there are a ton of vegetarian and vegan options now. A few years back it was very difficult to find veggie options, but now we actually have quite a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, markets, bakeries and ice cream parlours. And a lot of the more popular, established restaurants also do have vegetarian options. Check them out!

[mairaromero]

As an uruguayan I must say that this video is not only accurate but incredible touching. The way you shared your point of view was great, and the end left me speechless, I’m so proud of my country and I can’t wait to receive many more tourist like you!! You are all welcome to come🇺🇾

[SantiagoPereiraDasNeves]

4:33 el dólar a 30 pesos. Que nostalgia!!!

[brunosanchez]

I am from Uruguay. I have to say this is an excellent review. You capture the spirit of my country and even the important details. Congrats!!

[klanderfil]

As an Uruguayan, I'm actually impressed with your list, it is really accurate. Now I'm living in Ireland with my wife and I'm always looking forward to visiting my country whenever I can. Cheers, buddy!

[bunnifer]

I visited Uruguay for the first time in December 2019 and loved it! I liked the relaxed vibe and felt very safe there. A highlight was seeing a performance at Teatro Solis in Montevideo. I also loved visiting Punta del Este. I heard someone refer to it as the French Riviera of South America. Seems like a great place to own a summer home!

[arianamarasco]

I’m from Argentina and I travelled Uruguay 2 years ago, and this video is SO accurate.
If you travel to Argentina or Brazil, please visit Uruguay, it’s really enjoyable, even if you don’t have a lot of time to spend there!