Uruguay is a small country sharing borders with Argentina and Brazil. It is located across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires, just an hour and 15 minutes by ferry.
And yet this is one of the most overlooked countries in South America, receiving less than half the tourists annually than Argentina or Brazil.
But Uruguay is well worth a visit, as I recently learned on a trip to this underrated destination.
Here’s why you should consider adding Uruguay to your South American travel itinerary:
1. It’s Easy To Visit
One of the most obvious reasons to visit Uruguay? It’s easy! Many travelers don’t realize just how close Uruguay is to the popular tourist destination of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
There are two modern, high-speed ferry companies that run numerous crossings between Argentina and Uruguay every day: Buquebus and Colonia Express.
You can get from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay in just one hour and 15 minutes or to the capital Montevideo in two hours and 45 minutes.
If you’re already planning a trip to popular countries in South America like Argentina and Brazil, it’s easy to squeeze in a visit to Uruguay as well.
2. Colonial History
One of the best places to visit in Uruguay is Colonia del Sacramento. This charming, romantic town dates back to colonial times and is filled with picturesque squares and tree-lined cobblestone streets.
This colonial town is a destination you shouldn’t miss in Uruguay, but you can also find more colonial history and architecture in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital city, which is two and a half hours from Colonia del Sacramento by car or bus.
Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja is the oldest part of the city, with plenty of colonial history.
3. A Vibrant Capital City
Speaking of Ciudad Vieja, it’s one of the best parts of Montevideo to discover. You’ll find cobblestone streets, vintage shops, beautiful bookstores, and historic churches.
Other neighborhoods worth checking out in Montevide include lively Parque Rodó and Barrio Sur.
Montevideo is the perfect place to buy your own mate kit, including a cup, metal straw, and dried yerba plant. Mate (pronounced mah-tay) is a traditional hot beverage that is extremely popular in Uruguay, and you’ll see people strolling down the street drinking it when it’s chilly outside.
4. The Riviera Of South America
Aside from Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo, Punta del Este is another one of the best destinations to visit in Uruguay.
Located about two hours east of Montevideo by car or bus, Punta del Este has earned the nickname “The Riviera of South America.”
This city located on the Pacific Ocean is known as a ritzy beach destination for Uruguayans and other South American travelers. If you’re visiting Uruguay during their summer (December through March) then you shouldn’t miss this beachfront destination.
Punta del Este is also known for being the safest destination in Uruguay.
5. Safest Country In South America
While Punta del Este is the safest destination in Uruguay, that doesn’t mean that the rest of the country is dangerous. Far from it!
Uruguay is actually the safest country in all of South America and within the top 50 safest countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. It’s also the country with the lowest poverty rate in South America and the least corruption.
Additionally, Uruguay is proud of being the most progressive country in South America, especially when it comes to the LGBTQ community, making it a safe and welcoming destination.
One thing most people hate about traveling is waiting through long security lines.
Sometimes they can take hours; if you’re going on vacation, spending hours in a security line is a terrible way to start off. Who doesn’t love speeding through security so you can get to your destination quickly?
New ways of getting through airport security lines are being introduced and are getting easier and quicker.
Several airports are adding reservation systems that allow you to book a time to go through security, therefore letting you skip the line. This is groundbreaking, considering the summer season is slated to become one of the busiest times of year for traveling.
Say goodbye to the days of waiting through hours-long security lines. Even better, you don’t need to have Clear or TSA PreCheck.
These 7 U.S. Airports Allow You To Skip Long Security Lines With Advanced Reservations:
Los Angeles International Airport, California
Los Angeles International Airport, otherwise known as LAX, is one of the busiest airports in the United States, and it’s a central hub for tourism.
Los Angeles is on a lot of people’s bucket lists domestically and globally.
With this new reservation system, you can reserve a time using the Clear system website and breeze through security.
Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport, Minnesota
The second destination on this list is less popular than other tourist spots, but it’s a great place to depart from.
The same system brought to you by Clear allows passengers and future jet setters to reserve a time. All you need is the date you are departing, your airline, and your flight number.
New York City is a mega tourist destination, and if you’re flying out there, you know how bad the security lines can be.
One of our staffers once had to wait more than four hours for a flight at JFK and almost missed their flight. This is a lifesaver for one of the biggest and busiest airports in the country.
Depending on where you’re located in New York or New Jersey, this can be the most convenient airport, and saving time through security is a bonus.
Orlando International Airport, Florida
Orlando is the world’s theme park capital, and millions fly out of its busy airport every year.
Orlando International Airport was one of the first airports to offer this reservation service, and it hasn’t looked back.
The program all started in 2021 and has become so popular that even countries like Germany and Canada are adopting it.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Arizona
Arizona is a beautiful state with many natural wonders that are great for travelers who want to explore the outdoors, and Phoenix is the perfect home base to travel out of.
Once you are done exploring, this reservation service will make the airport experience a breeze, and you’ll fly out in no time.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington
Washington is a nature lover’s paradise. The state has everything from fantastic nature parks to outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
If you’re into wellness, this destination is the perfect getaway.
