Travelling Uruguay
About Montevideo
The capital of Uruguay, the second-smallest country in South America, Montevideo is located on the Rio de la Plata in the southern part of the country. The city was founded around 1680 by the Spanish, and Uruguay was established over a century later, in 1828, as a buffer state between Argentina and Brazil. Modern-day Montevideo is known for its picturesque architecture, impressive buildings, white sandy beaches and its fabulous beach resorts along the Atlantic Coast. Starting at Plaza Independencia, guests can explore the Ciudad Vieja, or Old City, with its colonial Spanish, Italian and Art Deco structures and narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets. The city's Museo Histórico Nacional is a unique collection of four buildings located in Ciudad Vieja; all were once homes to national heroes and have been preserved and filled with art and artifacts. The Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes draws visitors interested in the engaging artwork of famous South American artists. On Saturdays, the Old City becomes a vast antique market offering fine silver, jewelry and art. The Mercado del Puerto, the city's port market, is always a big draw as it is packed with restaurants, clubs, bars and shops. It's the ideal place for seafood as well as traditional parrillada, or beef platters. While dining, visitors enjoy the festive atmosphere, replete with street vendors and musicians. Happening discos and nightspots keep the city alive well after dark. Tango clubs are a popular diversion, especially since famous tango scores were penned and performed for the first time in this Uruguayan city.
Colonia del Sacramento
This waterfront city, usually known simply as Colonia, was founded in 1680 by Portuguese seeking to gain control of the La Plata Estuary. It was conquered by the Spaniards and became the most important city in southwestern Uruguay, and a crossing point to Buenos Aires. Colonia's carefully restored and protected architecture are of interest to the visitor. Well worth a visit are the Lighthouse, Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), city walls, and the old city's several museums.
The bullring (no longer in use) is interesting, as is the court of Cest-Punta, a deadly ball game, still played today. Colonia is also a good place for river fishing. The nearby National Park of Anchorena is inhabited by wildlife including deer.
Costa de Oro
Uruguay's Atlantic golden coast (Costa de Oro) boasts some of the world's best beaches and outstanding resorts. The area comes alive in late November and continues to March. In the off-season there are very few visitors. Whether it is casino gambling and chic international shows, or a siesta in a hammock, or plentiful fresh seafood, Uruguay's Gold Coast has something for everyone. The area also offers small fishing villages, secluded coves and endless beaches.
Punta del Este
Uruguay – property in the pearl of the Atlantic, without the hefty price tag
30 October 2006
Modern day property investors are taking up the baton from Messrs Columbus, da Gama et al from bygone centuries and trawling the globe for the ‘next big thing’. With Europe pretty much covered, it’s time for the rest of the world and a surprise name joins the party – Uruguay.
Uruguay has much to attract the holidaymaker and second home owner, not least the wide sandy beaches and picturesque colonial towns. Punta del Este, 130km to the east of Montevideo, ranks up there with South America’s premier holiday resorts attracting up to 700,000 visitors each year and has been bestowed with numerous nicknames from ‘the Pearl of the Atlantic’ and ‘the Hamptons of Latin America’ to ‘the St Tropez of Uruguay’ and even ‘the Ibiza of Latin America’. Sitting on a peninsula that reaches out into the ocean, separating the surf of the Atlantic Ocean from the calm waters of Rio de la Plata, Punta del Este is an area of outstanding natural beauty offers all of the nightlife and all of the tranquility that you desire.
In January and February Punta del Este’s 20 miles of sandy beach turn into a playground for beautiful people, wealthy South Americans and a sprinkling of celebrities. Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bündchen are Punta regulars and author Martin Amis owns a bolt-hole there. The modern marina beckons yacht owners from all over the world who bring their impressive cruisers over for some winter sun and fun. Whichever experience you require – lounge music on warm beaches til dawn, trying your luck on the baize in the American-style hotel casinos, admiring one of the world’s largest sea lion colonies on Isla de los Lobos, joining the jetset and stocking up on Gucci, roller skating with the children or simply taking in the most incredible sunsets - Punta del Este has it sewn up.
There is in course, a new project, El Cardenal Azul*, overlooking Laguna del Sauce (Sauce Lake), undoubtedly the most prestigious area of Punta del Este with 27-holes of golf, a pair of five star hotels and where the elegant mansions of rich and famous flank the shoreline. El Cardenal Azul is set on 500,000m² of south west facing sloping land, 99% of which gives incredible views to the lake, forest, peninsula and ocean beyond. A five star hotel with 360º panoramic views is planned for the crest of the slope. The project itself will be exclusive, gated, monitored by 24-hour security and have top quality finishings and facilities. Plots of approximately 5,000m² are available, a limited number at a pre-release price of 150,000 USD (approximately 120,000 euros), upon which a choice of three or four styles of luxury villa can be built up to a maximum of 1,000m² in area, all with ADSL and Satellite TV.
