Top 5 Places to Visit in Uruguay

Argentina and Uruguay are currently enjoying the end of their summer season, so why not make the most of the last beautiful warm days and, take advantage of a less crowded destination by visiting Uruguay and discovering the scenic, tranquil or popular beaches and towns of Uruguay for a unique travelling experience in South America.
  
Top 5 places to visit in Uruguay:

1. Colonia del Sacramento is a top destination due to its closeness to its famous neighbour  http://www.bsas4u.com/aboutbsascity.php Buenos Aires on the other side of the Rio de la Plata. While sightseeing in Colonia you can discover the hidden treasures of the  UNESCO World Heritage Site with its churches, various museums, ancient houses, cobbled streets, river promenade and, antique Plaza de Toros (bullring) . The easiest way to visit it is to book a day tour of Colonia from Buenos Aires, which takes 1hr on the fast boat or 3hrs on the slow boat. You can buy the whole tour package including city tour or lunch, or just the boat tickets to discover Colonia by yourself.  If you want to travel for a few days across Uruguay, Colonia is a wonderful starting point to continue across the Ruta 1 to Montevideo.

historical street in Colonia

2. Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is like the little sister of Buenos Aires. A beautiful capital with European and colonial architecture and even some similarities to the Porteño culture. Montevideo has however, a more peaceful and gentle environment surrounding even the busiest areas. Some of ontevideo top landmarks include the old city quarter, the Puerta de la Ciudadela, the Teatro Solis, the Parque Rodó. You can’t miss the Rambla, a wonderful promenade with more than 13km of white sandy beaches where the river begins to mix up with the Atlantic Ocean making it a very attractive place to relax, play sports and perfect to enjoy the sunset. Visiting Montevideo from Buenos Aires in one day is possible by taking a 3hr direct boat from Buenos Aires or, if you plan to stay for longer to enjoy the tranquil lifestyle of the capital, you can take a cheaper package with direct boat to Colonia (1 or 3hours ride) and take a direct transfer by bus from Colonia to Uruguay (2.5hr ride).

downtown view from Rodo park

3. Punta del Este, located 130Km from Montevideo, it is the Argentine’s favourite summer destination and lately it has proved popular with Brazilians arriving on Cruise ships.  It has drawn comparisons to the St.Tropez of South America for its modern and stylish character as well as its beautiful beaches. Walking down Avenida Gorlero you will find the best shops and where you will be able to see the port, the boulevards, the lighthouse and the Plaza with its Crafts Fair. If you want to enjoy some fashion style vacations with a mix of fun, good parties and a beach, this is the perfect destination for you.  If you are staying in Montevideo you can take a day tour to Punta del Este to visit its main landmarks or if you prefer to go straight there, you can take a direct boat from Buenos Aires to Colonia or Montevideo with a direct transfer to Punta del Este. There are also affordable flights to the Carrasco Airport, located 30mins from Montevideo and 1hr from Punta del Este by car. 

Punta del Este Port

4. The Rocha Coast is a famous destination for its natural beaches that honour the national slogan of Uruguay Natural.  Places such as La Paloma, Cabo Polonio and La Pedrera are the favourites of different tourist groups such as, families, backpackers, surfers and young adults. Cabo Polonio is a special experience as it still remains as a fishing village with a lack of electricity or running water creating, a romantic, exotic and relaxed atmosphere. La Pedrera is perfect if you enjoy surfing or want to start learning how to catch the perfect wave; it also has one of the best beaches on the whole coast. The biggest is La Paloma, a small city that sits alongside nice wide beaches, with all the comforts that a tourist may need and the only ATM in the area.

Sand Dunes in Cabo Polonio

5. Piriapolis is a beach resort preferred by the Argentineans, but also a wonderful destination if you are looking for a tranquil weekend escape. Apart from its Greek-style promenade and wide white beach, one of the most famous attractions of Piriapolis is the Sugar Loaf Mountain (Cerro Pan de Azucar), one of Uruguay’s highest mountains. From the top you get endless views of the coastline and the very authentic natural gaucho landscape. You can buy day tours to Piriapolis from Montevideo including boat tickets and hotel at very affordable prices, or just rent a car in Montevideo and have an adventure discovering the magic offered by the Uruguayan landscape and its well maintained roads.

Sand Dunes in Cabo Polonio

So what are you waiting for? If you have already made it to this part of the continent, don't think about it twice. Make space in your itinerary to get to know the best of Uruguay and allow yourself to fall in love!
 
