Get South 2014 - Uruguay 18º edition

8

Uruguay, one of the smallest of the South American republics, is located by the Atlantic Ocean between Argentina and Brazil. Its population is about 3 million inhabitants, half of which live in the capital, Montevideo. Its 500 km (300 miles) of fine sandy beaches, forests, hills, hot springs, art festivals, numerous opportunities for sport and entertainment, and above all its people, make Uruguay an ideal place to visit all year round.

URUGUAY

Distance Chart in km

9

Uruguay COLONIA

Its privileged position on a cape at the Río de la Plata provoked many disputes between different rulers during its history, resulting in a mix of beautiful Portuguese colonial buildings and typical Spanish style houses. The charming Barrio Histórico (historic quarter) was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. Take a journey back in time and stroll around this remarkable place with its cobblestone streets to visit the Plaza Mayor (main square) with Casa de Nacarello and Casa del Virrey, the Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs) with houses from the 1st colonial period, the ruins of the San Francisco convent and the lighthouse (El Faro). Colonia also houses interesting museums like the Museo Municipal (Casa del Almirante Brown) and Museo Portugués on Plaza Mayor, the Museo del Azulejo (Tile Museum) and more.A highlight of any visit is definitely enjoying a colourful sunset over the Río de la Plata and making the gorgeous walk over the Rambla de las Americas along the water to Real de San Carlos, 4km from Colonia. This is the beach area to go to, and while you’re there, check out the impressive bull fight ring. Well worth a visit is the Aarón de Anchorena National Park 30km northeast of the city. This is the presidential resting residence with an exotic park and a 75m high tower with panoramic views that reach Buenos Aires.

COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO

Remember to show Get South on arrival

wherever you go so that you can get the discounts and benefits offered in

the guidebook!

PLEASE READ THIS: Discounts in Get South are ONLY valid when the guidebook (or online version) is shown on arrival or at check-in. Promotions cannot be combined with any other discounts or special promotions and are ONLY valid with direct bookings, not through booking engines like Hostel World, Hostel Bookers, Booking, etc. Using your HI, Hola or any other card membership also makes Get South promotions invalid. Thanks for your understanding!

10

Uruguay COLONIA

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a vibrant mix of architectural styles and cultures. The heart of the city is Plaza Independencia, where the old & new city meets. It’s a massive square with the mausoleum of General Artigas, who led Uruguay to its independence, and the Teatro Solis and Government House. Avenida 18 de Julio, east of the plaza, splits the new city in half and is the main commercial street, with loads of impressive buildings in an eclectic and art deco style. Enter the Ciudad Vieja or Old City through the Puerta de la Ciudadela at the west side of the Plaza Independencia. Explore the narrow streets scattered with bars and restaurants and beautiful and important historical buildings. The Plaza de la Constitución (or Plaza Matriz) with the Cathedral and Cabildo (city hall) and Plaza Zabala are the main squares here. Leaving the Old City without having lunch at the Mercado del Puerto is simply not done! Have some delicious meat or seafood with the market’s signature drink “medio y medio”. Parque Rodó with its boating lake is a perfect place to relax, and football fans can visit the museum at the Centenario Stadium at Parque Batlle, the arena of the first World Cup finals, won by Uruguay in their homeland in 1930. It’s a FIFA international monument of world soccer. Sunday mornings are reserved for the big and popular Tristán Narvaja flea market and to get a tan, head to the excellent beaches of trendy Pocitos or Carrasco or have a stroll along la Rambla, the beautiful road that goes all along the coastline of Montevideo. Celebrating the world famous Montevideo Carnival is without a doubt a memorable experience!

MONTEVIDEO

Odriozola 269COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO

+598 4522 [email protected]

EL VIAJERO BED & BREAKFASTEl Viajero B&B has the comfort of a hotel at hostel prices! It is located in front of the Río de la Plata and next to the “Historical Town”, just 300 meters away from the Port and the bus station. It has 14 double matrimonial and twin rooms, all with ensuite bathroom and air conditioning, cable TV, Wi-Fi & Internet.

Washington Barbot 164COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO


EL VIAJERO HOSTEL & SUITES COLONIAThis hostel has high ceilings with wide skylights, neat fireplaces, cable TV and DVDs, great BBQ area, a solarium and a hip bar. There are private rooms with beautiful views and dorms, all ensuite and with A/C. Located 700 m away from the port and bus station, just a 100 m from the famous “Historical Town”, and 1500 m from beautiful beaches! Bike rentals and horseback riding outings, FUN!