El Cardenal Azul will earn its place on the luxury real estate map through its facilities. Residents will enjoy tennis courts, padel courts, sauna, gymnasium, a steam bath, swimming pool and a Clubhouse with restaurant and bar. The resort will also take on day-to-day tasks such as gardening, laundry, house-cleaning and babysitting on behalf of the owners should they wish. Completion of the entire project is expected for 2008.
Prices are particularly attractive for investors right now as the dollar is not at its strongest.
Punta del Este lives up to its nickname, a rare pearl that is hard to find and even harder to forget.
Cardenal Azul is a very rare and beautiful bird which only exists in South America. The developer named the project after it because when they were exploring the plot, prior to purchasing, the bird flew in front of them and they were captivated because it is hardly ever seen.
Additional Notes on Uruguay:
(A) Buying Process
The process of buying property is kept simple by the Uruguayan Government; a foreigner has the same rights and incentives as a Uruguayan national. There are no restrictions on transferring capital in and out of the country and there is no income tax or capital gains tax for individuals, only businesses. Prices for El Cardenal Azul include commission; the majority of real estate agents in Uruguay add a minimum of 3% to the selling price. Purchasers should mentally add a maximum of 5% to the listed price to cover notary fees, VAT, legal fees etc).
(B) Transport from Europe
Punta del Este has a modern International Airport at Laguna del Sauce, within minutes of El Cardenal Azul which can be reached from Europe with a stop off in between.
(C) Geography and Climate
Uruguay is a Spanish-speaking South American nation bordered by Brazil to the north, Argentina to the west and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east. Of its population of 3.5 million, almost half live in the capital Montevideo set on the wide mouth of Rio de la Plata estuary. At 176,220km² Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America and is characterized by rolling plains, low ranges of hills and a fertile grassy coastal lowland suitable for raising sheep and cattle. The weather is temperate, but warm, and summer temperatures (December to March) can reach the high 30s (85 F aprox).
(D) Economy and Politics
Uruguay has traditionally been better-off than its South American neighbours thanks to an educated workforce (98% adult literacy), advanced social security system and liberal laws. Uruguay is an open, tolerant country without racial or religious tension and welcomes foreigners without prejudice. The economy is fuelled by an export-orientated agricultural sector, the export of IT software and more recently a growing tourist industry. Politically, Uruguay has been a democracy since the mid 1980s and currently has a new President Dr. Tabare Vazquez.
(E) Sport
There is absolutely no doubt as to Uruguay’s most popular sport – football - the saying goes, “Other countries have their history and Uruguay has its football”. Uruguay staged and won football's first World Cup in 1930, and secured their second win in 1950 beating Argentina in the final, although sadly they have had little to shout about since. Of course as tourism becomes a priority for Uruguay, the golfing community becomes a target and the country boasts some fine courses, private and state-owned, some of which have been established for decades. Three top notch 18-hole golf courses are within the Punta del Este catchment area – namely La Barra Golf Club, Cantegril Country Club and Club del Lago, all are very popular and offer very early tee times to try and satisfy demand.
Salto
Center of the cattle-raising area, Salto is home of the gauchos, Uruguay's colorful cowboys. There are three museums: Museum of Fine Arts, Municipal History Museum, and Museum of Man. The Theater Larranaga, built in 1882, is famed for its early acoustical design and lack of columns. There are also the ruins of two meat-salting plants that date to the 1870's, where meat was salted and sent to feed the slaves in Brazil. Bargain priced amethyst and polished agate in the shops. The thermal grounds near Salto are a major attraction. Most popular is Termas del Arapey (60 mi. northeast of Salto), where the visitor can enjoy therapeutic baths and active sports. The Salto Grande Hydroelectric Dam, an impressive structure near the town on the Uruguay River, has brought rapid growth to the area. Salto can be reached by road and rail (6 hr.), as well as air (1 hr.) from Montevideo.
Paysandu
Founded as a European village in 1769 on the shore of the Uruguay River (80 mi. from Salto), Paysandu today's is the region's main industrial town, and is well known for leather, wool, sugar, beer, milk and other agriculture products. The attractive cathedral on the main square and the old cemetery are worth a visit. Fishing on the Uruguay River is very good. From Paysandu, visitors may cross the bridge for a day's excursion in Argentina.
Sources
www.10best.com/montevideo,uruguay/index.html
www.latintravel.com/countries/regions.cfm?country=uruguay
