We’ve really enjoyed the relaxed charm of Montevideo.
It felt noticeably cleaner, safer and friendlier than anywhere else we’ve been in South America so far, though a lot more expensive too!
A short ferry trip from Buenos Aires, the Uruguayan capital has been a little breath of fresh air after our recent tour of megacities and capitals.
More fresh air to come- we’re making our way down to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
Here’s how we spent 48-or-so hours in Montevideo
🕍 Took in the serenity of the cathedral, which has the graves of a few old presidents, including Juan Antonio Lavalleja, whose story has taken on legendary status in Uruguay. He led a group of 33 men in a revolution against Brazil in 1825.
✈️ Museo Andes 1972 was fascinating. It detailed the survival of 16 of the 45 passengers whose plane crashed into the Andes mountains. They endured 72 days of freezing temperatures and extreme conditions, resorting to cannibalism for survival. They were finally rescued after sending out a trekking party to get help, as the search had been called off, assuming they were dead.
🥩Mercado del Puerto, where Michael are some devine steak. Uruguay has the most cows per capita in the world- around 3.8 cows for every person. The market was less intense and bustling then other South American markets, which made it a relaxing visit
🏰 Salvo Palace, an elegant art deco skyscraper that towers over the city. We went on a tour and it’s a bit less elegant inside. The conversion from a hotel to apartments wasn’t done to a great standard, and it’s now a bit pokey and dingy. A few elements of its grand past shine through and the tour was interesting.
⚰️ Aritgas’ Mausoleum, found underneath a central square in the old town. It holds the ashes of Uruguay’s national hero and “Father of the Nation” José Artigas. He was a soldier who fought against the Spanish, British, Portuguese and defended against Buenos Aires. He was a defender of democracy and a strong believer in social reform.