10% off or 4th night free! (not valid from 24/12 to the end of Carnival)

www.elviajerohostels.com - El Viajero Hostels Uruguay

11

Uruguay MONTEVIDE0

Soriano 1073 corner ParaguayMONTEVIDEO

+598 [email protected]

El Viajero Hostels Uruguay

EL VIAJERO DOWNTOWN HOSTEL & SUITESLocated in downtown Montevideo, only a few minutes from the main tourist attractions, take your pick between their 10 private rooms with private bathrooms, A/C and cable TV or their shared rooms with lockers. The hostel has an outdoor patio with a bar so it’s easy to get to know other travellers. There is a well equipped kitchen and a nicely decorated living room with cable TV, DVD & Media Player. Ask their bilingual staff for bike rental,

laundry service, bus tickets sales and hostel reservations for other destinations in Uruguay!


If you continue your travels to Colombia, check out their excellent hostels at San Andres, Cartagena & Cali!

www.elviajerohostels.com

Juan D. Jackson 865MONTEVIDEO

+598 [email protected] www.contraluzarthostel.com

CONTRALUZ ART HOSTELPhotos and other art are exhibited in the hostel’s hallways and in the big communal area with its very high ceiling and lots of natural light.

Ana, a photographer herself, and her team give Uruguayan artists the opportunity to exhibit their work, and often live bands can show off their music skills here. It’s nice to admire the photos when having the complimentary breakfast or while munching on the food you’ve prepared in the kitchen. The female and mixed dorms with lockers are very spacious or you can pick a single, double, matrimonial or quadruple room. All bathrooms are shared and towels are provided in the private rooms.

The hostel is located very close to Parque Rodó, just 1,5 blocks from the Río de La Plata, close to different pubs & clubs and with easy access to

the old center of Montevideo. 10% offwith

Get South! Contraluz Arthostel Contraluzhostel

12

Uruguay

Juan Carlos Gómez 1408MONTEVIDEO

+598 [email protected]

ACADEMIA URUGUAY - Spanish CoursesHow cool is it to learn Spanish in a historical building in the heart of the old city in Montevideo? Whether you just want to be able to pick up a local beauty or stud, or want to make a career switch to being a certified Spanish teacher, their highly educated teachers will do the job! Individual or group classes, fun activities and visits, workshops, volunteering opportunities, etc; you’ll be immersed in a 24 hour Spanish language experience! Stay with a local family to get a fuller immersion, or opt for a shared apartment. Courses start every Monday all year round. Academia Uruguay can also arrange studying at one of the universities in the city. Various possibilities, professionalism and years in the trade: Academia Uruguay is the perfect Spanish school for you!

Academia language schools also operate in Argentina:

Bariloche and Buenos Aires.

Academia Uruguay - Spanish courses

Member of the Responsible Tourism Network: www.rtrglobal.org

Sarmiento 2641MONTEVIDEO


www.pocitoshostel.com

POCITOS HOSTELPocitos Hostel is situated in the heart of trendy Pocitos, Montevideo’s quarter in vogue, with lots of restaurants & nightlife. A short stroll will bring you to Playa Pocitos, a nice city beach and hang-out spot to take a dip, enjoy the sunset and try a mate* with a local.

The hostel’s layout with a cozy living room, kitchen & small garden, and the helpful crew, create a very sociable & relaxed atmosphere, one of the big strengths of this hostel. You’ll meet even more people in one of the dorms (with lockers), or get some privacy in a private twin-bedded or matrimonial room. You’ll share the hostel’s bathrooms, but also the convenience of having an included breakfast! Enjoy making new friends in Pocitos!

20% off accommodation from April to November with Get South!

