Uruguay's Three Best-Value Beaches…From $55,000

Uruguay boasts miles of wide, sandy beaches that stretch from the capital of Montevideo all the way to Brazil. And even more enticing is the fact that you can live near these beaches in First World comfort without spending anywhere near the money you’d think. In fact, you’ll find price tags starting at just $55,000.

“A Movie-star Smile…Plus an Extra $16,500 in my Back Pocket”

When I retired to Punta del Este in Uruguay last year, I was eager to find out if the stories I'd heard of great deals on quality dental care outside the U.S. were true.

Good news: They're true.

Forget Punta—Look to Uruguay's First Seashore Resort

A condo recently sold here for $7.1 million. This is Punta del Este, Uruguay—South America’s premier seaside resort. Second home to the jet set. The rich and famous are attracted from Argentina, Brazil and Europe. With good cause.

Colonia, Uruguay: Colonial Living at a Bargain Price

This is the best persevered colonial town in South America (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Since the Portuguese first settled here in the 17th century, this town bounced back and forth between Portugal and Spain for a hundred years. Through wars, treaties, and invasions, it remained unscathed. Today you can see (and buy) homes dating back to the original Portuguese settlers…

Beachfront Land on Uruguay’s Last Beach Frontier

This stretch of beach is a rare find. In fact, I had to travel the Uruguayan coast to within a few miles of Brazil to find it.

It’s rare for two reasons.

Musical theater called “murga” is in important part of Uruguay culture.

The Ultimate Uruguay Discovery

Boy, are you mad. The Live and Invest Overseas Seminar held a couple of weeks ago in Las Vegas was our biggest event ever. We got the chance to meet more readers than at any other seminar we've put on.

Everyone we talked to said the same thing: Why didn't IL tell me how great Uruguay is?

It's all Lee Harrison's fault...

Uruguay beaches offer some of the best opportunities in the world for lifestyle, investment, and just plain fun.

Food is the spice of life, and Uruguay food is second to none in spicing up life in this popular retirement destination.

Uruguay's history helps explain why Uruguay is becoming a favorite retiree destination.

Low cost of living is just one of many reasons retirees and expats are seeking more information on Uruguay.

Uruguay history is on display in this colonial town on the banks of the Rio de la Plata.

Get a $10,400 Discount in Uruguay--Only for 3 More Days

In April I told you about a special pre-release lot deal in Uruguay’s first high-end gated community targeted at the North American market.

To remind you, developer David James planned to launch the next phase of his project in May. He calls this phase Armonia (Harmony) at Sugar Loaf. Quarter-acre lots were to be priced at $49,000. You had the opportunity to pre-reserve one of these lots for $39,500. Better still, you could finance 70% of this discounted price interest-free.

Waterfront Living for $40,000 in Uruguay’s Next Boom Town

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

Dear International Living Reader,

Lee Harrison tells me that Fray Bentos may be the most charming Uruguayan town he’s ever seen.

He also says that changes over that past few years could make it Uruguay’s next boom town...but prices are still remarkably low.

Lee explains below.

Dan Prescher
Publisher, International Living

Own a 20-acre Ranch in Shakira’s Neighborhood for $58,000

Friday, Oct. 3, 2008

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

Dear International Living Reader,

We all know that beachfront property can be some of the most expensive real estate on Earth.

Maybe that’s why acres and acres of land just a few miles from Uruguay’s coast can be had for so mind-bogglingly cheap.

Lee Harrison has some very tempting examples below.

Dan Prescher
Publisher, International Living

A Huge Home in Montevideo’s Liveliest Neighborhood for $160,000

Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

Dear International Living Reader,

Lee Harrison has been exploring the area around his apartment in Montevideo’s Centro district.

Why, with all the nightlife, culture, and gracious living this neighborhood has going for it, are the prices so incredibly cheap?

Lee explains below.

Dan Prescher
Publisher, International Living

Ocean-view Homes for Less Than $100,000 in a World-class Beach Resort

Monday, Sept. 29, 2008

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

Dear International Living Reader,

International Living magazine Editor Laura Sheridan sees great deals go across her story desk all the time.

But she tells me the deals available right now in Uruguay are incredible. They help explain why this little South American country made it to number four on our Retirement Index this year.

Find out which Uruguay deals Laura is most excited about below.

Dan Prescher
Publisher, International Living

Spanish Investors in Ciudad Vieja

Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

Dear International Living Reader,

Lee Harrison tells me that Montevideo’s old town section is drawing Spanish investors like bees to honey.

With some of the prices he found there, I can understand why...$30,000 houses are just the start. Lee reveals a load of Ciudad Viejo deals below.

Dan Prescher
Publisher, International Living

Not quite Europe, but close: Uruguay for less than $50,000

Uruguay’s “Hidden Assets” Revealed

Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

Dear International Living Reader,

Uruguay is Lee Harrison’s beat, and he calls 'em like he sees 'em.