I once did a solo camping trip in the Pacific Northwest, which changed my life. Seeing giant pine trees with turquoise lakes blew my socks off.
With this new service, getting through the airport will be a breeze, and you should take advantage of it.
Look into the service the next time you’re in one of these cities. It’s completely free, and you don’t have to do much, and it’s a great way to make sure your summer plans go off without a hitch.
Did you know it’s possible to skip customs entirely when landing back in the U.S.?
We’re not talking about some unknown loophole either — there are certain countries you can visit that allow you to go through U.S. Customs before taking off back to the States. Then when you land at home, you walk right out of the airport like you would for a domestic flight.
Best of all? One of those countries is one of the most stunning destinations in the Caribbean — ????️ Aruba????.
One Happy Island
If you’ve never been to Aruba, you aren’t alone. Many travelers flock to tourist heavyweights like Cancun or Montego Bay year after year.
But while those destinations are certainly worth returning to, a visit to Aruba might just change your annual vacation habits.
Affectionately called the “one happy island,” Aruba certainly lives up to its nickname. The moment you land on this eternally sunny island, you feel welcome and relaxed before you’ve even made it to your hotel.
Aruba is only about 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, so your ride from the airport to your hotel will be super quick no matter where you are on the island.
Many travelers head to Palm Beach, a breathtaking stretch of sand that many of the most popular resorts call home — including the alluring Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.
If you’ve never been to Aruba, I’d suggest taking your arrival day to unwind on the beach or at your resort. Nobody likes flying half the day away, but as soon as your feet hit the white sands of Aruba, you’ll forget about the time it took to get there.
For a first-time visit (and every visit after, honestly…), one of the best areas to stay is going to be Palm Beach. The beach is about 2 miles long and has everything you could possibly want on a Caribbean vacation.
Watersports, beach bars, restaurants, shops, casinos… you name it — Palm Beach has it.
You won’t ever get bored exploring this stunning stretch of sand, and that’s assuming you even want to leave your resort. When planning my stay, I wanted to be able to get everything I could possibly need without having to leave the resort property. In this case, that property was the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.
While I did leave the resort during my stay, there was no need to. Everything I could possibly want or need was on site and easily accessible.
I realized an hour into my trip I’d forgotten toothpaste, deodorant, nail clippers, and my snorkel gear (amateur move, I know). I walked downstairs and found all 4 quickly and easily!
For a first-time visit to Aruba, the Marriott was a perfect fit, and I’ll definitely be back again the next time I head to Aruba.
The room was incredible, and having morning coffee while looking off the balcony as the sun came up is a memory that will be etched in my brain for the rest of my life.
Of course, one of the highlights of heading to Aruba is going to be its gorgeous white-sand beaches. And when I say white sand, I mean it!
Aruba has some of the whitest sand in the Caribbean and, as a result, never feels hot on the feet. Everything about the sand and the beautiful blue waters screams relaxation and peace of mind.
But Aruba is more than its beaches! Aruba really is a destination for every type of traveler. Art, culture, adventure, nightlife, and more are all at your fingertips and easily accessible from anywhere on the island due to its small size.
Personally, I like to check out the local art scene and do more “off-path” things (yea, I said it).
On a different trip to Puerto Rico, one of my favorite experiences was exploring the amazing street art in Santurce. Little did I know Aruba is also home to absolutely breathtaking street art and murals!
San Nicolas Street Art
Founded in 2016 by Tito Bolivar after being inspired during a visit to Bogota, Colombia, Aruba Mural Tours in the city of San Nicolas offers travelers a glimpse into what’s possible when an idea becomes a sensation.
The first murals went up after the first-ever Aruba Art Fair, and San Nicolas’ fate was sealed.
Now, there are well over 40 murals to enjoy, and everywhere you turn your head, you will be met with art from some of the greatest muralists in the world.
I’d suggest the morning tour, as the sun won’t be as hot, and you can plan to stop and grab some great local fish on the way back to your hotel at Zeerover, a restaurant on a picturesque pier that looks out on the unbelievably blue waters where your fresh meal just came from.
There is no better way to truly get off path than by heading into the desert! I wasn’t aware that Aruba had a desert until a few days before my trip, but it’s definitely worth exploring.
Most of my experience of the Caribbean is from the time I spent living in Grenada, which is very mountainous. You can’t look too far in any direction without seeing a mountain unless you look at the ocean, of course.
In Aruba, you can see for miles. Everything is incredibly flat, and a trip into the desert really shows the unique character of this island.
What is the best way to see it?
A UTV tour! UTVs are different from ATVs; they are like a cross between an ATV, a golf cart, and a car, and they are an absolute blast to drive through the desert! We toured with De Palm Tours, and our guide was hilarious and informative.
During the tour, you’ll stop at several points in the desert to get a bit of history, a chance to stretch your legs, and the option to switch off driving to be a passenger for a while, which is the perfect time to grab some great video!
Pro-tip: Wear some really amazing sunglasses with great coverage, or bring some off-roading goggles. If you don’t have either, they have them for sale before the tour begins. There is no windshield, and there’s a lot of sand in the desert! ????