Pocitos Hostel

MONTEVIDEO

13

Uruguay

Excellent beaches, great surf, vibrant night life, delicious food and cultural activities make Punta del Este and its surroundings Uruguay’s summer destination in vogue. The Punta del Este peninsula is an internationally popular place to hang out and enjoy. Have a look at the 43m high lighthouse and its neighbour, the Parish Church, visit the Crafts & Artist´s Market at Artigas Square and stroll through the streets with shops, bars and restaurants like Gorlero Avenue and Calle 20. Playa Mansa (west side) is a beach with calm water to relax and sunbathe by. The ocean is a lot rougher at the east side, which makes Playa El Emir and Playa Brava top surf spots, the latter with the original “Hand in the Sand” sculpture. Punta del Este is also famous for partying. Party addicts go to the Yacht Port with its never ending nightlife, or head to La Barra, 20km east of the peninsula. La Barra, with its undulating bridge, is a lively and trendy beach town with a sparkling nightlife and excellent surf at f.e. Manantiales and Bikini Beach. 40 km east of the peninsula is José Ignacio, where the jet set go. This chic and quiet beach resort is also a popular surf spot with fabulous beaches and gorgeous houses. A top excursion at Punta del Este is a boat trip to Isla de Lobos, an island at about 8km from the coast, with the biggest sea lion colony in South America (tours leave from the port). Isla Gorriti, a 15min boat ride from the port, is a little island to explore with a wonderful bay and beach to get over your hangover...

PUNTA DEL ESTE

PUNTA DEL ESTE

Av. F. Salazar y Charrúa s/nPUNTA DEL ESTE +598 42480331

[email protected] El Viajero Hostels Uruguay

EL VIAJERO BRAVA BEACH HOSTEL & SUITESConvenientely located in the heart of Punta del Este, only 3 blocks from the bus station and “Playa Brava”, this hostel is just steps away from the main downtown tourist attractions, the Yacht Club with its endless nightlife and the trendy Punta beaches. They offer both private and shared rooms, all ensuite and with A/C, making this your beach paradise!



If you continue your travels to Colombia, check out their excellent hostels at San Andres, Cartagena & Cali! Their chain of hostels are ranked as some of the best

in the entire South American continent!

14

Uruguay PUNTA DEL ESTE

La Paloma blossoms in summer from a quiet fishermen’s town into a bustling beach destination. Playa Bahía is a sheltered beach for swimming, and Playa La Balconada is an exquisite sunset spot. Playa Anaconda and La Aguada are internationally famous surf beaches, while Playa Los Botes is the perfect place to take a stroll. Declared as a national historic monument in 1976, Cabo Santa María with the lighthouse is also worth a visit. The city boasts a fine pine tree forest where you can keep cool and biking and horseback riding are popular activities. Boats arriving at the port are escorted by sea lions and the occasional penguin, claiming their meal. La Paloma has little shops and boutiques that offer handicrafts which are ideal for souvenirs.La Pedrera, 12km northeast, is a small and exclusive resort with a great nightlife and fine white sand beaches good for surfing and windsurfing. Playa Desplayado at the northeast side of the village hasn’t got a big swell and is safer to swim. At the southwest side, Playa del Barco (Boat Beach) is a great surf and bodyboard beach to get your adrenaline pumping. This beach owes its name to the remains of the “Cathay”, the boat that shipwrecked here in 1971. In the main street of La Pedrera you will find picturesque crafts stands and a variety of small shops and restaurants.The coastal waters of La Paloma and La Pedrera are good for scuba diving and world class sports fishing. Whale watching season goes from July till October, when these magnificent creatures migrate close to the shores. Laguna de Rocha, a protected area nearby, is a vast wetland with populations of black-necked swans, storks, spoonbills and other waterfowl - this is simply a birdwatcher’s paradise!

LA PALOMA & LA PEDRERA

Emilio Sader, between Bv. Artigas & Av. Francia

PUNTA DEL ESTE+598 42488181

[email protected] www.thetriphostel.com

THE TRIP HOSTELDuring the day this place, just a few blocks from the bus terminal, is super chilled out with a relaxed hippie & surf vibe in the beautiful bar, rooftop terrace and communal spaces. But in the evening its groovy owners make sure a big party is kicking off with loud music, bands, absolutely delicious artisan beer and other liquid delicacies. With all this energy and cool young people you won’t

end up in bed early in one of the dorms’ bunkbeds (female & mixed, with lockers and aircon) or in the private ensuite room with TV. Towels and breakfast are provided and a fully-stocked kitchen is there to prepare your food. But no worries, the hostel is

located near several snack bars & restaurants if you don’t feel like laboring over the pots and pans. Ask the staff about the asados, karaoke evenings, surf lessons, other activities and bookable tours. Open all year. English & Portuguese also spoken.

The Trip Hostel

12% off on cash payments (not to combine with other promos) or a free 660cc artisan beer if you stay min. 3 nights.