So when he saw beachfront deals on one of Uruguay’s official nude beaches, he did his duty and checked it out.

Find out what else he saw below.

Dan Prescher
Publisher, International Living

Charming History and Killer Cobblestones

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Colonia, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards —your daily escape

The jasmine and bougainvillea grace the pastel blue, yellow, ochre, and pale green walls…the palm trees sway…the lofty trees shower the ground with pink blossoms. There’s a lighthouse…bastion walls…a slew of galleries…craft shops…restaurants. At night, old-fashioned yellow lamps add another layer of magic.

Rescue an Old Colonial in the Most Historic Part of Montevideo

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Montevideo, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards —your daily escape

I’m in Montevideo’s historic quarter, Ciudad Vieja—the Old City. It’s the most charismatic part of Uruguay’s capital—shabby in parts, and gentrified in others.

From Plaza Independencia toward the port, you delve into another era. Colonial houses are everywhere—some gray and crumbling, others restored into pastel-painted charm. Ironwork balconies, siesta-time shutters, and heavy wooden doors feature heavily, but there’s no standard style. Buildings are neo-classical, art deco, or reminiscent of Belle Époque France.

Uruguay: Capital Living for $69,000

Monday, June 16, 2008
Montevideo, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

For the next couple of days, I’m staying in a friend’s rental apartment in the Centro district of Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital. A similar two-bedroom property in the building recently sold at auction for $63,000. Incredible, considering the downtown location above a smart gallery.

Uruguay’s “Forgotten Coast” is home to the country’s best beachfront property deals

Homes for Less Than $50,000 in This Peaceful Riverside City

Thursday, May 29, 2008
Cancun, Mexico

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

I’ve enjoyed a lot of great benefits while traveling and writing for International Living over these past few years, but what I enjoy most of all is attending the conferences. Here is where I get a chance to meet face-to-face with hundreds of interesting people, pursuing truly fascinating ideas.

Today I’m writing from the Ultimate Event, in Cancun, Mexico. I’m about to give my presentation on Uruguay, and plan to show the attendees my favorite little city in the entire country: Mercedes.

The Best Place to Invest in Uruguay

Monday, May 12, 2008
Colonia, Uruguay

Learn more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

If I were going to spend an investment dollar in Uruguay, my first choice right now would be Colonia. Things are booming.

Colonia de Sacramento sits on the banks of Río de la Plata, just a 50-minute ferry ride from Buenos Aires. It’s the cultural pride and joy of Uruguay. Colonia’s Barrio Histórico is likely the best-preserved Portuguese colonial historic center in existence today, with a good number of homes from the late 1600s still standing…

Uruguay’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Monday, May 5, 2008
La Paloma, Uruguay

Learn more about the best beaches in the world in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

Driving northeast from Punta del Este toward Brazil, I encountered what I believe to be Uruguay’s most beautiful beaches. The sand is fine and bright white, the water deep blue, and mile after mile is undeveloped and virtually deserted. The area feels much more remote than it really is, located not far from a modern highway and still within three hours of the international airport in Montevideo.

Where to Find Colonial Homes for $80,000

Thursday, April 24, 2008
Salto, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards —your daily escape

I’ve seen some great places to live during my trip around Uruguay, but Salto exceeded my expectations by a mile. This riverfront city really was a pleasant surprise.

A Seaside Apartment for $75,000 in This Friendly Beach Town

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Piriápolis, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards —your daily escape

The Uruguayan Atlantic coast goes through a dramatic evolution as it stretches from the Río de la Plata to Brazil. From Montevideo to the Costa de Oro, you’ll find a tree-lined coastline dotted with beachfront towns. Farther up the coast are the popular resorts of Punta del Este and José Ignacio with their glamorous beaches, fine restaurants, clubs, and shows. Beyond José Ignacio, it’s another world entirely: miles of remote, unspoiled, and undeveloped beaches.

But between the Costa de Oro and Punta del Este is a gem of a resort that fits the bill perfectly for an increasing number of North Americans: Piriápolis.

Your Own Waterfront Home in Uruguay for $32,000

Monday, April 7, 2008
Costa de Oro, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

The international property market has forgotten this section of Uruguayan coastline. The old seashore resorts situated between Montevideo and Piriápolis seems to have been frozen in time, as the crowds moved up the coast to the more chic resorts of Punta del Este and José Ignacio.

And the prices in these old resorts seem frozen in time as well…

Where in the World Is Lee Harrison?

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Discover more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

This is a question we here at International Living ask ourselves about twice a day…where the heck is Lee Harrison writing from today?

