Montevideo

Welcome to Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, known for its rich history, lively culture, and mouth-watering steaks.

History

Montevideo was founded in the early 18th century by the Spanish as a military stronghold. Its name means “I see a mountain,” which is ironic because there are no mountains in the area. The city was also a prominent stop on the slave trade route, but we won’t get into that because it’s not very funny.

Culture

Uruguayans are known for their love of football, mate (a traditional drink made from steeped herbs), and beef. In fact, it’s rumored that there are more cows than people in Uruguay, and they all seem to be delicious. Montevideo is also home to the Carnival of Montevideo, a weeks-long celebration that features colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and plenty of dancing.

Attractions

Montevideo has plenty to offer for visitors. You can start your day with a visit to the Plaza Independencia, where you can see the towering statue of national hero Jose Artigas (he’s like the George Washington of Uruguay, only cooler). Then, head over to the Mercado del Puerto for some of the best steaks you’ll ever sink your teeth into. After that, you can take a stroll along the Rambla, a seaside promenade that stretches for miles.

Famous People

Montevideo has produced its fair share of famous people. One of the most notable is writer Mario Benedetti, whose works have been translated into dozens of languages (including English, but we all know everything sounds better in the original language). Another famous Montevidean is soccer player Diego Forlan, who led Uruguay to victory in the 2011 Copa America (we won’t mention that they haven’t won a World Cup since 1950).

So there you have it, folks. Montevideo may not have mountains, but it certainly has plenty to offer. Come for the food, stay for the culture and the people. And remember, in Montevideo, the cows may outnumber you, but they’re all friends you haven’t met yet.