in the weeks between Christmas and New Year many people travel to Uruguay and the question I get the most is: “where to go at this time?”.
The three regions most visited by Brazilian tourists in this period have very different characteristics – including prices.
while in the department from Maldonado – which includes Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio – hosting prices skyrocket in the regions of Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo it is still possible to find good options.
However, just like in Brazil, people want the beach! And the departments of maldonado it’s from Rock are the ones that include the most beautiful coastal visuals.
However, all regions have good options depending on what you are looking for. And, of course, how much you are willing to spend.
Check below for tips on three Uruguayan cities and what to do nearby this time of year:
Montevideo
The vast majority of planes arriving in the country land at Carrasco International Airport. If you intend to spend a few days in Uruguay, between December 23rd and January 10th, I always recommend start with Montevideo.
Just like São Paulo, many of the good restaurants take advantage of the first days of the year to give their staff a break, as even the Montevideos themselves leave for the east. Between Christmas and New Year you can still get some of these places open.
The biggest festivities, both at Christmas and on the last day of the year, take place in the afternoon, on the 24th and 31st of December – in Ciudad Vieja and around Mercado Del Puerto 🇧🇷
There is a lively street party rocked by candomblé (an African rhythm surrounded by drums and very popular in Uruguay) as if it were an out-of-season carnival, but very welcome to cheer up passers-by. Cider, beer and water bath hit passers-by on the streets in a game played by residents and local merchants.
For those who want to invest in suppers, hotel restaurants are the ones that usually offer the services; average menu price is $150 per person.
Among the options I highlight the Arcadia Restaurant of Hotel Radisson , which is on the 25th floor and has a breathtaking view of the Rio de la Plata; the restaurant planted of Hotel Hyatt in Pocitos it is also a good option for dinner.
In Carrasco, the restaurant at the luxurious Sofitel Casino and Hotel it also has live music in addition to supper.
My personal choice would be the youngest on this list, the Cauce Restaurant inside Costanero hotel , where I had one of the best meals on my last trip. The place also has a beautiful view of Pocitos, where the biggest fireworks display in the region takes place.
If you want to visit the restaurant (not necessarily for supper), the house menu is diverse and offers delicacies such as molejas à Jerez, creamy croquetas and good suggestions for seasonal main dishes, in addition to being open 365 days a year.
Although the biggest movement is in the streets and on the sand of the beaches during the afternoon, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t people facing the icy waters to jump the seven waves, especially in the Pocitos region.
For those looking to party, yes, they also exist in Montevideo, but the excitement is really in the Punta del Este region.
Punta del Este
If you’re looking for excitement and glamorous parties, Punta del Este and its surroundings are the place, with famous clubs (which I never went to), such as New Year’s Eve La Fiesta that happens at Praia Brava or the We Celebrate at the pub moby dick 🇧🇷 To see the fireworks, the right place is Praia Mansa.
Do you want peace of mind?
The regions of La Barra and Jose Ignacio , just a few minutes away, are busy during the day, but the nights are usually quiet. Some restaurants are also open on these commemorative dates, such as the Gosto El Abrazo and the award-winning Parador La Huella – the only Uruguayan classified in the list of the best in Latin America by Latin’s America 50 Best.
Another piece of good news for those traveling to the region is that restaurants that usually operate on reduced days in the low season extend their hours during the summer.
In the east, the days are long and you can enjoy beaches and wineries, visit the neighboring resorts (Piriápolis or Cabo Polonio) and even go out for dinner a little later.
Three good tips for the region are: the Basque cuisine of the Leonardo Etxea in Punta del Este, the light and fresh cuisine of the impeccable Salon No. 3 in La Barra and the Destination Sushi & Wok in José Ignácio, who works mostly with local fishing.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