Uruguay: Buy raw land for $2 per square meter

High-quality Knee Surgery…at a 50% Discount

Friday, Feb. 15, 2008
Montevideo, Uruguay

Read more about cheap health care overseas in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

I recently had to have knee surgery when I was thousands of miles from home…thank goodness the local hospital was such high quality…not to mention low priced!

My left knee had been niggling for a while. The niggling gradually built into discomfort. But when discomfort developed into severe pain, I realized it was unwise to keep braving it; something needed to be done. My local doctor advised me to go to the British hospital for an MRI scan. I was able to get an appointment for three days later.

Uruguay’s Highest Rental Returns

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008
Punta del Este, Uruguay

Read more about investing in foreign real estate in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

High rental returns: that’s why many buyers have entered the Punta del Este real estate market in Uruguay. And with returns sometimes in excess of 10%, it has paid off nicely for them in recent years. What’s more, property investors have seen returns of 30% on their pre-construction investments, according to one Punta del Este real estate firm. But will it continue?

Double Your Money in Uruguay

Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008
Montevideo, Uruguay

Read more about foreign real estate investing in International Living Postcards—Saturday Edition

The auction was split between two rooms with as many as four properties scheduled every 15 minutes. But there was no sense of urgency...except for one auctioneer, who didn’t spend any time working the crowd and retired his property with no bids. The house was in a bad part of town, but you could have bought it for $6,000 plus the auction costs of $2,000. Still sometimes cheap is cheap for a reason (as Lee Harrison mentioned recently).

Why I Don’t Want a Beachfront Apartment in Uruguay

Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008
Punta del Este, Uruguay

Read more about property in Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

When it came right down to it, I really didn’t want that apartment by the sea. Not this time, anyway. Let me explain.

Get Uruguay real estate for 20 cents on the dollar

The Best Deals in Montevideo

Thursday, Jan. 24, 2007
Montevideo, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards—your daily escape

I’ve been to enough property auctions in Uruguay now to know a good deal when I see one. I also learned that just because the location is good doesn’t mean the property will be…and that if an area is generally run-down, it doesn’t mean you won’t find high-quality properties there.

The Best Rental Returns in Uruguay

Friday, Jan. 18, 2008
Punta del Este, Uruguay

Read more about real estate in Uruguay in International Living Postcards--your daily escape.

Punta del Este’s population grows to about 200,000 during the summer months (January to March). The good news for potential investors is that there are not enough hotels and short-term rentals to accommodate this seasonal invasion. In fact, you can charge up to $14,000 to rent your $200,000 home for the month of January, depending on its location.

Everybody Wants to Come to Uruguay…

Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008
Punta del Este, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards--your daily escape

The crowds came from all sides--60,000 Argentines crossed the border into Montevideo and 8,000 reached Colonia--all in the last 48 hours. Small forces came from Paraguay and Chile, while an estimated 75,000 Brazilians began their descent from the north. All converged on Punta del Este and Uruguay’s coast.

Uruguay’s Top-of-the-line, English-speaking Hospital

The IL Holiday sale offers 15% off everything in the bookstore. The offer is only available until Dec. 31...so don't miss out!

Monday, Dec. 24, 2007
Montevideo, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards--your daily escape

Two months ago I spent a lot of time visiting a young South African rugby player who had been severely injured in a match while on tour in Uruguay. It was feared he would be permanently paralyzed. He spent several days in intensive care, then a couple of weeks more in the hospital.

Happily, the young man is now walking again, and is well on his way to making a full recovery.

A Two-Bedroom Apartment for $6,000…and Other Bargains

Friday, Dec. 21, 2007
Montevideo, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards--your daily escape

“ Vendido” announced the auctioneer, “ por $6,000.” At first, I thought I’d misunderstood--there’s no way a two-bedroom apartment could sell for that price.

But I was wrong. As it turned out, low prices were the order of the day.

Sorry You Couldn’t Join Us (But We Brought You Back a Present…)

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007

Learn more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards--your daily escape

As I write, I’m in an airplane high above the Atlantic, on my way home from Montevideo, where I met with our closest friends and contacts in Uruguay.

Pay a LOT Less for Property at the Uruguay Auction

Friday, Dec. 7, 2007
Montevideo, Uruguay

Read more about Uruguay in International Living Postcards--your daily escape

There were about 10 of us assembled on folding chairs in the small second-floor gallery above Peatonal Sarandí, the pedestrian walkway that runs through Montevideo’s colonial historic center. A few people were laughing and joking as they waited--obvious regulars at the auction.

El Silencio

I am staying at El Silencio, a traditional estancia (ranch) in Uruguay, just two hours from Montevideo. The food is unpretentious and delicious, and the staff friendly.

The Montevideo Golf Review

Situated in the center of Montevideo, the Club de Golf de Uruguay (commonly known as the Punta Carretas Golf Course) has a superb clubhouse with a gym, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, and two excellent restaurants.

