Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Most of these changes occurred during the five-year term of José Mujica (2009-14), a
leftist and former guerrilla who famously survived 13 years of imprisonment and torture
during Uruguay's period of military rule. As president, Mujica has been better known for
his grandfatherly style and humility, famously donating the majority of his salary to char-
ities, refusing to live in the presidential palace, and eschewing suits and ties in favor of
sweaters.
As this topic goes to press, new presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled
for October 2014, with the Frente Amplio widely expected to maintain control of the
government.
Uruguay enters 2014 with a stable economy (inflation, at less than 10% annually, has
been much less severe than in neighboring Argentina) and with high hopes for its nation-
al
fútbol
team, whose return to the World Cup is a source of tremendous national pride.
DON'T MISS
ESTANCIA TOURISM IN URUGUAY
Estancias,the giant farms of Uruguay's interior, are a national cultural icon. The
Uruguayan Ministry of Tourism has designated 'Estancia Turística' as a distinct
lodging category, and dozens of such places have opened their doors to tourists,
from traditional working farms to opportunistic wannabes. Typically, estanciasor-
ganize daily activities with a heavy emphasis on horseback riding; many also
provide overnight accommodations. Most are difficult to reach without a vehicle,
although they'll often pick guests up with advance notice.
One of Uruguay's most impressive estanciasis
San Pedro de Timote
(
4310-8086;
www.sanpedrodetimote.com
; Ruta 7, Km142, Cerro Colorado; s/d incl all meals & activities
from US$140/220 Sun-Thu, from US$205/300 Fri & Sat; )
, whose remarkable setting -
14km up a dirt road amid 253 hectares of rolling cattle country - is greatly en-
hanced by the complex of historic structures, some dating to the mid-19th century:
a gracious white chapel, a courtyard with soaring palm trees, a library with gor-
geous tilework and a circular stone corral. Common areas feature parquet wood
floors, big fireplaces, comfy leather armchairs, two pools and a sauna. Prices in-
clude three meals, afternoon tea and two daily horseback-riding excursions, plus
occasional bonfires and full-moon walks. Non-overnight guests can pay US$75 for
lunch, afternoon tea and two horseback rides. The turnoff is just outside the town
of Cerro Colorado, 160km northeast of Montevideo on Ruta 7.
Other favorite tourist estanciasfeatured elsewhere in this guide include include
La Sirena (
Click here
)
(near Mercedes), Guardia del Monte (
Click here
)
(near the
northern Atlantic coast), and Yvytu Itaty (
Click here
)
(near Tacuarembó).
