Uruguay
Uruguay, officially the Eastern Republic of Uruguay (Spanish: República Oriental del Uruguay), is a country located in the Southern Cone region of South America. It shares borders with Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and northeast, while bordering the Río de la Plata to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. Uruguay covers an area of approximately 181,034 square kilometers (69,898 sq mi) and has a population of around 3.5 million, of whom nearly 2 million live in the metropolitan area of its capital and largest city, Montevideo.
Services, agriculture, and manufacturing are the biggest industries in the country. Tourism and banking are also prominent sectors. Uruguay acts as a regional hub for international finance and tourism. The country has a coastline on the Rio de la Plata and Atlantic Ocean dotted with beach resorts, among which the internationally renowned Punta del Este and Piriapolis stand out. Historic, thermal and agricultural tourism are also worth mentioning.
Uruguay distinguishes itself in Latin America for being an egalitarian society and for its high income per capita, low corruption, and a consensus-based political approach. Uruguay scored the highest on the Democracy Index 2023 as the most democratic country in the Americas according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual ranking. It has the lowest level of poverty in Latin America, it doesn’t have any extreme poverty, and its level of inequality is also the lowest in the region.
Montevideo
The capital city of Uruguay was founded by the Spanish in the early 18th century as a military stronghold to counteract the Portuguese advance into the area from Brazil. Its natural harbor soon developed into a commercial area competing with Río de la Plata’s capital, Buenos Aires. The port is the hub of the city’s international transport. It is also served by an international airport at Carrasco.
Montevideo lies on the north shore of the Río de la Plata estuary. This river separates the south coast of Uruguay from the north coast of Argentina. The city’s metropolitan area has today a population of 2 million people approximately and concentrates near 60% of the country’s population.
In Montevideo, the rich architectural heritage of the colonial era combines with wide white beaches and a promenade that stretches along 22 kilometers. Places worth visiting in Montevideo are: the Solis Theatre, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Salvo Palace, the Independence Square, the port market, the Torres García Museum as well as the Estadio Centenario, among other interesting sites.
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 on the northern bank of the Rio de la Plata. Thanks to its well-preserved Portuguese and Spanish colonial urban architecture, its historic district was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.
Small but picturesque, Colonia offers a rich, cultural history. The colonial quarter features a drawbridge entrance into the old walled city. The winding cobblestone streets, reminiscent of old Lisbon, are lined with colorful colonial houses. Outside the wall, the historical part of the city was planned in the Spanish colonial style. By the river, a small promenade offers a nice and relaxing place to admire wonderful sunsets.
A guided walking tour is recommended to discover the culture, sites and stories of the town. Colonia is so small that the best way to get around it is on foot. Alternatively, it is possible to rent an electric golf cart or a bike to move around, though keeping in mind that the historic center is all cobblestone.
Today Colonia is accessible via a 1-hour ferry ride from downtown Buenos Aires.
In Colonia del Sacramento, the summers are warm and humid; the winters are cold. In October (springtime) temperatures range from 56 F to 70 F (13 C to 21 C). Appropriate clothing: It is advisable to pack clothes for layering and a warm coat for night-time.
Electricity
In Uruguay electricity operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50 HZ.
There are three associated plug types, types C, F and L.
It is advisable to pack a travel adaptor to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely.
Entrance to Uruguay
To enter the country, the passport must be valid at the time of entry, and one blank page is required for the entry stamp. It is advisable to check if a visa is required according to the nationality and find out the requirements to begin the process before travelling. The information can be found here:
https://migracion.minterior.gub.uy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1280
Vaccination
There are no longer any other Covid-19 entry requirements for travelers coming to Uruguay.
Carrasco Airport
The Carrasco/General Cesáreo L. Berisso International airport is the main international airport of Uruguay. It is the country’s largest airport and is located in the Carrasco neighborhood of Montevideo. It is located 14 miles (22 km) from the center of Montevideo city, and 105 miles (199 km) from Colonia del Sacramento.
Ferry crossing
Another option to get to Colonia is the ferry that crosses the Río de la Plata connecting Buenos Aires (Argentina) to Colonia del Sacramento. The route is operated by two ferry companies: Buquebus and Colonia Express. Both offer a large choice of services and travel times. The fastest crossing takes approximately 1h 15m.
Car rental – Taxis
Several companies offer the car rental service in Colonia, among them are Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Avis. Most of these agencies have a desk at the International Airport of Carrasco.
Taxis are a practical option to move around Colonia when travelling without a car. There are various taxi stops where you can take a taxi to go anywhere in the city. It is also recommended to ask the place you are at (hotel, restaurant, etc.) to order a taxi for you.
Tips
Although there is no established standard, it is usual to leave 10% of the total amount spent as a tip when it is not included in the invoice. Likewise, it is also frequent to tip taxi-drivers.
CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Historic quarter
In the oldest part of the city, visitors travel back in time as they walk among 18th century buildings. The historic quarter is well maintained and a pleasure to explore. This Colonia neighborhood has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided walking tours are available and recommended.
City gate
La ‘Puerta de la Ciudadela’ is a must-visit when in Colonia. It is the ‘official entry’, marking the limit between the historic and the newer parts of the city. It was erected back in 1745 by the Portuguese governor Vasconcellos, and is the ideal spot to begin your visit.
The Street of Sighs (‘Calle de los Suspiros’)
This cobbled street with no sidewalks is undoubtedly the most photogenic point in the entire city. From the Portuguese-style tile street signs to the street lamps on the walls, everything presents a magnificent photo opportunity.
Colonia lighthouse (‘Faro de Colonia’)
The lighthouse, built over 160 years ago, is located in the historic quarter near the ruins of the 17th-century San Francisco Convent. Visitors can climb up to the top to enjoy wonderful views of the coast and the historic quarter.
‘Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos’
The bull ring is also a must-see while in Colonia, not only because of the building’s size but also because of its history. The name comes from the original construction which started in 1761 to honor king Charles II. The building later became a bullfight arena featuring the mudejar architecture of southern Spain. However, it was used as a bullring on only a few occasions, between 1908 and 1910.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT
Dress code
For the social meetings, elegant casual clothes are recommended, no jeans. No tie is necessary.
Punctuality
Punctuality is indispensable and will be welcomed for all programmed events.
Badges
You will be requested to show your identification card / badge at all the social and academic events to be allowed into the meeting rooms.
Don’t forget to bring with you
Prescribed glasses, charger for electronic devices, personal medicines, comfortable and smart shoes and sweater.
Luggage
We suggest that you identify your luggage with bag tags (name and surname, and hotel).
Insurance
The organizers assume no responsibility for medical, travel, robbery or personal insurance. In case of needing medical attention at the hotel please call Reception.
