Field Trips for Montevideo, Uruguay

Colonia is a UNESCO World Heritage site with large squares and narrow cobblestone streets. Founded by Portugal and later conquered by the Spanish, this picturesque city fuses Portuguese, Spanish, and post-colonial styles. The surrounding areas include Rio de la Plata beaches and farms where the locals produce cheese and wine. This historic and quiet city with a magic charm is the oldest in Uruguay and still one of the preferred places of visitors from all over Uruguay and Argentina.

In recent years, graffiti and murals in Montevideo has flourished. This guided tour offers the opportunity to learn about the murals and graffiti that live on the walls of Montevideo, the stories behind each brushstroke, and the motivation of the artists.

Students will visit the three main squares in downtown Montevideo, including Plaza Independencia, the most important square in the city regarding history and politics, and the Artigas Mausoleum which celebrates the national hero, José Artigas.

During the tour you will experience a variety of museums, art galleries, theaters, and events in this part of the city. You will also tour the old city center of Montevideo to see where history and current Uruguayan life collide.

Palacio Legislativo is the site where the Uruguayan parliament meets, a building made in the golden ages of Uruguay during the XX century. The building was declared a National Historic Monument in 1975 and you will have the opportunity to have a guided tour inside the building including the two chambers of the parliament, the Lost Steps Saloon and the Parliament Library (the second biggest in Uruguay).

Students will be visiting the Nature Reserve at Cerro Pan de Azucar. The nature park and zoo is located close to the costal city of Piriápolis in the Department of Maldonado, located in the southeastern part of Uruguay. The reserve is next to Cerro Pan de Azúcar, the third highest point of Uruguay, with an altitude of 423 meters. Piriápolis is a city on southern Uruguay’s Atlantic coast. One of the country's earliest resorts. Near a yacht-filled harbor, a chairlift leads up Cerro San Antonio, a hill with a small whitewashed chapel and lookout point. The waterfront promenade of Rambla de los Argentinos curves around the bay and Piriápolis Beach. Students will also visit Punta del Este, a resort city on a narrow peninsula in southeast Uruguay. Popular Brava Beach is known for it’s strong surf as well as “The Hand,” a giant sculpture of 5 fingers. On the west coast, Mansa Beach has calm, shallow waters. Local handicrafts are sold a Plaza Artigas, near Avenida Gorlero’s upscale stores. The 19th century lighthouse at the peninsula’s southern tip has a viewing platform.

Initially a small town sitting on an Atlantic Coast peninsula, the seaside city of Punta del Este has gained a reputation as a resort for Latin and North American tourists. It is often referred to as the “Monaco of the South.” The site has hosted several historical events, including U.S. President Lyndon Johnson’s 1967 American Summit, the Whitbread Round the World yacht races from 1985 to 1994, and the first roundtable discussion that eventually led to the creation of the World Trade Organization in 1994. USAC has scheduled an overnight trip to explore this vibrant city and take some time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The city of Minas is located between the hills of Minas and Carapé. In this typical city of the interior of Uruguay with a quiet life, we will visit the downtown that surround the central park, the church and the famous local bakery. The area is characterized by a landscape of rolling hills and rich flora and fauna; creating an idyllic environment for physical and spiritual enjoyment. After the city, we will visit Salto del Penitente to enjoy nature: trekking to the waterfall or through the marked routes, zip lining over the river, and horseback riding with a local guide.

Dominating the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, or pink house, is the seat of the Argentine national government and houses the president’s office. In this historic city see where Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the masses during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Colorful Sunday street fair is the bohemian neighborhood’s biggest attraction. The Feria de San Telmo began as a 270-stall antiques market in 1970, and has grown into a huge come as you are street bazaar.

Visit the neighborhood of Palermo Hollywood and Palermo Soho. This afternoon trip to one of the trendiest “barrios” will start by visiting Palermo Soho and seeing it’s cafés, restaurants and boutiques. Students will then walk though Palermo Hollywood where most of Buenos Aires radio and television studios are located.