4.7 / 5Two Port Best of Punta Arenas and Montevideo
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Cruise Ship PierExclusive Best of Montevideo
Escape the crowded cruise line tours on this exclusive and excellent Montevideo Highlights Tour, which includes Old Town, Port Market, Parliament Palace and the Rambla.
Your tour begins when you meet your professional bilingual guide at the pier and climb aboard our easy-access panoramic vehicle with air conditioning, microphone and Wi-Fi on board. Your first stop will be historic Old Town. Until 1829, a wall that protected it from possible invasions surrounded Old Town. After the wall was torn down, the only part that was kept was its gateway, which remains an emblem of this part of town. Old Town has the most beautiful buildings from the Colonial era and the first decades of independence. The Cabildo (built in 1812), the Solís Theatre, the Metropolitan Cathedral and several museums, like the Museo Torres García, are among the most impressive ones. Several design shops and recycled loft floors flourish in the streets near the port.
Next you will visit Port Market. The market was completed in 1885 and is a must for the tourist who arrives in Montevideo, whether for its traditional foods or to view the historic culture of the city. While there you may see several talented los guitarreros viejos (the old guitarists) playing folk music that's lasted for centuries, all for the few coins that people donate.
Next stop is Independence Square. Located at the border of the Old City and the new city center, Independence Square is the heart of the city, and is surrounded by an interesting array of architectural styles. From the square you will see the statue and mausoleum of General Artigas (considered the father of Uruguay), the Ciudadela gate, and the Palacio Estévez (the former Presidential palace). You will also see Parliament Palace. The palace houses Uruguay's parliament in a very impressive Neo-Classical building, completed in 1925.
The legendary Centennial Soccer Stadium and the monument honoring the cart will be two more attractions in the Parque Batlle area. After leaving the stadium, you'll go to the renowned Rambla, an avenue with a number of stunning beaches that stretches the length of Montevideo's shore. Running, walking, cycling, fishing, or just lounging in the sun are all excellent activities in this area. We will explore iconic cityscapes such as the typical photo in the Pocitos neighborhood with the corporeal letters of Montevideo, featuring the beach and promenade in the background, known as the Copacabana of Montevideo.
Carrasco will also be on your itinerary. Situated along the southeastern coast of the city, this neighborhood was initially an upscale seaside resort. Nevertheless, it eventually transformed into the city's most prestigious bedroom community. Carrasco is recognized as one of the priciest neighborhoods in Montevideo, showcasing a diverse array of architectural styles.
Next you will visit Port Market. Constructed in 1885, the market is a must-visit for tourists arriving in Montevideo, offering a glimpse of the city's rich cultural history through its traditional foods and historical elements. During your visit, you might encounter numerous skilled "los guitarreros viejos" (the old guitarists) playing folk music that has endured for centuries, all in exchange for the modest donations from passersby.
Here, you'll discover the finest barbecues and steakhouses in Uruguay, along with top-notch wines and the renowned "medio y medio," a sparkling white wine that holds a distinct charm within the market. At this final stop, which is just in front of the port area where the cruise is taking place, guests may choose whether to stay and continue the tour, or they can continue down to the foot of the boat where the trip concludes. This is a very safe and easy location to cross to get to the ship.
We promise you that it will be an unforgettable experience and you will leave Montevideo, Uruguay, with wonderful memories.
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Cruise Ship PierExclusive Highlights of Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas in Chile is the first human settlement that has remained permanently in Austral Patagonia. Now that's something truly special.
Discover the special charm of this extreme town, formed from the contribution of different cultures that left a deep impression full of rich history and traditions. Today, its citizens are primarily descendants of immigrants from Croatia, Spain, Italy, Germany, England and the Isle of Chiloe in southern Chile.
Punta Arenas ("Sandy Point'') is a commune and the capital city of Chile's southernmost region, Magallanes and Antarctica Chilena, and has a population of just under 120,000. The city was officially renamed Magallanes in 1927, but in 1938 it was changed back to Punta Arenas. It is the largest city below the southern 46th parallel. Sitting by the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas was in the past indisputably considered the world's southernmost city.
The Punta Arenas Highlights Tour will take you to Cerro Mirador, where you can get a panoramic view of the city and the strait. You will also visit the ãoz Gamero Square, surrounded by mansions from the times of the great cattle traders, and the Magellan Monument, represented with a group of natives (Onas) surrounding it on its base.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum. Founded by Salesian missionaries, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the region's history, flora and fauna, and the habitat of its indigenous people.
The Punta Arenas tour concludes with a stop on the main square before returning to the port and your ship.
Additionally, a cemetery visit in Punta Arenas can offer a unique perspective on the city's history and its multicultural heritage. Strolling through the cemetery, you can observe the final resting places of immigrants from Croatia, Spain, Italy, Germany, England, and the Isle of Chiloe, among others.. It's a somber yet insightful experience, providing a glimpse into the lives and legacies of those who helped shape the identity of this southernmost city.
Please Note: On Mondays museums in Punta Arenas are closed, and will be replaced with another venue or more sightseeing, at the guide's discretion.
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