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
