September 4th, 2010 
tamaragab Below is a map to help you find your way around all the Budget Accommodations in Montevideo. These are mainly Hostels, but there are also a couple of B&B’s and Hotels which have qualified by offering accommodation for under US$40 per night (double share).
To see a little more detail on each spot, have a look at my post which lists them all out.
Hasta pronto!
View Hostels in Montevideo in a larger map
September 4th, 2010 tamaragab Below is a Google Map of Montevideo with a lot of the Hotels marked out. I hope this helps you with choosing your Hotel in Montevideo – for more information, check out the related posts at the bottom of this page. I have some great posts which will help you with finding a Hotel in Montevideo. Also, browse my reviews for a bit more personal information on each property.
Hasta pronto!
View Montevideo Hotels in a larger map
September 3rd, 2010 tamaragab Ok, so it may seem that I am swaying slightly off track here, but I just thought I would share Uruguay’s national anthem. Listening to the football team belt it out gives you a true sense of the pride and the heart that the people of this small country have.
Uruguay’s national anthem is actually the longest in terms of duration (around 5 minutes), but this video clip is a short public version of just under 2 minutes.
The words are below along with the translation.
Hasta pronto!
Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba!!
Libertad o con gloria morir!
Es el voto que el alma pronuncia,
Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir!
Libertad, libertad Orientales!
Ese grito à la Patria salvó.
Que a sus bravos en fieras batallas
De entusiasmo sublime inflamó.
De este don sacrosanto, la gloria
merecimos: tiranos temblad!
Libertad en la lid clamaremos,
Y muriendo, también libertad!
Dominado la Iberia dos mundos
Ostentaba su altivo poder,
Y a sus plantas cautivo yacía
El Oriente sin nombre ni ser:
Mas, repente sus hierros trozando
Ante el dogma que Mayo inspiró,
Entre libres, déspotas fieros,
Un abismo sin puente se vió.
Su trozada cadena por armas,
Por escudo su pecho en la lid,
De su arrojo soberbio temblaron
Los feudales campeones del Cid:
En los valles, montañas y selvas
Se acometen con muda altivez,
Retumbando con fiero estampido
Las cavernas y el cielo à la vez.
El estruendo que en torno resuena
De Atahualpa la tumba se abrió,
Y batiendo sañudo las palmas
Su esqueleto, venganza! gritó:
Los patriotas el eco grandioso
Se electrizan en fuego marcial,
Y en su enseña más vivo relumbra
De los Incas el Dios inmortal.
Largo tiempo, con varia fortuna,
Batallaron liberto, y señor,
Disputando la tierra sangrienta
Palmo a palmo con ciego furor.
La justicia, por último, vence
Domeñando las iras de un Rey;
Y ante el mundo la Patria indomable
Inaugura su enseña la ley.
Orientales, mirad la bandera,
De heroísmo fulgente crisol;
Nuestras lanzas defienden su brillo,
Nadie insulte la imagen del Sol!
De los fueros civiles el goce
Sostengamos; y el código fiel
Veneremos immune y glorioso
Como el arca sagrada Israel.
Porque fuese más alta tu gloria,
Y brillasen tu precio y poder,
Tres diademas, oh Patria, se vieron
Tu dominio gozar, y perder.
Libertad, libertad adorada,
Mucho cuestas tesoro sin par!
Pero valen tus goces divinos
Esa sangre que riega tu altar
Si a los pueblos un bárbaro agita,
Removiendo su extinto furor,
Fratricida discordia evitemos,
Diez mil tumbas recuerdan su horror!
Tempestades el Cielo fulmina,
maldiciones desciendan sobre él,
Y los libres adoren triunfante
de las leyes el rico joyel.
De laureles ornada brillando
La Amazona soberbia del Sud,
En su escudo de bronce reflejan
Fortaleza, justicia y virtud.
Ni enemigos le humillan la frente,
Ni opresores le imponen el pie:
Que en angustias selló su constancia
Y en bautismo de sangre su fé.
Festejando la gloria, y el día
De la nueva República el Sol,
Con vislumbres de púrpura y oro,
Engalana su hermoso arrebol.
Del Olimpo la bóveda augusta
Resplandece, y un ser divinal
Con estrellas escribe en los cielos,
Dulce Patria, tu nombre inmortal.