15

Uruguay

Av. Paloma corner Av. SolariLA PALOMA


www.hostelibirapita.com

HOSTEL & SUITE IBIRAPITA LA PALOMA One block from the bus terminal, in the heart of the city with all the shops and nightlife and really close to most beaches, this is a first-rate location! The bilingual staff can organize a wide range of activities for you: excursions, surf lessons, horseback rides, whale watching, scuba diving, car and bicycle rental, etc. All dorms (female and mixed) have lockers and there is an ensuite private room for 4 people. They also have 4 private matrimonial rooms with a private bathroom, cable TV and fridge. Breakfast and towels are included for all guests and a kitchen is available. The hostel offers you free entrance for clubs and with the key of your room you get a discount at a range of restaurants, bars and shops. Ask for more info at the reception! Open all year round!

10% off accommodation & a welcome drink with Get South!

Benteveo between Pirincho & Zorzal LA PEDRERA


El Viajero Hostels Uruguay

EL VIAJERO LA PEDRERA HOSTEL & SUITESAn ideal spot to rest and relax, surrounded by a forest and close to the main street, bus stop and only 500m from the beach. This dreamy hostel offers many ensuite double rooms, dorms with lockers (some also ensuite), wide common areas, TV/DVD room, fully equipped kitchen, grill and a bar. Catch some sun rays in the gorgeous garden or on the terrace with wooden deck. Surf lessons and daily dinners are taken care of by the friendly bilingual staff.

WARNING: it’s normally closed from April to October, so ask before getting there!

LA PALOMA-LA PEDRERA


If you continue your travels to Colombia, check out their excellent hostels at San Andres, Cartagena & Cali!


16

Uruguay

Visiting Cabo Polonio & Barra de Valizas stands for beautiful sandy beaches, spectacular dunes and breathtaking ocean views. Valizas is a rustic little village, with a wonderful atmosphere. Cabo Polonio is its neighbour located in the cape’s national park with no electricity (only generators) and limited running water; a remote place to escape reality. Valizas has a bus connection; Cabo Polonio however can only be reached walking the 7km of dunes or by 4x4 trucks from the bus terminal just off the main highway. A magical experience is walking or horseback riding the 8km from Valizas to Cabo Polonio or vice versa with its enormous dunes reaching over 30m high, which are thrilling to sandboard down. On foot a reasonable level of fitness is required and you should try to avoid the hottest time of the day. Don’t miss taking the boat ride from the main highway (between both villages) to visit the Monte de Ombúes, with its peculiar and huge century-old trees. For a 360º view of the area, go up the 56m high cerro* Buena Vista with fantastic views of the beaches, Cabo Polonio and the Laguna de Castillos. Due to the ocean’s rocky labyrinth in front of Valizas and the cape, several shipwrecks can be admired while scuba diving. The Cabo Polonio’s lighthouse was built in 1881 to avoid further accidents and from the top you can enjoy a wonderful view of the ocean and 3 small rocky islands just in front of the cape, the Islas de Torres, crowded with a big colony of sea lions. The Valizas and Cabo Polonio coastal area is the perfect place to laze on the beach, to be dazzled by the marvelous sunrises and sunsets and to do some top star-gazing. Surf lovers can even have a go on the choppy waves!

CABO POLONIO & VALIZAS

Downtown - Truck stop CABO POLONIOCell: 091413013

[email protected]

Viejo Lobo Hostel

VIEJO LOBO ECOHOSTELRight at the 4x4 truck stop and very close to the beach, shops, pubs and restaurants, Viejo Lobo hostel has a perfect location in Cabo Polonio! Feel the sand tickle your toes and smell the sea at this cool hostel where it’s all about relaxing, socializing and living the dream! Pick your choice from a comfortable dorm for 4, 6 or 7 people (with lockers), or choose from one of the three matrimonial rooms. All rooms have a shared bathroom except one matrimonial room that has an independent entry, beautiful ocean and dunes views and it’s own private toilet (no shower). Snooze in one of the comfortable hammocks after preparing your meal in the kitchen. Luis, the owner who also speaks English, will gladly help you with organizing your activities, like horseback riding or their spectacular 2 day trek from La Pedrera to Cabo Polonio with 40km of pristine beaches, an adventure you shouldn’t miss! More info about this trek

on www.costeando.net. Open all year!

