The only guide to Uruguay by an author based full-time in Uruguay. Mentioned in the New York Times, BBC, National Geographic, Le Figaro, Decanter and more.
Written by a Brit with all the contacts and knowledge accrued over two decades, this guidebook is indispensable for getting the most out of Uruguay as a visitor or expat.
Isn't this guide out of date?
Not at all. With the end of the pandemic in sight, the author reviewed the guide in September 2021. The beauty of buying a guidebook by a local. The very few updates required are collected here: https: //www.guruguay.com/uruguay-guide-updates along with a few new recommendations.
The Uruguay guides with passion and soul
The Guru'Guay Guides are not endless dry lists. You have limited time. So the author selects only the very best or the most curious places and then goes into serious detail-so you can make travel decisions with confidence. The guide describes each destination, where to stay and eat, things to do, how to get there and features important 'what you should know' advisories. So easy to read, readers often devour a Guru'Guay guide in one sitting.
Uruguay's beaches
Uruguay has an extremely short high season. The rest of the year you'll have the beach to yourself. Roam the hippie hideaways of Rocha, commune with seals in Cabo Polonio and check out Jose Ignacio, frequented by the likes of Mark Zuckerberg.
Off-season most seaside restaurants and hotels close down. On a mission to improve the beach economy, the guide only includes great hotels and restaurants open all year.
Gaucho territory
Uruguayans refer to anywhere beyond Montevideo and the coast as "Uruguay profundo". The land is untouched and you may pass more gauchos on horseback than cars on the two-lane highways. Take a few days to kick back at a traditional cattle ranch or estancia.
The Guru'Guay guide covers estancias to suit all tastes-from a rustic ranch owned by a gaucho couple, to the grand estancia of an Austrian-Uruguayan family with a lovely pool and capybaras in the garden, to a 'million-star' vegetarian inn specialising in adventurous horse rides in the stunning Rocha hills.
An chart will help you choose the estancia that best suits your dream holiday.
The friendliest wineries
If you haven't tried Uruguayan wine yet, maybe it's because the entire wine production of Uruguay is equivalent to just one medium-size vineyard in neighbouring Argentina! A winery visit is uniquely friendly and personal. Your host will often be the wine-maker, the great grandchild of Italian immigrants, who still bottles their award-winning wines by hand.
The dedicated wine traveller will love the lists of the best Uruguayan wines by local experts.
Foodies - you've found your guide
This is where Guru'Guay really comes into its own, uncovering unique eateries in a country primarily known for its beef.
Practical tips
To make your stay stress-free and save you money, chapters include:
- Getting to Uruguay including flying, the ferry or coming overland
- Holidays and festivals The best festivals and where to stay close by
- What to bring So you save space for the wine you'll want to take home
- Driving and car hire including estimated drive times-GoogleMaps can be way out
- Food and drink What eating out costs, mealtimes and ten traditional dishes
- Staying healthy Essential tips on marijuana etiquette
- Caveat regarding maps Why the author recommends picking up free paper maps at regional tourist centres when you arrive.
Make your leisure planning stress-free and have an unforgettable time in one of South America's least-explored destinations using a Guru'Guay guide.