Uruguay Country Information

• Bradt Travel Guides

The Guru’Guay Guide to Montevideo is the first REAL insider’s guide to Montevideo, capital of Uruguay, and still one of South America’s off-the-radar destinations. Up until now it's been virtually impossible to find a good guidebook on Uruguay. Why? Because they are written by people who fly in for a week and then leave. This guide is by a Spanish-speaking Brit, resident since 2000. While the guide focuses on Montevideo, it's indispensable for anyone visiting Uruguay.

Features in-depth information on:

LOGISTICS

• flying into Uruguay, including a candid look at airlines to avoid
• getting to (or from) Montevideo from Buenos Aires The fastest, cheapest and most leisurely routes
• best time to visit and how long to stay Insights only a long-term resident can give
• public holidays when Montevideo pretty much shuts down, so it's essential to know when they are and festivals you must not miss, like the mysterious Sea Goddess celebrations
• best neighbourhoods to stay based on your personal preferences
• architecturally-lovely accommodation Options for all pockets
• personal safety Dispelling myths and tips specific to neighbourhoods
• getting around on public transport like a local
• driving and car rental The logic in seemingly erratic traffic patterns and driving habits
• tipping demystified eg why you don't tip taxi drivers but do tip street parking attendants
• money exchange including troubleshooting ATM withdrawals

THINGS TO DO

• guided tours to wine, marijuana, soccer, carnival and more
• great day trips, from UNESCO heritage site Colonia de Sacramento, to glitzy Punta del Este, to the Santa Lucia wetlands
• architectural highlights in possibly the city with the biggest concentration of Art-deco after New York
• art museums and underground art coops
• beaches including which of the 10 is best for children, windsurf and boat rental, etc
• shopping and buying original gifts Really. Ever heard of a guidebook that helps you with this thankless task?
• shopping for wine-lovers Wow, right? Where to go to get expert advice and dah goods
• why Carnival in Montevideo is so unique and where and when to track down the best (and worst) of carnival, even off-season
• tango Here tango is something the locals do, it's not “for export”. One milonga, or dance salon, even takes place in a living room.
• the best live music and live acts that Montevideo has to offer Tiny Uruguay has a huge share of highly talented musicians. Pay under 10 USD to see a world-class band in a tiny cafe.
• gay Montevideo has a small but charming scene

FOOD & DRINK

• what time the locals eat and how Uruguayans survive through to a 10pm dinnertime
• street food
• wine and craft beer from Uruguay are winning prizes internationally. The guide points you to which to try and why
• restaurants for people desperate for gourmet and veggie options
• restaurants for wine-lovers
• historic cafes The most charming, and the grittiest

SOCIETY & CULTURE

• history How did this tiny country get to be so progressive? Your burning questions answered.
• the Uruguayan character, a chapter of entirely personal anecdotes that illustrate that Uruguayans (from presidents to petty thieves) are friendly and down-to-earth
• expressions EVERYONE uses on the street and what they mean
• films to watch, albums to listen to and books to read before you come

• Lonely Planet

#1 best-selling guide to South America *

Lonely Planet South America on a Shoestring is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to skip, what hidden discoveries await you, and how to optimize your budget for an extended continental trip. Drift between river towns in the Amazon, shake it in Rio de Janeiro or hustle for traditional crafts in Ecuador all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of South America and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet's South America on a Shoestring Travel Guide:

• Color maps and images throughout
• Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
• Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
• Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices
• Budget-oriented recommendations with honest reviews - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, lifestyle, arts, religion, outdoor activities, cuisine, sports, environment, politics
• Over 170 maps
• Covers Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela and more

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet South America on a Shoestring is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

• Looking for just a few of the destinations included in this guide? Check out Lonely Planet Argentina, Brazil or Chile & Easter Island, our most comprehensive guides that cover South America's top sights and offbeat experiences.

Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet, Regis St Louis, Sandra Bao, Celeste Brash, Gregor Clark, Alex Egerton, Brian Kluepfel, Tom Masters, Carolyn McCarthy, Kevin Raub, Paul Smith, Phillip Tang, Lucas Vidgen

About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveler community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travelers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves.

*Best-selling guide to South America. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Australia, UK and USA.