FAQs about the 2020 Uruguay Trip
Does the trip start on 4/18 or 4/19?
Activities in Uruguay begin on the morning of 4/19, but you’ll have to leave the US on 4/18 to arrive in time.
Does the trip end on 4/26 or 4/27?
Our last activities in Uruguay will be on the 26th; most flights leave late in the day, and there will be airport transport for people leaving then. But you won’t get home until 4/27 if you live in the US.
Is there a better or best way to fly to Uruguay?
You probably won’t find direct flights to Montevideo, unless you happen to live near Miami. There’s an American Airlines flight out of MIA daily around 10:30 pm which is perfect for our needs, as it arrives around 8:30 the next morning.
You can also fly from most major US airports to larger South American cities like Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paolo, from which there are flights to Montevideo.
Will non-knitters enjoy this trip?
Absolutely! We’ll be one day at the Manos coops where they make our yarn, and one afternoon at the central administrative offices, all of which gives fascinating insight into the culture and history of Uruguay.
The rest of the time, we’ll be a typical tourist group, doing things everyone can enjoy.
How physically challenging is this trip?
Minimally. We’ll be on an air conditioned tour bus for city tours and longer rides. There will be some walking over cobblestoned streets in Colonia del Sacramento; there will be a flight of stairs up and another down at the Manos central office; you’ll be expected to manage your own luggage to and from the bus to your hotel rooms.
Do I need any vaccines or boosters to travel to Uruguay?
Nope. As with any travel, we recommend that you are up to date with general things like tetanus. But there is no more risk of, for example, malaria in Uruguay than in the US.
Do I need a visa to travel to Uruguay?
Not if you carry a US passport.
What is there to eat? What if I have special dietary restrictions?
Food in Uruguay is generally fresh, plentiful, and mild. There is a lot of beef, pork, and chicken, and also pasta and pizza. We can accommodate most special diets if we know about them in advance.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
Casual ones; even Montevideo isn’t very dressy, and we won’t be going anyplace fancy.
The average daily high in late April is around 67F, though at times we’ll be in the northern part of the country, which is warmer; you may want both a bathing suit and a light jacket (evening lows are likely to be around 56F).
What about currency?
The local currency is the Uruguayan peso, but many shops in Montevideo will happily accept US dollars. (Many ATMs in Montevideo will dispense either one.) It’s also easy to use credit and debit cards.
Outside the capital, pesos are the rule. You’ll be able to exchange currency at the airport, in banks, and probably in our Montevideo hotel.
Will people there speak English?
Some will, particularly in Montevideo, particularly in businesses that see a lot of tourists. Not many will be fluent.
In the countryside, desk staff at hotels will generally know some English. But don’t be afraid! Our excellent tourguide, Pilar, will be available for help wherever we go.
What should I not forget to bring?
The usuals, like a hat, sunscreen, and any medication you take routinely.
Plus your KNITTING: when we reach the coops and meet the artisans, if you’ve got your skein tags from current or finished Manos projects, you can meet the woman who made the yarn that made your sweater! GREAT photo op!
Something left unanswered? Email us at info@fairmountfibers.com
