8 Facts Why Uruguay is Underrated

_{Enjoying life @ Uruguay –}

What do you picture when you hear Uruguay? Well, probably not so much. But, Uruguay is such an underrated country in Latin America and here is why.

_{Sunset @ Colonia de Sacramento}

_{Strolling around @ Montevideo after the rain in one afternoon}

Did you know Uruguay is the most expensive country in Latin America – And that’s why it also has the best living standard in the continent. This country has the highest income per capita with an average of 1.500 USD per person monthly.

_{Teatro Solis @ Montevideo as the biggest theatre in Latin America}

_{Admiring Palacio Taranco for free @ Montevideo – Family Taranco is named one of the richest ones in the country}

_{There are a good amount of public toilet in Uruguay with a reminder to wash your hands included 😀}

_{Since eating out is expensive, restaurant promos like this are great for budget travelers}

Uruguay is arguably the safest country in Latin America as well – For almost a month during my stay here, I felt safe. Never have I ever had to look over my shoulder all the time. I walked late at night after partying and it was fine.

_{Taking bus while travelling inside Uruguay is safe}

_{Hubby upon arrival @ Montevideo}

Uruguay has a good public system – Meaning school is free (yes, even until university), free healthcare and you get a public pension as well. So, your tax pays off.

_{Public School @ Colonia de Sacramento}

_{Public museums are also here, i.e. Museum of Immigration @ Montevideo}

_{Learning about the Gauchos for free @ Museo de Gauchos & La Moneda, Montevideo}

Uruguay has a great steak just like its neighboring country – And that says a lot! Especially since the world usually knows only Argentina, as a great steak destination.

_{Deal of The Day @ La Tapera de Enrique}

_{How do you like your steak?}

Uruguay legalized weed 14 years ago – And not even all European countries are able to or want to do this. Well, only for its residents and not tourists tho. But, the locals are kind, so 😉

_{Because why not?}

_{And you can infuse it to more commonly local goods, i.e. like Yerba Mate}

_{One of the merchandise from 420 friendly bar}

Same sex marriage is legal since 2013 in Uruguay – It is nice to see how people could love regardless, isn’t it? And it is cool how Uruguay facilitates this possibility. Afterall, love is love anyway.

_{Diversity Mural @ Montevideo}

_{Another diversity mural}

There is no official religion in Uruguay – Uruguay separated itself from the church in the 19th century and the country has been secular ever since. So, freedom of belief is liberal and personal here.

_{But since the main religion is Catholic, there are a lot churches here – In frame, a Catholic church @ Colonia de Sacramento}

_{May you find peace wherever you are}

Uruguayans are the most laid back people in the continent – And that is a compliment! Locals that I met and befriended instantly joked that they chanelize their anger internally. As an ambivert, I love being there since the friendliness is enough, but not too extra for me.

_{People chilling on the beach @ Colonia de Sacramento}

_{Peaceful street @ Colonia de Sacramento}

The fact that a lot of travelers I met during my Latin America trip just skipped Uruguay made me sad a bit. This country is a jewel in the latin continent and most likely being overseen. I had to say how Uruguay had surprised me in a good way. The days I spent there were one of my best in Latin America. And if I am being honest, I was even tempted shortly to move there for the sake of living in peace. If you want to visit Latin America one day, please add Uruguay into your list.

_{@ Uruguay Presidential Election Ceremony}

_{While sightseeing @ Montevideo}

_{Note – Facts are based on obtained information from guided tours, individual research and personal experience from February 2025. There are no ads & any kind of promotions in the article.}