Official Language:
Secondary Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Peso
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Population:
Approximately 1,400,000 people call Montevideo home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Montevideo: The climate is temperate year-round, and frosts are almost unknown. The winter months June to September offer temperatures ranging from 50 to 61°F (10-16°C), while summer months December to March offer temperatures between 70 to 82°F (21-28°C). Annual rainfall averages approximatley 1m (3ft).
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PORT: Cruise ships dock approximately 10 minutes away from town. Taxis are available at the pier.
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is located approximately 35 degrees south of the equator near the mouth of the Río de la Plata estuary on the Atlantic Ocean.
Montevideo makes up about half of Uruguay's population and is the only major city in Uruguay. Even Montevideanos travel to Buenos Aires and São Paulo when they are in need of big city excitement. If you are looking for the hustle and bustle of the big city you are in the wrong place. If you are looking for a nice relaxing place then this is it. This city boasts a number of monuments, museums and impressive architecture. There are sidewalk cafes, fine restaurants, chic shops, casinos and miles of clean beaches. There is also a lot of culture to be found here. Theater is very popular and playwrights are very prominent. Uruguayan artists, such as Pedro Figari, are very well recognized even outside of Uruguay. The Tango is nearly as popular as in Argentina, while Afro-Uruguayan candombé music and dance adds a unique dimension not present in Argentina.
More tourists visit Uruguay every year than Brazil, Argentina, or Chile. The city is exciting and beautiful. It is said to be wonderfully scenic and the most picturesque area on the continent. The restaurants and shopping facilities are fantastic, and the locals are friendly and always eager to help. Uruguay is located south of Brazil and bordered by Argentina to the west. Everywhere you travel within Montevideo and beyond, you will be treated to a wide array of extraordinary sights. The conditions at a number of the beaches are near perfect, and the hot springs just outside Montevideo are very popular.
In addition to being the capital, Montevideo is also the trading center and the main draw for visiting Uruguay. From December to April, Montevideo is very lively and festive. Try to visit during Carnival. Carnival in Uruguay is probably the safest in all of South America, and the most fun. Montevideo really comes alive during March and April as preparations get underway for celebrating this week-long event. As crazy as it gets, there are relatively few problems because everyone is in such good spirits.
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Attractions |
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La Carreta:
One of many famous sculptures that highlights many of Montevideo's parks. The monument features a covered wagon pulled by oxen.
Punta del Este:
The world-renowned site of film festivals and international conferences. This is the most important and famous seaside resort of South America. It is the playground of the jet set! Located 85 miles east of Montevideo, on a peninsula at the mouth of Rio del Plata.
Vineyards of Juanico at Montevideo, Uruguay:
This area has become internationally known for it's fine wines. The vineyards began with 50,000 plants and is now home to the best classic varieties including now grown-Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Semillon and Viognier. Dating back to the 1840s, the premises has been remodeled yet keeps it's original style. A state-of-the-art technology from France and the United Kingdom, with the best Uruguayan traditions for producing wines.
Etchegarays' family home:
A beautiful, well-preserved old house. Inside is a collection of marvelous art and antiques. The owners welcome you to their home and will show you around the house. Sip a glass of champagne while you listen to musicians play tango music.
Gaucho & Coin Museum:
Located in a three-story mansion that dates back to 1896. Built in a French Renaissance/late Neoclassic style. The 3rd floor offers a unique collection of typical rural silver work tracing the history of the Uruguayan gaucho. Visitors can view the Uruguayan coins ranging from the very early examples up to the present day coins. A collection of Roman coins is also available on display.
Old Classic Car Museum:
Operated by the "Automovil Club del Uruguay." A garage-style museum that is located on the 6th floor. There are approximately 30 exhibits in this museum that represent classic cars from the beginning of the century to the 1950's.
Shopping:
Visitors will enjoy Avenida 18 de Julio, Montevideo's main thoroughfare, with plenty of shops and restaurants. The main shopping centers on the city's outskirts are also an option. Leather goods and gemstones, including amethyst, topaz and agate, are considered good buys. Hand-knit sweaters, blankets and throws are very popular. The main shopping centers include the Montevideo Shopping Center, Punta Carretas Shopping Center, and Portones Shopping Center.
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More Information |
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