Montevideo, Uruguay

Street Art is everywhere in Montevideo

Embarking on the long-awaited journey to Uruguay filled me with excitement. Our initial attempt in 2011 to explore Montevideo had been thwarted by fully booked ferry tickets, leaving me yearning for a chance to immerse myself in this South American gem.

The Port of Montevideo is lively and large.

This time, arriving on a ship directly into the expansive port, we found ourselves stepping off the pier and into the enchanting Ciudad Viejo, or Old City.

Navigating through the charming handicraft pavilions and lively street vendors, our quest for a replacement leather crossbody bag led us to an "i" surrounded by blue—an international beacon for information and assistance. The kind young lady at the information point not only provided valuable guidance but also gave us a complimentary map of the city. With a specific destination in mind—the renowned Mercado de Agrillo or Market—we were advised to take a taxi due to the distance. Ignoring the scorching 36-degree Celsius heat, we embarked on a two-hour walk, sticking to the shaded sides of streets adorned with green plazas commemorating Uruguayan heroes, often featuring local handicrafts for sale.

Our journey included a stop at the Mirador Panoramicos, a Panoramic Lookout housed in City Hall, offering a free elevator ride to the 22nd floor. From there, the breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Montevideo made the stop worthwhile, providing refreshing breezes and shaded respite.

Continuing our exploration, we marvelled at the spectacular Parliament Buildings, contrasting with the disrepair of numerous colonial structures along the way.

The ornateness of the Uruguayan Parliament.

Parliament Buildings

Some, like the old Train Station, were undergoing preservation efforts. The Mercado de Agrilllo, although not entirely meeting our expectations, surprised us with craft beer for our companions and a delightful Uruguayan Sauvignon Blanc, boasting notes of cantaloupe.

With the scorching heat making the return walk undesirable, we hailed a taxi for 260 Uruguayan dollars (approximately 8 Canadian) to transport the four of us back to the Old City. Another Mercado awaited our exploration, showcasing the region's barbecue prowess. Despite the tempting aroma, the stifling heat prompted a tactical retreat for us and we headed back to the ship. Undeterred, our fellow travellers persevered, acquiring keepsakes amidst the sizzling allure of barbecued delights.

Montevideo has all of the necessary prerequisites to be a world-class city.  Millions would have to be spent to get the Old City and hundreds of other colonial buildings back to their former glory.