Go Home With More Than Souvenirs
One of the joys of traveling is coming back with something to remind you of your trip, but you can bring back far more than just a souvenir. Why not go home with new knowledge and an experience that will remind you of your trip again and again?
If you are staying at the Aruba Marriott, you can definitely make it happen. The best way?
I know, I know… you’re on vacation; why would you want to work at something? Don’t worry. The Marriott makes the class so easy on you that all that’s left to do is enjoy the experience (and reap the delicious rewards).
I can confidently say that I will now be eating a local dish from Aruba from the comfort of my own home for many years to come, and it’s such a tasty treat! If you’ve never had a Pastechi, you need to book your tickets to Aruba right now. Seriously, they’re that good ????
The Most Important Decision
Aside from choosing to visit Aruba in the first place, one of the biggest influences on whether you will have a great vacation is going to be where you stay. I touched on it above, and I’ll say it again, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino was the perfect pick for a stress-free vacation with everything I could possibly need while enjoying all that Aruba offers.
From a delicious breakfast on the gorgeous balcony to a picture-perfect afternoon under the ocean-front palapas, the Marriott did not disappoint.
I wasn’t there long enough to try everything, but that just means that I’m more excited to go back for another visit.
In particular, I want to try the Massage de la Aruba at the on-site Mandara Spa and the Desert Bathing experience offered by the Marriott, where you can enjoy a picnic in the desert after a yoga session and some introspection.
To cap off your Aruba adventures, I highly recommend enjoying your last dinner at sunset at Atardi, where you can dine with your feet in the sand in one of the most beautiful settings in the Caribbean.
The view of the sun setting over your delicious dinner on your last night in Aruba will stick with you, and you’ll desperately want to come back the second you leave.
**Travel Off Path was a guest of Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**
Imagine getting to the airport and breezing right through security by skipping to the front of the line. With Reserve powered by Clear, you can do just that at participating airports. The service is completely free and does not require membership with Clear, meaning all travelers can take advantage of the program. Passengers simply reserve a timeslot for going through security, receive a QR code, and use it to check in before entering the Reserve Lane.
As passengers miss flights due to airport chaos in the U.S. and abroad, taking advantage of every opportunity to smooth the airport experience is in travelers’ best interest. For flying out of airports with Clear Reserve Lanes, taking advantage of the reserved security check time could be the difference between a pleasant walk to the terminal and missing a flight in the event of clogged security lines.
Currently, Clear Reserve Lanes are available at the following airports:
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (JFK)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona (PHX)
Calgary International Airport in Canada (YYC)
Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey (EWR)
Orlando International Airport in Florida (MCO)
Los Angeles International Airport in California (LAX)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington (SEA)
To use the service, travelers can head to Clear’s website, click on the airport they are departing from, enter their flight details and party size, and pick a time to go through security. The service is free, and only one traveler’s information is needed to book a reservation for a party of up to 10 people. While travelers should make every effort to arrive at their selected time, there is an unspecified grace period before and after selected reservation times. Twenty minutes is set aside for each reservation to ensure travelers have ample time to make it through screening, and reservations can be made up to 72 hours ahead of scheduled departure times.
As travelers continue to deal with canceled flights and long security lines due to high travel demand and staff shortages, anything that helps make getting through the airport a smoother experience is welcome news. This year the TSA is adding new technology to their security checks to help speed up the processing time. The upgrades include new scanning technologies and mobile ID options, helping passengers get to their terminals faster. Five of seven airports listed above are equipped with the new technology, meaning travelers taking advantage of the reserve lanes at JFK, PHX, MCO, LAX, and SEA will be skipping to the front of the line and using the best technology available for a speedy experience.
The first Clear Reserve Lane debuted in October 2021 at Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Clear has been adding the service to other airports since. “The travel experience can be unpredictable – from the moment you step outside your door to the moment you arrive at your destination,” said Caryn Seidman-Becker, Clear’s CEO, in a press release. “We are excited to offer this new experience alongside Orlando International Airport and help give their travelers more predictability and more control over their time. With CLEAR’s solutions, travelers are enjoying faster and easier travel from home to gate.”
Travelers using the program should note that Reserve powered by Clear does not grant access to Clear Plus Lanes. Clear Plus Lanes are for travelers with Clear memberships, which offer faster front-of-the-line service at over 38 airports. A Clear Plus membership is not free like the Reserve Lanes and is offered at $189 per year. For travelers who want the fastest and easiest experience possible any time they travel, combining a Clear Plus membership with TSA PreCheck ensures a quick security experience. Clear Plus will get travelers to the front of the line quickly, and TSA PreCheck makes security easier by eliminating the need to remove belts, shoes, or the removal of laptops, and liquids from carry-on bags.
As travel demand continues to surge, airports and airlines are being forced to cut flights as they cannot keep up. Programs like Clear Reserve Lanes and the recent TSA technology improvements continue to alleviate travel woes for passengers and airport personnel, and their continued expansion is greatly welcomed.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