Consult us for tour packages to any destination in Uruguay, boat tickets, car rentals or any other special service to discover this beautiful country. 

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

All of the pictures are from Flickr

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Buenos Aires Gets Carnaval Fever

Throughout the month of February, the Carnaval 2012 spirit has been sweeping across Buenos Aires with some of the best 2012 Carnaval celebrations outside of Rio taking place on the Porteño streets. On Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st February, over 100 murgas (Carnaval bands) will be spread out across the city, ready to perform and create an incredible Carnaval atmosphere. 

Declared part of the Cultural Heritage of the city of Buenos Aires in 1997, experiencing the murga show is an activity that cannot be missed! The lyrics of the street musicians are called ‘’criticas’’ which use humour and irony, to critically analyse their neighbourhood and society. 

Don't  forget to buy your foam to spray!

Each murga is therefore different and unique with each band creating their own rhythms, playing different instruments and wearing extravagant clothing. The murga of Buenos Aires has flourished in recent years due to the development of this art form in Argentina making Buenos Aires one of the top destinations for tourists to visit during the Carnaval period.

All pictures are from Secretaria de Cultura de BsAs

The Carnaval Parades are being held in the following neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires: Abasto, Almagro, Bajo Flores, Bajo Núñez, Balvanera, Barracas, Belgrano, Boedo, Caballito, Coghlan, Colegiales, Flores, Liniers, Lugano, Mataderos, Monserrat, Palermo, Parque Avellaneda, Parque Centenario, Parque Patricios, Paternal, Piedrabuena, Pompeya, Saavedra, San Telmo, Villa Crespo, Villa Pueyrredón and Villa Urquiza. On Saturdays the celebrations begin at 19.00 and continue until 02.00 and on Sundays and the holidays the parties begin at 19.00 and end at 00.00. To make sure you don’t miss out on these authentic shows, click here to find your nearest Carnaval party in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires and the Porteños do not need to be asked twice to enjoy a National Holiday and a good party. The following weekend, from Saturday 25th until Monday 27th February, the Gran Corso de Carnaval (The Big Carnival Parade) will be taking place on Avenue 9 de Julio and it marks the final event of Carnaval in Buenos Aires. Carnaval groups and samba schools from South American countries such as, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Bolivia are invited by the Government of Argentina to perform in this unmissable Carnaval Parade alongside street musicians and entertainers creating an unforgettable party atmosphere.

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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ATP Tennis Smashes Into Buenos Aires

Copa Claro

Buenos Aires is the home of Argentine sporting events whether it is the passion of the football season or the sophisticated  Polo league which is loved by almost all Porteños. From Saturday 18th February 2012 to Sunday 26th February 2012, the famous  ATP Copa Claro will be taking place at the nostalgic and main tennis stadium of Argentina, the  Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, also known as, the ‘Cathedral of Argentinean Tennis’.  

The tennis stadium of Buenos Aires is located in the beautiful and popular tourist neighbourhood of  Palermo near to its many parks and quaint cafes. The tennis stadium has a capacity of 5,500 and the tournament is in its 15th edition on the outdoor clay courts and is regarded as an important date in the ATP World Tour Calendar. Highly ranked players such as, David Ferrer (ESP); Nicolas Almagro (ESP); Gilles Simon (FR) and Argentina’s  David Nalbandian (ARG) will be stepping into the Buenos Aires court to fight it out for the USD$600,000 prize money of this prestigious tournament. 

All pictures are from Copa Claro Facebook Fan Page

Ticket Information:
Make sure you get the seats you want so that you don’t miss that winning match point shot. You can buy your Copa Claro tickets online from the TuEntrada.com.

Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club: Visit the tennis club in Palermo and buy your tickets from the box office outside Gate 4. The box office is open, Monday to Fridays from, 12.00 – 20.00 and Saturday to Sundays from 12.00 – 18.00.

Prices: Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time you decide to go as well as the seats you choose. You can buy full day tickets, day tickets and evening tickets as well as, full weekday (ARS$540-ARS1320), weekend (ARS$450-ARS$1250) and full week (ARS$900-ARS$2450) packages. 

