Visiting Isla Martín García: A Unique Argentina–Uruguay Border Adventure

On Tuesday, October 28, we set off to visit Isla Martín García, a small but historically fascinating island in the Río de la Plata. Although the island lies within the territorial waters of Uruguay, it is an Argentinian exclave—a perfect destination for us border enthusiasts.

With no ferries operating from Buenos Aires at this time of year, we arranged something completely new for IBRG: a private plane to fly us directly to the island. The adventure became even more unforgettable when I was given the chance to pilot the aircraft for five minutes—an incredible experience I’ll never forget.

Exploring the Island and Its Unique Border

Once we landed, we began exploring the island on foot and followed the line where Argentina meets Uruguay. Even though the island is small, the border is real—but hardly visible.

What we truly did not expect was to find an actual border monument. Even more surprising was the chance to stand directly on the international borderline. Usually, the border lies in a swampy area, but Steen discovered a narrow path that led us straight to it. There we found the remains of an old tower, still climbable, offering amazing panoramic views over the island and surrounding river.

Local Encounters and a Surprise Lunch

After visiting the marina and exchanging badges with the Armada Naval, we were treated to a surprise lunch—something our pilot had kindly arranged for us.

Flying Back to Buenos Aires

At 3 PM, we began our flight back to Buenos Aires, our backpacks filled with new stories, countless photos, and a sense of awe after such a rare experience.

It was absolutely amazing—an unforgettable visit to one of the most unique islands in the Río de la Plata.

Just before boarding the boat to visit the southernmost tripoint in the world (Argentina–Brazil–Uruguay), we made a stop at the Puente Internacional Río Cuareim among Ruta 3.

At this location, we found both a vehicular border bridge used for all types of traffic and an adjacent railway bridge that is no longer operational. These structures connect Cuareim (UY)with Barra do Quaraí (BR), making the site an important historical and logistical link between the two countries.

The borderofficials were exceptionally kind and granted us permission to access the bridge to carry out our border research. However, we were not allowed to cross fully into Brazil on foot, which appears to be a Brazilian border regulation?

Exploring the Twin Border Towns of Chuy (Uruguay) and Chui (Brazil)

From the famous twin border towns of Rivera (UY) and Santana do Livramento (BR), we drove across the beautiful countryside of Uruguay toward Chuy, located on the far eastern edge of the country.

We entered the area via Route 19, where the international borderline makes a sharp 90-degree turn, following the Yaguarón river that flows from Laguna Merín (Lagoa Mirim).

Interestingly, even though you are right next to the border here, you don’t officially enter Brazil at this point. Instead, you’ll find a Uruguayan customs office on the right-hand side of the road, which you pass when leaving Chuy.

In the twin towns of Chuy (UY) and Chui (BR), the border runs straight through the middle of the main street—a fascinating sight for visitors. Just like in Rivera and Santana do Livramento, you can cross the border freely at any time, with no immigration or customs checks.

Chuy is also known as a duty-free city, while prices in Chui are often even lower than in Uruguay. Because of this, travelers are required to declare their purchases and pass through customs when leaving this duty-free zone.

Immediately after passing customs on Route 19, and exactly at the point where the border makes its 90-degree turn, you’ll spot a large and impressive border marker just to the left of the bridge. After crossing the bridge, two more massive border markers come into view. As you continue along Route 19, you’ll encounter additional markers—still striking, though slightly less imposing than the first three.

On the other side of town, you’ll find another important border monument at the end of the main street, right at the corner with Route 9, next to the second customs office.

If you follow the borderline further on the Brazilian side, along the riverbank, you’ll come across the impressive Border Marker No. 2, standing as a clear reminder of how unique and open this international border truly is.

International ferry 
Monte Caseros (AR) - Bella Unión (UY)

Rio Uruguay

After visiting Chuy(see the Border Crossingssection), we continued our journey through Uruguay, heading toward Montevideo.

Before reaching the capital, however, we made an extended stop in Punta del Este, one of Uruguay’s most famous coastal destinations.

Punta del Este is a fascinating seaside city known for its unique landmarks and scenic beauty. Highlights include the iconic Faro de Punta del Este (Punta del Este Lighthouse), which offers stunning coastal views, and the charming Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Church, located nearby the faro. Punta del Este also is famous for being the southernmost point of Uruguay, making it a must-visit location for us.

Before continuing our journey to Montevideo, we stopped at Punta Ballena, a scenic peninsula offering spectacular views over the Southern Atlantic Ocean.

This area is best known for the iconic Museo Casapueblo, a unique combination of museum, hotel, and former artist residence. The striking white building was designed by the renowned Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaróand is considered one of the most famous landmarks in Uruguay. Walking around Casapueblo and enjoying the panoramic ocean views made Punta Ballena a memorable stop along our coastal route.

The Faro de Punta del Este is an iconic 50-meter-high lighthouselocated in Punta del Este, Uruguay. Built in 1860, it serves as an important navigation landmarkand a popular tourist attraction.

The lighthouse features an observation platformthat offers panoramic views of the coastline and the harbor, making it one of the most photographed sites in the city.

Although visitors usually cannot enter the lighthouse, it remains a must-see photo spot, especially due to its location next to the historic Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Church.

The surrounding area is lively and vibrant, with boutique shops, restaurants, and nearby attractions such as the famous La Mano de la Serena (The Hand) sculpture, one of Punta del Este’s most recognizable landmarks.

