Exploring The Port City Of Montevideo
Tucked in between Brazil and Argentina along the South American coast is the county of Uruguay. Its capital and major port is the city of Montevideo where over half of the countries total population of just three million live. A frequent port on many South American cruise itineraries the city is located near where the Rio de la Plata flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It is two-hundred fifty miles down river and east of Buenos Aries.
Where Your Ship Docks
Cruise ships normally dock at the Terminal Puerto De Montevideo which sits at the tip of a peninsula which covers most of the Tres Cruces barrio. A barrio is neighborhood or district and Tres Cruces means “three crossings”, referring to the three major transportation routes which meet in the area. The port is well developed but does not offer a terminal adjacent to the pier. However only a couple of blocks outside the port is a shopping district and public restrooms are available in the Port Market*.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Disembarking – This port has a developed cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with.
Port City Characteristics – This port has a well developed wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area is flat or has few inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Transportation
While Montevideo is a large metropolitan area, Tres Cruces is the heart of the historic city with most of the sites within walking distance of the port. Getting outside this area usually requires a taxi. While Taxis are common they are not cheap as gasoline is very expensive here. A majority of drivers only speak Spanish so be prepared with written names of your destination. Expect to pay about UYU100 for a ten minute ride. Tipping is not usual, but rounding up is common.
Montevideo is not a large city and it has a very efficient public bus transportation system. Getting around by bus is not difficult but you may need to use some Spanish. With a little help from a cellphone translator you’ll find the people are very friendly and eager to help you with which bus route you need to take to get to your destination.
Getting To and From the Airport. A shuttle is available between the airport and downtown for about UYS 800/950 or about US$45. A taxi should cost about UYU 1500 or US$70.
Currency
Currently a Uruguay Peso (UYU) is worth about US$0.03. Most merchants in popular tourist areas will gladly accept Dollars and Euros and most major credit cards can be used. If using currency expect small change to be in Uruguay Pesos.
Attractions
Just outside the port is the Mercado del Puerto The Port Market a historic market located in the Ciudad Vieja (Old City) of Montevideo. It’s a popular destination for foodies, as it’s known for its delicious grilled meats, such as beef, pork, and lamb. The market is also home to many artisanal shops selling souvenirs, leather goods, and other local products. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, especially on weekends when there is live music and street performers. If you’re a meat lover, the Mercado del Puerto is definitely worth a visit! is Outside are street stalls and local shops and inside the main pavilion is a collection of cafes, bars and restaurants. The area is particularly famous for its steak houses.
Within the Tres Cruces area are a number of other attractions of interest:
The Old City (Ciudad Vieja) is the historic district of Montevideo, located in the heart of the city. It’s a charming neighborhood with narrow streets, colonial architecture, and many landmarks and museums. Some of the most popular sights in the Old City include the Plaza Independencia, the Cathedral of Montevideo, the Cabildo, the Solís Theatre, and the Mercado del Puerto. The neighborhood is also home to many restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
The Rambla is a long coastal avenue that stretches along the shore of Montevideo. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists to go for a walk, run, bike ride, or simply enjoy the beautiful views of the Rio de la Plata. Along the Rambla, you’ll find many parks, beaches, restaurants, and bars. Some of the most popular spots include Pocitos Beach, the Montevideo sign, and the Rambla de Montevideo Monument.
The Legislative Palace (Palacio Legislativo) is a beautiful building located in the Aguada neighborhood of Montevideo. It houses the legislative branch of the Uruguayan government, and it’s considered one of the most impressive buildings in the country. The palace was built in the early 20th century and features a neoclassical style with many ornate details, such as sculptures, frescoes, and stained glass windows. Guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the history and architecture of the building.
- Locks Fountain at Av. 18 de Julio
- Ramírez Beach, a wide sand beach & popular hangout
- Galeria SOA, Candombe pedestrian Curuguaty
- Palacio Diaz at Av. 18 de Julio
- Ciudadela at Av. Intendente Municipal Juan Pedro Fabini
- Fountain Plaza Cagancha at Dr. Enrique Tarigo
- Galería Caubarrere Convención at Restos de la muralla de la Ciudadela at Buenos Aires
- Mausoleo de José Gervasio Artigas at Prócer de los Orientales
- Monument at Plaza Independencia
- The Black Gallery Arte Contemporáneo at Calle Perez Castellano
- Monumento a Atilio Narancio
- Palmera de Juana de Ibarbourou at Manuel Vicente Pagola
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