2008 Champion. David Nalbandian

The economy tickets located in the stands (Platea) cost on average ARS$130 and the corner tickets (locally called Codo tickets) are located either side of the Platea stand are approximately ARS$140. The box seats at the side of the court (Palco Lateral) are on average ARS$190 and the box seats at the head and bottom of the court (Palco Sur/Norte) are about ARS$245. The most expensive seats are the courtside box seats called Palco Lateral Bajo where you will be able to see a bead of sweat drip from Nalbandian’s eyebrow. These seats are on average ARS$320. Click here to see detailed ticket prices and the seating plan for the ATP Copa Claro in Buenos Aires.

Tickets can be bought online using a credit card or with cash at the box office (Gate 4) in the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club. It is highly recommended to buy your tickets in advance to ensure that you don’t miss out!

If you are visiting Buenos Aires on a traveller’s budget but want to enjoy a day at the tennis or experience a major sporting event whilst basking in the sunshine of Buenos Aires all is not lost. Head down to the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February to see the first and second round of qualification with free entry to the tournament on these days! The Copa Claro tournament is perfect if you are searching for sport activities in Buenos Aires, visit the home of Argentine Tennis and enjoy the Buenos Aires weather with a fun-filled day at the tennis. 

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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Top 5 Valentine´s Day activities in Buenos Aires

The  summer weather, the delicious Porteño cuisine, the aromatic  Argentine wines and the sexy tango in Buenos Aires makes this city the perfect destination to spend a romantic Valentine’s Day (Día de los Enamorados) with that special someone. 

Latin America is the continent of love and passion and Buenos Aires is seen as a romantic destination, because of its connection to the nostalgic lyrics of the tango and the sounds of the bandoneón. The city offers a number of activities to have a unique, authentic and exclusive Valentine’s Day and we have selected the best travel activities for San Valentin in Buenos Aires. 

Querandí Tango Show

1- There’s nothing more romantic than a tango show: Yes we know, there are many houses, dozens of options and some of them very touristy; but if you want to surprise your other half and have a special fancy dinner that she/he will never forget, there are very few houses that offer an exclusive service with a romantic and cosy atmosphere providing the perfect evening and Valentine’s Day tango celebration. You can see a heart pounding and sexy tango dinner show at  Rojo Tango, one of the most fashionable and elite tango houses in Buenos Aires in the exquisite Hotel Faena.

If you want something even more authentic and special,  El Querandi and BsAs4U are offering a very special Valentine´s Day promotion that includes an exclusive wine tasting at the Querandi winery and a complete and exclusive dinner. The authentic tango show of El Querandi was declared of cultural interest by the Government of Buenos Aires and to complete the experience, the couple will also receive a special present to continue celebrating their love.

2- Sweep your partner off their feet with private Tango Lessons at one of the best tango schools of Buenos Aires and practice your dance skills to show your partner passion and impress your friends with all your new steps. 

3- Book an enchanting and glamorous sailing tour along the tranquil waters of the Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires. Choose between a day sailing tour, sunset sailing tour or an evening sailing tour with a loved one and get a unique, uninterrupted view of the Buenos Aires skyline which is truly breath-taking.  

sailing tour along Rio de la Plata

4- hot air balloon ride just before sunset flying over the picturesque and magnificent Argentine Pampas just outside of Buenos Aires, could definitely be an overwhelming experience and a top activity for you and your loved one. 

5- Give you and your partner’s 5 senses the treat of a  wine tasting experience of some of the best wines in the Southern Hemisphere in the heart of Palermo that will leave you both relaxed and content. The semi-private wine tasting will leave you with a taste of romance to continue enjoying your perfect Valentine´s Day.

hot air balloon ride

Looking for some Valentine´s Day romance whilst on a traveller’s budget? Do not worry! You can take your partner on a night’s stroll through Puerto Madero with its clean and modern docks lined with high-end restaurants and bars or go to the beautiful Bosques de Palermo and stroll through the stunningly kept grounds and its famous Rose Garden. Hire a pedalo or rowing boat and take a trip along the serene and picturesque lakes and waterways in the park. Once evening approaches, head to the Planetarium for a spot of star gazing, and then the rest is up to you!

