Gourmet products
Yerba mate : the drink with almost sacred status. If you want to bring back a souvenir from Uruguay that makes you feel like a real local, don't forget the yerba mate leaves! This national drink is taken very seriously by Uruguayans, who start drinking mate at the age of 15. Some of them can drink up to 1 liter every day, the equivalent of 12 cups. It is very common to see pedestrians walking with their mate in one hand and their thermos in the other. This ancestral drink, which originated centuries ago among the native inhabitants of Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay, has now become an institution in the country. To prepare mate like a true pro, you must first master all the steps. First, you need a calabash-shaped container, often made from the shell of the Porongo fruit. Then, the yerba (herbs) is compacted on one side of the mate (cup) with a bombilla (a metal straw specially designed for drinking mate), and the bombilla is pressed into the hollow to wedge it in. To finish, you just have to pour hot water at an ideal temperature of 75 degrees Celsius where the bombilla is, and your mate is ready to be savored like a real connoisseur! Note that yerba mate leaves can be reused up to 15 times before losing all their flavor. Uruguayans call this practice "recargar el mate", which literally means "refill the mate". This habit allows them to prolong the pleasure of this drink and to enjoy it fully throughout the day. More than a simple beverage, mate is a symbol of Uruguayan national identity and is often shared with friends during convivial moments. Note that the country holds the world record for per capita consumption of yerba, with about 10 kilograms per year. To discover this emblematic drink, visit local craft stores where you can buy mate and the accessories needed to prepare it. If you want to buy yerba, just go to any grocery store. Finally, if you want to take some home, don't worry, it is generally allowed, although you may have to declare it at the airport due to food safety regulations.
Dulce de leche and alfajores: the gourmet duo. Dulce de leche and alfajores are two essential elements of Uruguayan cuisine. Dulce de leche is a sweet and creamy milk jam enjoyed by all locals, while alfajores are cookies filled with this jam and coated with chocolate. These sweet delicacies, like mate, are seen as national emblems. Beware of those who dare to claim that the Argentine versions are superior: you could start a war! Uruguayans are so fond of them that they hold a national festival in their honor every year (July1 ). In 2010, the city of Minas even set a world record by cooking the largest alfajor, weighing about 464 kg and measuring more than a meter in diameter. Dulce de leche is also used as a topping for pancakes, waffles or simply spread on toast for breakfast or a sweet snack. The Uruguayan version of this jam is darker and thicker than those from other Latin American countries. Dulce de leche is available in many grocery stores, supermarkets, food stores, as well as in local craft and souvenir stores. It can also be found in bakeries, pastry shops, local markets and craft fairs. Several popular brands of dulce de leche in Uruguay include La Magnolia, Calcar, Conaprole and Lapataia.
Tannat: a priceless wine treasure. Uruguay, despite being a modest player on the international wine scene, has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. In 2018, the country exported 6.5 million bottles, a tiny figure compared to the 1.2 billion bottles exported by Chile, but nonetheless impressive for a country of 3.5 million people. The history of winemaking in Uruguay dates back to the mid-17th century, when the first vines were imported from Spain. At that time, wine production was a domestic affair, with the inhabitants making their own alcohol at home. However, a Basque immigrant by the name of Pascual Harriague was the first to see the commercial potential of wine growing in the country. In 1870, Harriague planted several varieties of vines in order to find the one that would best adapt to the Uruguayan soil and climate. The variety that met with the greatest success turned out to be the Tannat, of French origin (in the southwest). Uruguayans quickly went crazy about this full-bodied, tannic wine and today, one out of every three bottles of wine produced in Uruguay is a Tannat, proof of the continuing popularity of this variety. Forget the magnets and "I love Uruguay" t-shirts - nothing beats a good bottle to share your Uruguayan adventure with your loved ones!
Fashion and clothing
Wool products. Uruguay's organic wool is renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality. As the third largest exporter of raw wool in the world, the country is particularly known for its production of merino wool. Merino wool offers better thermal protection than any other type of wool, is soft to the touch, generally hypoallergenic and absorbs moisture. You can find it by visiting various craft fairs (including the Feria de Villa Biarritz and the Feria de Tristán Narvaja) or by visiting specialized stores such as Uruguay Wools or Manos de Uruguay, which offer products made from natural wool while supporting local artisans and rural communities. Stock up on gifts with high quality woolens so you can face the cold winter weather in style while proudly displaying your Uruguayan souvenirs!
Leather accessories. With more than 10 million cows roaming its soil, Uruguay is a real Eldorado for leather lovers! From belts to bags to shoes, most items are handmade by local artisans, making them unique. Visit a talabartería (leather workshop) and pick up alpargatas (espadrilles), cowboy boots or a gaucho sombrero. If you're looking for more upscale products, Uruguayan brands such as Lincoln's, Rusconi or Pecarí offer top quality leather goods. Leather goods stores are usually located in the larger cities, such as Montevideo and Punta del Este.
Tan in style. You'll be overwhelmed with options for beachwear such as swimsuits, bikinis, tunics, caftans, bags, pareos, sunglasses and hats. On the sunny coasts and in resorts such as Punta del Este, José Ignacio or Piriápolis, stores specializing in beachwear and accessories abound. Take a stroll along the alleys and shopping streets to explore the kaleidoscope of stores offering items for lounging in the sun. In addition, you'll find a plethora of shopping malls and department stores selling ensembles from local and international brands. For example, places like Montevideo Shopping, Punta Carretas Shopping or Punta Shopping are real gold mines. Indulge yourself and search for unique pieces.
Uruguayan sarouels. The bombacha criolla (literally "creole pants") is a traditional Argentine and Uruguayan pant, often associated with gauchos and rural activities. It is a loose-fitting trouser, baggy at the hips and tight at the ankles. They are usually made of cotton or wool, with a leather belt and decorative buttons. The bombacha criolla is appreciated for its great resistance and comfort when working outdoors. It has also become a popular outfit for traditional events such as folk dances and rural festivals.
Crafts and souvenirs
The purple crystals of Artigas. Uruguay is famous for its high quality amethyst mines, which are distinguished by their beauty and captivating purple color. It holds a special place in the hearts of Uruguayans, and is even considered the country's national stone due to its cultural and historical importance. No wonder jewelers love it and lithotherapy enthusiasts use it for its soothing properties. Mines are located in different regions of Uruguay, but the Artigas area, in the north of the country near the Brazilian border, is particularly well known for its production. Local miners extract these crystals by hand, adding an artisanal touch to these natural treasures. If you're curious about the fascinating history of these gems, don't miss the opportunity to explore the amethyst mines, and you might even take a few back with you.
Wood. Wood is an abundant raw material in Uruguay, and local artisans have acquired great experience in its use. Wooden objects are often made from local species such as eucalyptus, cedar or quebracho, which is a strong and resistant wood. Wooden souvenirs, such as carvings, chess sets, trays, and cutting boards, are not only beautiful, but also practical and durable. To find them, head to craft markets and stores or take a trip to local craft fairs.
Museum Shops. The stores at the Museo Torres Garcia and Teatro Solis offer a wide selection of souvenirs for visitors who want to take a bit of Uruguayan history and culture home with them. Among the items available are T-shirts, bags, shot glasses, wine glass boxes and mugs - all engraved or painted with the iconic symbols of these two renowned tourist sites. Whether you're an avid collector or just looking for a unique gift, these stores offer quality items that perfectly represent the art and culture of the country.
