{"id":234222,"date":"2025-05-27T22:08:47","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T20:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/uruguay-three-rural-destinations-nominated-for-the-best-tourism-villages-2025-program\/"},"modified":"2025-05-27T22:11:40","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T20:11:40","slug":"uruguay-three-rural-destinations-nominated-for-the-best-tourism-villages-2025-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/en\/uruguay-three-rural-destinations-nominated-for-the-best-tourism-villages-2025-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Uruguay: Three Rural Destinations Nominated for the Best Tourism Villages 2025 Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Uruguay <\/a>has nominated Villa La Paz<\/strong>, Santiago V\u00e1zquez<\/strong>, and Casup\u00e1 <\/strong>for the 2025 edition of the Best Tourism Villages<\/a><\/strong> program. This initiative, promoted by UN Tourism<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>, aims to recognize rural villages that stand out for preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and offering authentic tourism experiences. Discover these nominees from the heart of South America, where the plains meet the sky and villages preserve the spirit of the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Villa La Paz: Tradition and Community Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Renowned for its historic architecture and peaceful atmosphere, this village offers an authentic experience of rural Uruguayan life. Visitors can participate in traditional activities such as milking cows, horseback riding, or artisanal crafts. Located in the department of Colonia\u2014one of the country\u2019s most important wine-producing regions\u2014it also offers visits to family-owned wineries, where local wines can be tasted, especially Tannat <\/em>and fresh white varieties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its surroundings, with meadows, streams, and small lagoons, are ideal for cycling, hiking, and birdwatching. In addition to traditional festivals like the Grape and Wine Festival<\/strong>, one of its most iconic events is the Night of the Torches<\/strong>, during which the streets and squares are lit with warm lights. Attendees enjoy parades, live music, folk dancing, artistic performances, and, of course, local cuisine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Santiago V\u00e1zquez: Urban Sustainability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Located on the western edge of the Montevideo department, Santiago V\u00e1zquez<\/strong>\u2014also known as La Barra<\/em>\u2014offers a unique combination of nature, culture, and history. This picturesque coastal village along the Santa Luc\u00eda River<\/em> has preserved a relaxed lifestyle, guided by the rhythm of the tides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its main asset is the Santa Luc\u00eda wetland<\/strong>, an ecological reserve of great value. Kayaking through the canals, sport fishing, or simply walking along trails that cross native vegetation make this place a haven for ecotourism and birdwatching enthusiasts, with over 100 bird species sharing the ecosystem. Its iconic metal bridge, low houses facing the water, and a growing offer of community-based tourism make it an ideal destination for those seeking sustainable experiences close to Montevideo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our article: Montevideo, A Cultural Journey to the Heart of Uruguay<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Casup\u00e1: Innovation and Culture in the Florida Department<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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This village stands out for its strong gaucho <\/em>identity, vibrant cultural life, and commitment to rural innovation. Casup\u00e1 is famous for its Creole festivals, which include jineteadas <\/em>(rodeo-style competitions), horseback parades, bonfires, and traditional dances that bring the community together to celebrate its rural heritage. The San Jos\u00e9 Obrero parish<\/strong>, with its simple architecture and central role in village life, is also of interest to heritage tourism lovers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond its traditions, Casup\u00e1 focuses on rural and educational tourism. Several estancias <\/em>in the area offer immersive experiences, from sustainable farming techniques to workshops on traditional cooking, spinning, or artisan cheese-making. It is also an excellent base for exploring the department\u2019s hilly landscapes\u2014ideal for hiking, horseback riding, or enjoying the silence of the countryside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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An Inspiring Precedent<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In its previous edition, UN Tourism<\/strong> selected 55 villages from around the world. Latin America had a strong presence, with winners from Argentina, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Guatemala, and Panama. From Andean valleys to tropical forests and coastal communities, these villages share a common approach: community-based tourism<\/strong>, local management<\/strong>, and the preservation of traditions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some were recognized as winners, while others joined the upgrade program<\/strong>, a category designed to support high-potential destinations on their journey toward sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our article: Best Tourism Villages 2024, An Award for Excellence in Rural Tourism<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The nomination of these three rural destinations <\/strong>to the Best Tourism Villages <\/em>program speaks not only to their beauty or authenticity but also to a broader strategic shift<\/strong>. For many years, Uruguay\u2019s tourism model has focused on its capital and coastal areas. Today, attention is turning inland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These villages\u2014at the crossroads of ancestral knowledge<\/strong>, community life<\/strong>, and sustainable practices<\/strong>\u2014offer more than just a change of scenery. They represent a different way of traveling: slower, more rooted<\/strong>, in tune with the land\u2019s rhythm, the living memory of local communities, and a future where tourism becomes a tool for territorial balance<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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