Cruises from Montevideo

Montevideo is Uruguay’s capitol city and main port, which is also one of the most important in the Americas. The history of the city’s name is somewhat confusing, because as with many things in the area it is claimed by both the Spanish and the Portuguese. One explanation states that it comes from the Portuguese "Monte vide eu" which means "I see a hill". The second explanation is that the Spaniards documented the location of a mountain on a map as "Monte VI De Este a Oeste" meaning "The sixth hill from east to west".

The city has been said to have the highest quality of life in Latin America by Mercer Human Resource Consulting. While people in other cities in the area may dispute this, there is absolutely no disputing the beauty of Montevideo’s buildings and beaches. Its magnificent monuments and museums as well as historic buildings and squares that line the city streets are a must see on any visit to Montevideo.

As with most of the South American cities the history that can be discovered by travellers here is endless. A large number of talented writers, artists, and musicians have also come from the area. Some of these artists originated the Uruguayan tango in the neighbourhoods of Montevideo towards the end of the 19th century.

Tango, candombe, and murga are the three main types of music in this city, all of which can be sampled in Montevideo’s extensive cosmopolitan nightlife. The nightlife in Montevideo is often compared to that in Buenos Aires. This means that people usually start pretty late, with casual drinks at around nine and full on partying at around midnight.

If you want to see what the real locals are like why not visit `El mercado de los artesanos`. This is an arts and crafts market where terrific local work in leather, silver, wool, and other typical materials can be purchased. You can also sample the local cuisine with a freshly grilled `chorizo` or `morcilla` and don`t forget to get some delicious `churros` for dessert.

If you plan on visiting in February/March, Montevideo has a fabulous Carnaval. It is slightly different from its cousins in Argentina and Brazil as it boasts entertainment such as street theatre and other performances and does not rely on massive parades.

Being placed on the southernmost tip of Uruguay, right on the Atlantic Ocean gives Montevideo an extensive array of beautiful beaches that are another major attraction for tourists coming to this stunning area. Pocitos, Buceo, Malvín, Playa de los Ingleses, Playa Verde, Punta Gorda, and Carrasco are the main ones but there are also some smaller beaches if you prefer some privacy.

Montevideo`s climate is mild and wet with an average temperature of 55°F (13°C). In January, which is the height of summer, the temperature usually hovers around 82°F (28°C), while winters are much cooler and tend to be wet.