De las leyes el Numen juremos
Igualdad, patriotismo y unión,
Inmolando en sus aras divinas
Ciegos odios, y negra ambición.
Y hallarán los que fieros insulten
La grandeza del Pueblo Oriental,
Si enemigos, la lanza de Marte
Si tiranos, de Bruto el puñal
Orientales la Patria o la Tumba!
Libertad o con gloria morir!
Orientales la Patria o la Tumba!
Libertad o con gloria morir!
Es el voto que el alma pronuncia,
Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir!
Es el voto que el alma pronuncia,
Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir!
Que sabremos cumplir!
Es el voto que el alma pronuncia,
Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir!
Que sabremos cumplir!
Sabremos cumplir!
Sabremos cumplir!
Sabremos cumplir!
Libertad, libertad Orientales!
Este grito à la Patria salvó.
Que a sus bravos en fieras batallas
De entusiasmo sublime inflamó.
Libertad, libertad Orientales!
Este grito à la Patria salvó.
Que a sus bravos en fieras batallas
De entusiasmo sublime inflamó.
De este don sacrosanto la gloria
Merecimos: tiranos temblad!
Tiranos temblad!
Tiranos temblad!
Libertad en la lid clamaremos,
Y muriendo, también libertad!
Libertad en la lid clamaremos,
Y muriendo, también libertad!
Y muriendo, también libertad!
También libertad!
También libertad!
Orientales la Patria o la Tumba!
Libertad o con gloria morir!
Orientales la Patria o la Tumba!
Libertad o con gloria morir!
Es el voto que el alma pronuncia,
Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir!
Es el voto que el alma pronuncia,
Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir!
Que sabremos cumplir!
Es el voto que el alma pronuncia,
Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir!
Que sabremos cumplir!
Sabremos cumplir!
Sabremos cumplir!
Sabremos cumplir!
Orientals, our nation or the grave, Liberty or with glory we die.
Orientals, our nation or the grave, Liberty or with glory we die.
Its the vows that our souls pronounce and which heroically we will fulfill.
Its the vows that our souls pronounce and which heroically we will fulfill.
We will fulfill.
Its the vows that our souls pronounce and which heroically we will fulfill.
We will fulfill.
We will fulfill. We will fulfill. We will fulfill.
Liberty, Liberty, Orientals. This is the outcry which our nation saved and its braves in fierce battles of sublime enthusiasm enflamed
Liberty, Liberty, Orientals. This is the outcry which our nation saved and its braves in fierce battles of sublime enthusiasm enflamed
This Holy gift of Glory we deserved Tyrants: Tremble !
Tyrants: Tremble !
Tyrants: Tremble !
Liberty in combat we will Cry Out! And even dying, Freedom we shall also Shout !
Liberty in combat we will Cry Out! And even dying, Freedom we shall also Shout !
And even dying, Freedom we shall also Shout !
Freedom we shall also Shout !
Freedom we shall also Shout !
Orientals, our nation or the grave, Liberty or with glory we die.
Orientals, our nation or the grave, Liberty or with glory we die.
Its the vows that our souls pronounce and which heroically we will fulfill.
Its the vows that our souls pronounce and which heroically we will fulfill.
We will fulfill.
Its the vows that our souls pronounce and which heroically we will fulfill.
We will fulfill.
We will fulfill. We will fulfill. We will fulfill.
September 3rd, 2010 tamaragab Ok, there are a few things that you really have to try while you are here. Asado, Bizcochos, Chivitos, Churros and most certainly, Tortas Fritas.
The best way I can describe them to you is, they are like a fried pastry, great topped with sugar and enjoyed hot. It is the perfect treat on cold and rainy days, and you will find little stalls selling these yummy treats (which by the way, translates to “fried cakes”) all over Uruguay. Just keep an eye out for the signs, which are usually home made, and can be found in the front of houses, on little stalls around parks and markets or outside little shops.
The best tortas fritas we have eaten have been at the Tristian Navaja markets in Montevideo and at Cabo Polonio. We also had some really good ones at the little park, just off the Rambla on Jose Batlle Ordoñez. But really, you can find good ones anywhere. It is a favourite treat amongst Uruguayans, and most people know how to make them, so you are bound to find a good one.
