When thinking about the exciting Atlantic coast of South America, most cruisers think of exciting ports like Rio de Janeiro, the cosmopolitan harbor of Buenos Aires, or the pristine wilderness of Ilha Grande. However, there is a hidden gem among these exotic ports of call, in the often-overlooked country of Uruguay.
Neither as big nor as busy as the massive destination cities in neighboring Brazil or Argentina, the capital city of Uruguay, Montevideo, has a less hurried, more relaxing charm about it that makes it a wonderful stop during a fun, fast-paced cruise.
Like many established port towns, Montevideo offers visitors plenty of activities. The city boasts excellent dining, shopping, cultural experiences, and beach life, as well as several shore-excursion options for cruisers of varying interests.
Shoppers will especially enjoy Mercado del Puerto, which consists of many restaurants, craft shops, and galleries conveniently located just across the street from the cruise port. Culturally minded cruisers also have plenty of museums and sights to choose from, including the following:
* Torres Garcia Museum—In addition to paintings and drawings, this museum displays furniture and other objects designed by Uruguay’s most famous artist.
* Museo del Gaucho y de la Moneda—This museum highlights the curious combination of local cowboy culture and historic currency.
* Carnaval Museum—Visitors here might even glimpse artists making a colorful papier-mâché Carnaval character.
Tours to local ranches and leatherworks are also possible shore excursions. Not surprisingly, these locations also offer excellent opportunities to pick up a few distinctively Uruguayan crafts and souvenirs.
For a uniquely Montevidean meal, cruisers should try a “chivito,” a local specialty sandwich featuring steak, fried egg, and cheese, along with a smothering of other delicious ingredients. Popular restaurants called “confiterias” provide visitors a great way to sample a range of area cuisines in a traditional setting. Examples of this kind of restaurant exist all over Montevideo, thus making it easy to lunch as the locals do.
One must-see item remains the city’s Old Town. Here, cruisers can explore the capital’s vibrant history, especially in its Plaza Constitucion, which bustles with market activity on weekends. Visitors looking to just kick back and relax can spend an afternoon at one of the town’s pleasant beaches. Several sunny stretches are easily accessible from the port and include all the basic amenities.