The Art of Drinking Yerba Mate

The first time I tried mate was in Montevideo. On a break during a bus tour, the guide and driver offered me my first taste. They stared at me, wide eyed, as I started sipping.

José Artigas: Uruguay's Greatest Hero

Today is a national holiday in Uruguay, in celebration of the birth of the country’s greatest hero, José Artigas, "the father of independence."

There’s Still Time to Get in on Uruguay's Upswing

Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Paris, France

Located between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay’s prosperity has typically followed the ups and downs of its neighbors. After the peso devaluation in Argentina in 2001, prices in Punta del Este, Uruguay’s main beach resort town frequented by residents from Buenos Aires, fell by as much as 50%. Argentine real estate has since recovered from its 2002 lows and even surpassed its previous highs, with Punta del Este prices following, reaching on average about 110% of their pre-2001 price levels. Further appreciation in the Punta del Este condo market isn’t expected to be significant, however, considering many new buildings are coming online and underway.

Improve your Spanish While Keeping Fit in Uruguay

It’s a crisp, bright fall morning in Montevideo and I have just returned from a swim at my local pool, having cycled the two miles each way through quiet, leafy residential streets.

Tango in the Park

The old folks start wandering over to the park early--perhaps 5 p.m.--in order to get a spot on their favorite bench for the long-standing Saturday ritual.

Running Wine Across the Border

In 1974, Uruguayan winemaker Juan Carrau wanted to produce fine wines in Uruguay and Brazil.

The Quietest Stretch of Sand…

On the sandy, dune-fringed Atlantic coast of Uruguay, perched on a small headland 18 miles east of the glitzy resort of Punta del Este, sits the hamlet of Jose Ignacio.

Tosca in Uruguay

The production of Puccini's Tosca was spectacular…but the applause lasted longer than usual.

40 Days of Carnival

The highlight of summer is Carnival. Montevideo doesn’t compare with Rio, but lasting 40 days, this must be one of the longest Carnivals on earth.

Hot Property Market to Watch

No, this isn't Panama, but rather Uruguay, a little country with a growing real estate market that has my attention right now.

Cheapest Country in the World

The 10th cheapest country in the world is Uruguay, one of Latin America’s First World countries; a country with one of the continent’s highest standards of living, lowest levels of corruption, best infrastructures, and lowest cost of living.

The Best Auction to Source Classic Cars

In the early years of the 20th century Uruguay was one of the most prosperous countries in the world. Wealthy families were able to acquire costly imported goods such as cars, and today many fully functioning vintage cars can be found in this country.

Punta del Este-a serious look at one of South America's fastest moving property markets

US$1 equals 24.84 Uruguayan peso

Punta del Este is one of South America's premier seaside resorts, and its beautiful beaches, dazzling casinos, world-class restaurants, and upscale shops have lured tourists for almost a century. And, perhaps best of all, it's located in Uruguay, one of Latin America's First World countries; a country with one of the continent's highest standards of living, lowest levels of corruption, and best infrastructures.

Balanced on the Edge Between Chic and Shabby

There was a time when this was a small neighborhood bar in a rundown neighborhood. But now the most recent phase of the famous pedestrian walkway project, Peatonal Sarandí, has plunged deep into the heart of the old city.

Water of 104 Degrees Year-round

Uruguay is a warm country. Temperatures here allow you to enjoy outdoor activities all year round, and in some areas spring waters--104 degrees Fahrenheit--gush naturally from the heart of the land.

The Best Four-story Deals in Town

Entire buildings are being renovated, but the local elements (warmth of the people, small grocery stores) remain.

The Best Old Town in Latin America

I'm searching for a new home, something in the historic center of a large city. Ciudad Vieja fits the bill perfectly.

Charming Colonials, Going Cheap

Colonia del Sacramento is one of the finest examples of a historic colonial settlement you'll see in the Americas.

See the Ocean From Your Porch

If, like me, you love the beach, but can do without all the intensity of places like Punta del Este, the little-known town of Piriápolis could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Uruguay, Part II-the good life on the cheap on the Riviera of South America

Last month we told you about Uruguay's old-world colonial cities of Montevideo and Colonia, but magnificent cities are only part of the reason would-be expats are drawn to this country. If you love the coast, you'll find Uruguay even more irresistible.

The paradox of Uruguay-you'd believe it's Europe if it weren't for the Third World prices

It's a gorgeous spring day in the Southern Hemisphere, and I just came from looking at an apartment in the old section of the city that was listed for $19,000. I made a three-cent phone call to set up the appointment, and while I was waiting I had a cheeseburger which cost me 43 cents. A bottle of good cabernet wine is $3.20, and cigarettes cost a buck. People here speak Spanish. Must be Latin America, right?