So, how do you make them at home? Below is the recipe that we have used to make them at home. Here, it is a lot easier to buy them, at around $8 (pesos) each, but if you have tried them here, and are craving for them back home, try this simple recipe. The dough is good for a few days in the fridge (keep it wrapped air tight), so you can make up the whole recipe, but try not eat it all in one go!
Making Tortas Fritas in Montevideo
Ingredients
Flour 1kg (half plain and half self raising), 1 tablespoon of Sugar, 1 tablespoon of Salt, 3 tablespoons oil, warm water (approx 500mls)
Method
Mix, Roll, Fry & Eat! Mix to a dough. Roll small pieces out flat and make a little cut in the middle. Fry in hot oil. Eat and Enjoy!
Hasta pronto!
September 3rd, 2010 tamaragab Located only an hour from Montevideo and only 45 minutes from Colonia, you will find Los Manzanos Club & Spa situated on the beautiful Estancia Don Joaquin. Marketed towards the Argentineans, this is a great spot to escape for a weekend break, or to recharge the batteries.
Whether you want to relax in the Day Spa, or enjoy the fresh air exploring the property by horseback, you have quite a few options to fill the time here. There are also canoes available for paddling in the river and lagoon and bikes for exploring the grounds. There is a climatized pool for the winter months, and an outdoor pool for the summer. There is no need to leave your exercize routine at home because here you will find a fully equipped gymnasium or you can participate in the exercize classes or have a hit of paddle tennis. There is also an indoor games room with a pool table, table tennis and a variety of boardgames and DVD’s to keep you entertained.
The Day Spa looks like the perfect spot to spend a relaxing few hours. The prices are reasonable, and there is an extensive menu of treatements including massages, facials and Japonese therapies.
Now, to stay here, you can choose from a Hotel room for up to 4 people or there are some Houses which cater for more than 4. The decor appears very country and homely. Meals and activities (excluding Spa treatments) are all included, so it really is a relaxing place to stay where the only decision you will have to make, is what to choose off the Spa menu.
This is a place where you will be well looked after. I haven’t personally stayed here yet, but once I do, you’ll be sure to read about it here! For more information and photos, check out their website. To see the photos, click on the area on the illustration on the home page – this will take you to a photo gallery of each spot.
Hasta pronto!
September 3rd, 2010 tamaragab The Days Inn Montevideo is located right behind the Tres Cruces Shopping Centre in Montevideo. Although it isn’t right in the city heart, you still have easy access around being so close to the Bus Terminal, which is located at the Shopping Centre.
Days Inn Montevideo is a clean property with good size rooms and all the amenities that are now considered essential to Hotels. The Buffet Breakfast has a nice selection with a generous serving time until 11am, and from here you would have one of the best views in Montevideo. High speed internet access is available throughout the rooms without a charge. There is also a business centre with internet access and a large conference facility. There is a gymnasium and they also provide free parking.
The position is handy being close to the bus station, but that also means that you hear the noise of the buses and the station. We stayed on the 7th floor, so the noise wasn’t really a problem, but I would say that you wouldn’t need to be too much lower to be disturbed by the noise throughout the night. Also, the only thing within walking distance would be the Shopping Centre. Anywhere else you wish to explore is a short drive away.
From around US$85 per night for a standard double room
Buffet Breakfast, Internet, 24 hour Front Desk , Conference Facillities, Room Service, Gymnasium
Hotel Tres Cruces
Marti Apart Hotel
Probably not. We stayed here in August because we were after a triple share room with easy access to the airport (plus I am always looking for a different place to review!).
to be close to public transport, or it is a good option for people who are looking to fit more than two people to a room at a reasonable price.
I hope this review helps. If you have stayed at the Days Inn Montevideo, let me know what you thought of your stay.
Hasta pronto!
September 2nd, 2010 tamaragab Situated only 44kms from Montevideo, La Rábida is a great day trip for those of you wanting a different experience while in Uruguay.
La Rábida is a really impressive property located in San Jose, right on the Rio de la Plata (River Plate). On arrival at the estancia, you are welcomed by the owners and taken on a tour throughout the property in carriages and old cars. The estancia is quite diverse with activities including Dairy Cattle, Cattle Production, Agriculture, Arab Horses, Bee Keeping and even a small breeding area for the native bird, the ñandu.
