• Colombia!

    Colombia: Caribbean Sea coast. Go Now!

    Colombia
    Although most of the people live inland, Colombia also has its share of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea (pictured). Go Now!

  • Ecuador!

    Ecuador: Sally Lightfoot Crab. Go Now!

    Ecuador
    The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are home to incredible wildlife, such as the famous Galapagos Turtle and the lesser known, but more common Red Rock or Sally Lightfoot crab (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

  • Chile!

    Chile: Torres del Paine National Park. Go Now!

    Chile
    The Andes dominate much of Chile, including the breath-taking Torres del Paine National Park (pictured). However, the country also hosts the world's driest desert and a thriving metropolis. Begin Your Journey!

  • Venezuela!

    Venezuela: Los Roques. Go Now!

    Venezuela
    Rooted in Europe, Venezuela boasts an impressive history, culture, and beauty, including the Caribbean Coast (pictured). Explore Venezuela!

  • Bolivia!

    Bolivia: Salt flats. Go Now!

    Bolivia
    This hidden gem is full of surprises, from the impressive salt flats (pictured) to the migrating flamingos. It also clings to the most historic indigenous culture on the continent. Explore Bolivia!

Social Life in Uruguay

Behavior

The people of Uruguay are conservative in some aspects of their lives and this is best seen in their behaviors. They tend to dress and act conservatively, much of which is based on the tenants of the Catholic Church. However, in the political realm and on the social front, they are quite liberal compared to many other South American countries.

As a visitor to Uruguay try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing conservatively (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our Uruguay Dining & Food Page), and avoid doing anything that makes you stand out as a foreigner (although most locals will surely pick you out as a tourist no matter how hard you try to fit in). Also try to avoid being loud, rude, showing off wealth, or getting noticeably drunk in public.

Dress

Today most of the Uruguayans wear western-styled clothing that is similar to anything you would find in Europe or North America. However many people prefer some local touches that make the clothing a bit unique and many of these details are remnants from the traditional clothing found in Uruguay.

Historically much of Uruguay was ranch country and today many people still make a living by ranching. Due to this, gaucho, or ranch clothes are still popular and some aspects of this dress have made their way to mainstream fashion. Traditionally, the ranchers or cowboys would wear long pants in white, black, green, or blue that are durable enough for horse riding. On top they would wear ponchos, which were simple, but durable as it is worn in a style similar to a cape and generally only used during the colder and windier months.

Although you will see few people in the cities wearing ponchos today, the pants, called bombachas de campo are common throughout the country. The footwear throughout the country also reflects the gaucho culture as boots are common as are the more common alpargatas.

As a visitor to Uruguay you are welcome to wear nearly anything, but try to avoid anything that is too revealing, either by being too tight or by showing too much skin (although shorts and t-shirts are acceptable). Generally, covering up and wearing looser clothing is the way to go for a day of sightseeing, but clubs can take on a style of their own (many people will wear clothes that are tighter and/or more revealing), and business dress in Uruguay is no different from that of Europe or North America.

This page was last updated: November, 2013