Start right at the pier and board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with excellent local guides who are well versed in the history and interesting facts about Montevideo. The eclectic city of Montevideo is also the capital of Uruguay and ranked 8th in the 2013 Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index for Latin America.
Your first stop is the historic Old Town district, where you can admire beautiful buildings from the colonial era. The old part of the city is home to Spanish military fortifications, whose stone walls mark the boundaries of the fortified city of San Felipe and Santiago, which is guarded by the fortress known as the Citadel. We will also see the Teatro Solís, theaternal, the Cabildo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Torres García Museum, and other museums. There are also many galleries, cafes, and antique shops.
Next, we will head to Plaza Independencia, in the city center. In this square, we will see the statue and mausoleum of General Artigas, Uruguay's national hero, as well as the presidential offices, the Estevez Palace, the Salvo Palace, and the Citadel Gate. Next, we will see the Palace of Parliament, inaugurated in 1925. Its symbolism and neoclassical architectural style represent the country's democratic values.
From the Parliament, we will take a tour of the Agricola Market of Montevideo (MAM), one of the last iron-clad markets built in Montevideo. What began as a modest fruit and vegetable stand in 1913 has grown into a shopping center that occupies an entire city block and offers a wide variety of food, beverages, and local products. Today, there are still vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2006, the building was renovated, helping to revitalize the entire neighborhood.
After this introduction to Montevideo's history, we will head to the Obelisco De Los Constituyentes (Obelisk of the Constituents). This bronze and granite obelisk was unveiled in 1938 as a tribute to the drafters of the nation's first Constitution, which dates back to 1830. The sculptor of this masterpiece is the renowned José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín.
We will continue to Parque Batlle, where you can take a stroll through the city's largest public park and green space. Next, we will stop at the La Carreta monument, created in 1934 by José Belloni. Next to the monument, we will also see the famous Centenario football stadium, which opened in 1930 for the World Cup, which Uruguay won. On July 18, 1983, it was declared a World Football Historic Monument by FIFA, making it the only building of its kind in the world.
Next, we will pass by the beautiful sands of Pocitos Beach and stop to take a photo next to the Montevideo sign. Admire the picturesque view from here as you gaze out over Pocitos Bay. We will end the tour in the Punta Carretas neighborhood with a stop at the lighthouse.