Lunch at the estancia looks like a highlight. They serve their guests a traditional Uruguay barbeque with a large range of red meats, chicken, pork and lamb with some tasty sides and fresh bread. This is a true traditional Uruguayan experience, and here, they even use their own local firewood for that real authentic taste.
After lunch, activities include shearing sheep, milking cows and horseback riding. You really can enjoy a special day out where the air is fresher and the food is tastier. This is an authentic experience in Uruguay, and you won’t be disappointed.
To get here, you need to make a booking with one of the tour groups that operate day trips to the estancia.
Turisport – Phone (+598) 2902 0829 or email incoming@turisport.com.uy
Trans Hotel – Phone (+598) 2402 9935 or email reservas@e-transhotel.com.uy
Viajes Bueme’s- Phone (+598) 2902 1050 or email info@buemes.com.uy
For more information, check out their website.
Hasta pronto!
August 29th, 2010 tamaragab Here is a little map to help you find your way around La Paloma. This one I did for our Hotel website, so not only is it to help you get around La Paloma, but there are also a lot of photos where you can see some of the beauty around La Paloma. You will need to click through to make the map a little more detailed.
Hasta Pronto!
View Zen Beach Hotel & Resort – La Paloma in a larger map
August 28th, 2010 tamaragab Now this is an interesting way to discover Uruguay. Ride Andes is a tour company that specialize in horse trail rides, and offer a 9 day tour through the picturesque Rocha department.
Discover the natural beauty of the Rocha department, from the pristine beaches and sand dunes, to the wetlands, the rice fields, pine forests, palm groves and fresh water lagoons. Not only will you love the scenery, but you could also experience sightings of whales, seals, dolphins and turtles along with capybaras, armadillos and a large variety of birdlife.
The nine day tour starts in Montevideo, and from the very beginning you are looked after with the absolute care of professional guides. On the first day you will get a tour of Montevideo, before embarking on day two to the Brazilian border where the real fun begins. Over the next week or so, you will visit the San Miguel and Santa Teresa Fortresses, shipwrecks, tropical palm groves, Laguna Negra and Cabo Polonio. You will also get to experience true Gaucho life on a couple of local estancias. You can try your hand at helping the Gauchos at work and taste the true tradition of Uruguay – the Mate.
It really sounds like a wonderful way to explore Uruguay, and experience some local culture. For more information on their personal tours, have a look at this website.
Hasta pronto!
August 28th, 2010 tamaragab If you are planning on flying into Montevideo, and are wondering how to get from the Carrasco Airport to your Montevideo Hotel, a great option is to use the official Airport Taxi. They have a stunning fleet of vehicles, the most modern in South America, and travel as far as you need to go. The vehicles in the fleet are all Mercedes Benz and include a few mini vans which carry up to 12 passengers. The prices are all set, so you won’t be in for any nasty surprises upon the arrival at your destination.
To give you an idea of distances and prices, the airport to the city centre is around 12 miles (or 20 kilometres), this is currently quoted on their website at $920 (prices are all quoted in Uruguayan pesos). To Pocitos, which would be around 9 miles, the price is $700, and to Punta Carretas it is $780.
This is more than just a taxi service, and is the most comfortable way to arrive at your hotel after a long flight. A regular taxi really wouldn’t cost much less, but it would be far from comfortable. The taxis in Montevideo are all very small cars, and barely fit two passengers in the back, with not a lot of room for luggage.
The official Airport Taxi company also provide sightseeing tours with bilinguel guides. You can choose from hourly services or daily services, and enjoy a guided tour through Montevideo or an extended tour to places such as Piriapolis, Punta del Este or Colonia.
For more information on the Airport Taxis, have a look at their website. Also, check out their special offers. Currently they have advertised a 30% discount on the return trip to the airport (conditions apply).
Hasta pronto!
Welcome to Uruguay Top Spots! Here you will find all kinds of information on Uruguay. I will be offering advice, reviews and information on all the places that we have been able to visit while living here in Uruguay. If you would like to know more about me, please check out the About page.
Please feel free to look through the posts, and if you would like to leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.
Hasta pronto!
Tamara