Anthony Bourdain Called This One Country The Most Underrated In The World

The late Anthony Bourdain was more than a former television host with a keen sense of storytelling — he was a renowned culinary giant who undoubtedly revamped how people experience travel and food. A former executive chef turned host and author, his shows like "No Reservations" and "Parts Unknown" took watchers off the beaten paths, blending grungy locations with an inclination for the underdog and the hole-in-the-wall. His palate was impressive, his curiosity endless, and his ability to find these hidden gems made him a travel oracle. When asked by National Geographic about the most underrated travel destination he'd visited, he resoundingly answered Uruguay. 

Located on South America's southeastern coast, Uruguay is the continent's second-smallest nation, and is often left in the shadows by the elevated pulse of well-known neighbors like Brazil and Argentina. Bourdain loved it for its authentic and unassuming energy, it's laidback soul, stunning beaches, and fabulous food. He raved about the national sandwich, the chivito. He wondered how such a place could remain this undiscovered, mostly known to the savvy Argentinians popping over for their vacations. With nearly half its 3.4 million people packed into the capital, Montevideo, Uruguay feels like a cozy, undiscovered treasure. 

Getting there is easy, with the main port of entrance through Carrasco's International Airport in Montevideo, a travel hub promising to "bring Uruguay closer to the world." Many visitors opt to go during their summer season, October through March, when the sun offers long days, the beaches beckon, and the national Carnival reigns king. It's peak season, but worth it for the warmest days offering endless time to explore and acquaint oneself with the myriad adventures.

Uruguay's coastline stretches about 410 miles along the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean, a golden strip of sand and surf beckoning sun-worshippers (Anthony Bourdain described them to National Geographic as "incredible"). From the stylish villages and resorts to the boho hideaways, there is a spot for every traveler. Punta del Este, also called "The Pearl of the Atlantic," is known as the crown jewel of Uruguay's coastline. Think South America's counter to the French Riviera. With its peninsula protruding into the ocean, it provides wonderful surfing, water sports, beach access, and a nightlife reverberating with glitz. The iconic La Mano sculpture, it's massive fingers reaching up from the sand, is an absolute must-see, while restaurants, art galleries, and fashionable shops line the streets waiting to be discovered. 

For a more relaxed vibe, head to Jose Ignacio or La Barra, where barefoot vibes and serenity reign. These spots trade flash for soul —think horseback riding and sunsets that easily melt into the sea. Near to Montevideo, The Rambla stretches almost 13 miles, offering beaches like Playa de los Pocitos, a bustling enclave just minutes from downtown offers a beautiful stretch of golden sand, or check out Playa Carrasco where century-old mansions provide a beautiful architectural backdrop and a nod to the past.

For solitude, Playa de la Aguada delivers quiet wave breaks perfect for surfing, while Laguna de Rocha, not a beach but a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, delights visitors with opportunities to see bright pink flamingos and birdwatching bliss. It's no wonder Bourdain saw this place as a sleeper hit — a true travel bucket list destination.

Uruguay's culinary scene talks the talk and walks the walk — it's carved into its history, community, and lifestyle. The Fray Bentos Industrial Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as "the greatest kitchen of the world," revolutionizes meat processing while exporting over 200 products globally. This beef legacy lives on in the country, as grasslands cover about 80%, feeding cattle and animals that end up in popular dishes such as chivito. Bourdain called chivito the "the Mount Everest of sandwiches," stacked with beef, ham, bacon, egg, cheese, and more, often served atop a bed of french fries. It's a carnivore's dream, and a national icon.

Then there is asado, the Uruguayan barbecue that's both meal and ritual. Slabs of beef, goat, or pork sizzling over an open, wood-fired flam, a smoky celebration of the country's community and pride. Vegetarians might struggle, but meat lovers will be in heaven. For dessert, dulce de leche reigns supreme, a rich and creamy caramelized sauce created by slowly cooking down sweet and condensed milk. Visitors will find this in many deserts, like flan, churros, or alfajores, shortbread cookies sandwiched by the rich and creamy gold. Pionono, a rolled sponge cake, and a sweet medialunas for breakfast round out the sugar rush.

Uruguay is unapologetically simple, hearty, and steeped in history. The UNESCO nod to Fray Bentos provides the perfect punctuation: a food culture born from innovation and tradition, still thriving today. From beachside carnival feasts, Uruguay's table is set for adventure and delight. Go taste it for yourself to see why Bourdain called it a beautiful destination for your next South American beach vacation.