CABO POLONIO

15% off with Get South! (not valid from 20 December to 20 March)

17

Uruguay

Tomás Cambre n/n in front of the fishermen esplanade

BARRA DE VALIZAS+598 99574685

[email protected] www.cabalgatasvaliceras.com.uy

CABALGATAS VALICERAS - Horseback riding toursThe full day horseback tour we did with Cabalgatas Valiceras from Valizas to Cabo Polonio was without any exaggeration a mind blowing and unforgettable experience and we’re still bragging about it! Imagine yourself riding through a UNESCO nature reserve with stunning endless beaches, magic creeks and gigantic dunes. We promise you it will be one of the highlights of your world trip! As a novice the soft sand makes it safe to try your first gallop, and the pros can fire their horse up to full speed. Mauro, the owner, picks out the perfect horse matching your level. He is so professional and the horses are so well trained, no wonder that many riders also hire him and his team for extra courses to optimize their skills. Trips (half, full & multi day) are organized all year round. In low season, try to contact him in advance.

10% off with Get South if you pay in cash or 5% off with Credit Card!

Cabalgatas Valiceras

Tomás Cambre 115BARRA DE VALIZAS

+598 44754070Cell: +598 99472770

[email protected] www.luckyvalizas.com

LUCKY VALIZAS, HOSTAL Y MINI-ECOCAMPINGLucky Valizas is located at 300m from the bus terminal and 400m from the beach. Chill out in the huge lush garden full of trees; it’s an oasis of serenity, but also a place to socialize and meet new friends. Luciana, the owner, often invites local musicians and bands to play, and movies and documentaries are shown on a big screen. The main house is very traditional and rustic and the structures in the garden are all made of wood. The kitchen is a kind of a semi outdoor space, really snug and well equipped to cook your meals in a wood oven or on hot plates. There is a variety of dorms available or private rooms. There are also little wooden cabins and tents can also be pitched in the amazing garden. Breakfast is optional and in winter time home made meals are prepared. Open all year, check availability!

Have a look at their Youtube “Lucky Valizas Original Video Subtitled” and

“Fiestas de verano en el Jardín”.

Lucky Valizas Hostal y Ecocamping

VALIZAS

10% offwith

Get South!

18

Uruguay

Avda Central n/nPUNTA DEL DIABLO

+598 44772647 [email protected] www.eldiablotranquilo.com

EL DIABLO TRANQUILO HOSTEL & PLAYA SUITESEnjoy the wilderness of Punta del Diablo from the comfort of El Diablo Tranquilo Hostel and Playa Suites. With two properties, you can choose between the original hostel a block away from the sea, or the new Playa Suites which is set right on the beach. Both have modern comforts but with authentic, rustic charm in the traditional wooden constructions. At both you can pick between private ensuites, doubles, and shared dormitories (with shared and private bathrooms). Guests and staff come from all over the world creating a real international vibe and you can hang out at the bar, restaurant (during peak season) or join in the themed parties, language classes or go to the nearby nightlife and shops. Located on the famous El Rivero beach the staff can organize surf,

yoga, shiatsu, horse riding, turtle conservation, Santa Teresa National Park and Laguna Negra excursions as well.

El Diablo Tranquilo

Punta del Diablo is a charming village, founded by fishermen and discovered by surfers, close to the Brazilian border. This little town with 900 inhabitants turns into a major tourist destination from Christmas until February. The rest of the year travellers can enjoy the tranquility of its winding dirt streets and long stretches of beautiful empty sandy beaches, which are a horseman’s dream to gallop along. The most popular beaches are the large Playa Rivero and the smaller town beach Playa de los Pescadores. Playa Viuda, more to the south is perfect for relaxing or making a long quiet stroll. North of Playa Rivero, the long Playa Grande, guides you to the Santa Teresa National Park with over 2 million trees, gorgeous hidden white beaches, wildlife and the giant Santa Teresa fortress. The 60km of trails through thick bush gives you the opportunity to discover its outstanding beauty. West of Punta del Diablo is Laguna Negra with its surrounding wetlands, palm trees, and abundant birdlife. It is very popular in summer and a fantastic place to watch the sunset. In Punta del Diablo it is well worth waking up early, when the sea is calm, to observe the ritual of the local fishermen heading out to sea with their colourful boats. In the evening they return to deliver their catch to the various cozy restaurants in town. Your taste buds will be pampered! Punta del Diablo is a handicrafts village too. The craftsmen display their works at little stands near to the beach. Enjoy your stay at this exquisite beach destination in the East of Uruguay!

PUNTA DEL DIABLO

PUNTA DEL DIABLO

10% off on the nights booked on arrival!

Get South 2014 - Uruguay 18º edition

Documents

Transcript of Get South 2014 - Uruguay 18º edition