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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Discover The Beauty Of BA this Summer By Yourself

Some travellers enjoy visiting and exploring a new city on their own instead of booking onto one of the many city tours. The biggest problem that faces travellers wanting to do a self guided tour is the lack of information or insiders’ tips  they would normally get from a tour guide and knowing which the important attractions are to visit in the limited time they have in a city. So this summer why not enjoy getting slightly lost and discover the undiscovered as you show yourself around this fantastic city:

Microcentro & Puerto Madero: If you have a limited amount of time in Buenos Aires or you want to see some of the major landmarks on your first day in Buenos Aires, this is the tour for you. Begin with a visit to the breath-taking Teatro Colón and walk down the widest avenue in the world, 9 de Julio and stop off at the impressive Obelisk. Head over to Plaza de Mayo to see the Houses of Parliament (Pink House) and end up at the graceful ‘Woman’s Bridge’ in the trendiest and most modern area of Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero. Here you can sit back and relax next to the beautiful docks. Click here to see a route of your walking tour.

Puerto Madero

La Boca: This walking tour takes in all the major landmarks in the famous neighbourhood of La Boca, from the colourful and vibrant Caminito to the erupting Bombonera which is getting itself ready for the start of the Clausura Season. Click here to see your route.

Caminito

San Telmo: The self guided tour of the most traditional neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, includes the beautiful Plaza Dorrego with its bustling San Telmo Market which takes place on Sundays throughout the year. Want to start exploring this area, click here to discover your route.

Palermo: One of the most famous areas of Buenos Aires, it's also the largest neighbourhood of the city, and is divided into smaller sub-districts, namely: Palermo Chico, Palermo Viejo, Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, Las Cañitas and Alto Palermo. This green, young area has a number of parks and is full of accommodation possibilities ranging from hostels to boutique hotels. Click here to see the most popular places and buildings in Palermo.

Bosques de Palermo

However, if you want to explore any neighbourhood in depth in Buenos Aires, it might be more interesting to book a walking tour to discover all the treasures and to get local tips and information from the tour guide. We highly recommend the chic and beautiful Recoleta walking tour, where you can discover all the European heritage of Buenos Aires. Try a new and interesting way to tour a city with the Palermo running tour. Exercise whilst sightseeing the prestigious neighbourhoods, boutique shops and cobbled streets of this exclusive area in Buenos Aires.

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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An Old Theatre is Now an Elegant Bookstore.

Bookstores are not usually on a traveller’s sightseeing list however, in a city like Buenos Aires where reading is a huge part of its culture, with people reading books constantly whether walking in the street or standing in the SUBTE, you must visit the most outstanding library of Buenos Aires: El Ateneo Grand Splendid.

Buenos Aires has over 200 bookstores, 70 libraries, and scores of kiosks meaning there are books for sale on nearly every corner in the capital. In 2011, it was named World Book Capital by UNESCO and holds one of the biggest Book Festivals on the continent, so while travelling in Buenos Aires, you probably don´t want to miss this beautiful piece of art and architecture and one of the best representations of the meaning reading has in the Porteño culture. 

As you are sightseeing in Recoleta, make a stop at Santa Fe 1860, and prepare your camera as you will not be able to help being drawn inside the bookstore. Originally a 1,050 seated theatre, the aptly named Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires opened in 1919 and showcased a number of famous shows including a performance by the father of tango, Carlos Gardel. The theatre was later converted into a movie theatre and in 1991 the Ilhsa Group saved the theatre from being destroyed and began its ARS$3million restoration project. At the end of 2000, the beautifully restored theatre had been transformed into one of the most beautiful bookstores and buildings in the world. 

The Ateneo became one of the best landmarks in Buenos Aires, the bookstore is split over 4 floors with, children’s books and popular music CDs in the basement; books on the first and second floor; classical and jazz music CDs on the third floor and an art gallery on the fourth floor. Make sure you take the elevator to the top level, as you will be able to take the best photographs and get the best view of the bookstore and it’s decor from here. 

The Impresso Cafe of the Ateneo now sits on the stage that the great Carlos Gardel once performed on and gives an impressive outlook across the whole ground floor of the bookstore. Sit and relax with a book whilst drinking a coffee behind the large red velvet stage curtains or sit in one of the old theatre booths which have been converted into private reading areas with comfy chairs and lose yourself in the world of fact or fiction with a great book.

El Ateneo has over 200,000 books and 4,000 non-Spanish books available leaving you spoilt for choice. The El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore will leave you in awe of the architecture and design of the building, proving why on average 3,000 people pass through its doors each day. So pick up a book and enjoy the perfect way to escape the summer heat or thunderstorms in one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

If you are looking for tours and activities in Buenos Aires during the summer, visit our official website www.bsas4u.com

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