The southernmost point of Uruguay is located at 34°58'24.2"S 54°57'06.2"W, on the scenic Punta del Este peninsula. More precisely, this geographic landmark can be found at Punta de las Salinas, which translates to the Point of the Salt Marshes.

This location marks the southern tip of Uruguay and is a point of interest for travelers exploring the country’s coastline.

Situated along the Atlantic coast, Punta de las Salinasoffers a unique sense of place, combining natural beauty with geographical significance.

To clearly indicate the exact spot of Uruguay’s southernmost point, a large rock markerhas been placed at the site, making it easy for visitors to identify and photograph this notable landmark.

For travelers visiting Punta del Este, stopping at Punta de las Salinas is a rewarding experience, offering a chance to stand at the southern edge of Uruguaywhile enjoying panoramic ocean views and the rugged coastal landscape.

La Mano (The Hand)
Punta del Este’s iconic sculpture and symbol of Uruguay

La Mano, also known as The Hand, is one of the most iconic sculptures in Punta del Este, Uruguay. Created by renowned Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal, the sculpture depicts five giant human fingers emerging from the sand, as if reaching out from beneath the earth.

Located at Parada 1 on Brava Beach, La Mano has become one of the most photographed landmarks in the country and a defining symbol of Punta del Este.

The sculpture is also referred to by several other names, including Los Dedos (The Fingers)and Hombre emergiendo a la vida (Man emerging into life).

Since its completion in february 1982, it has evolved from a temporary artistic installation into a permanent cultural icon recognized worldwide.

History and artistic inspiration behind La Mano

La Mano was created during the summer of 1981 as part of the First International Meeting of Modern Sculpture in the Open Airheld in Punta del Este. Mario Irarrázabal, who was the youngest of the nine participating sculptors, faced challenges in securing a location in the city’s public squares due to competition among artists. As a result, he chose an unconventional yet powerful setting: Brava Beach.

Iglesia de Cristo Obrero y Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, Atlántida

The Iglesia de Cristo Obrero y Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, also known in English as the Church of Christ the Worker and Our Lady of Lourdes, is a remarkable Roman Catholic churchlocated in Atlántida, Uruguay. Designed by renowned 20th-century Uruguayan architect and engineer Eladio Dieste, the church was consecrated in 1960and is considered a masterpiece of modern religious architecture.

Architectural Significance

The church is internationally celebrated for its innovative use of reinforced brick masonry, a signature technique of Eladio Dieste. One of its most striking features is the cylindrical bell tower, constructed with openwork brick patterns, which rises directly from the ground to the right of the main church façade.

On the left side of the parvis lies the underground baptistery, an architectural highlight in its own right. It is accessed through a triangular prismatic entranceand illuminated by a central oculus, creating a dramatic interplay of light, space, and structure that enhances the spiritual atmosphere of the site.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In July 2011, during the 44th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the church was officially recognized as a Cultural World Heritage Site. It was inscribed under the title “The Work of Engineer Eladio Dieste: Church of Atlántida,”acknowledging its outstanding universal value and its innovative contribution to modern architecture.

Why Visit the Church of Atlántida?

• UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uruguay

• Iconic work by Eladio Dieste

• Unique brick architecture and structural design

• Important landmark for architecture, culture, and religious history enthusiasts

The Iglesia de Cristo Obrero y Nuestra Señora de Lourdes stands as a powerful symbol of Uruguay’s architectural innovation, blending engineering excellence with spiritual expression. It is a must-visit destination for travelers interested in modern architecture, cultural heritage, and UNESCO landmarks in South America.

Montevideo: Capital of Uruguay

Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay, located on the southern coast along the Río de la Plata. According to the 2023 census, the city has a population of 1,302,954, representing about 37.2% of the country’s total population, within an area of 201 square kilometers. As Uruguay’s political, economic, and cultural center, Montevideo plays a vital role in national life.

Geography and Strategic Importance

Situated on the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata, Montevideo developed as a major port city connecting South America with Europe. Its coastal location has historically supported trade, defense, and maritime activity, shaping the city’s growth and global relevance.

Origin of the Name Montevideo (just a version)

One widely cited theory, proposed by historian Rolando Laguarda Trías, suggests the name comes from the phrase “Monte VI De Este a Oeste” (“Sixth mount from east to west”). According to this hypothesis, Spanish navigators identified the hill now known as Cerro de Montevideo as the sixth visible mount when sailing along the coast. While popular, this explanation has not been definitively proven.

Historical Significance

Montevideo’s importance increased in the early 18th century following the Portuguese founding of Colonia do Sacramento nearby. In response, Spain established fortifications around Montevideo Bay in 1723, laying the foundation for the city’s development as a strategic colonial settlement.

World War II and the Graf Spee

In December 1939, during World War II, the German cruiser Admiral Graf Spee entered Montevideo’s neutral port after the Battle of the River Plate. The ship was later scuttled, and its captain, Hans Langsdorff, died shortly afterward. The vessel’s eagle figurehead was salvaged in 2006, marking a notable moment in the city’s modern history.

Montevideo Today

Today, Montevideo is known for its high quality of life, democratic stability, and vibrant culture. The city blends historic architecture with modern urban life and remains Uruguay’s most important political and economic hub.

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