Uruguay

How Important Were The Businessmen?

After the military government ended in the 80’s the individual businessman played an important role in developing the business infrastructure in Uruguay that we know today.  Today’s Uruguay outfitters are sons of both large landowners and wealthy businessmen.  Only those from families of privilege have been able to be successful, because firm connections are necessary if one desires to go hunting in Uruguay—and there are only two ways to get those connections, one can “buy” them by booking a trip with an outfitter, or know someone who owns land, with the latter being the more difficult.

Less and less of the wealth and opportunity in Uruguay is in the clutches of the government elites, sparking opportunity for hard working entrepreneurs.  The divide between rural and urban areas is no longer what it once was, and traditional landed families are making the transition into to agricultural business, and manufacturing.  Nearly all sons and daughters of upper-middle class families attend private schools, and in these schools they make important connections with other students whose families who are very important in the business communities of Uruguay—thus ensuring that the tradition of privilege continues.

Multinational companies owned by foreign investors took a less active role in Uruguay’s business history than in many of South American countries because markets here were simply so small.  The notable exception to this was the financial industry—Uruguay has an enviable banking industry. 

Long before people from all around the world found out that the best wingshooting in Uruguay was only a flight or two away; this country was a haven for international bankers.  No doubt a few of them were looking to enjoy some hunting in Uruguay during their time there, and undoubtedly they influenced the ranchers in becoming outdoorsmen as well.  Who will ever really know?  The only certainty is that the original Uruguay Outfitters were just ranchers hosting their international friends who were probably there on business trips, and from that, grew a more the more formal and organized industry that exists today.

The Military Government in Uruguay

Long before anyone considered hunting in Uruguay professionally, a military dictatorship was in power.  But before that, in the spring of 1973, a man with the surname of Bordaberry was sworn in to the highest office in the land.  He had originally run as a candidate for the Colorados (one of the leading political parties in Uruguay), but he later needed to enlist alliances with the ruralist movement in order to garner enough support for his faction. 

Bordaberry is most famous for suspending the civil rights of Uruguay’s citizens for 30 days after he had declared a state of internal war within the country after a bloody shootout against the Tupamaros family.

The Uruguay That We Know Today

Today, Uruguay is the most democratic, and diplomatic country in South America.  The country has much to be proud of, and its days of military rule are far behind.  Today, this country has the highest literacy rate in all of the Americas, and the largest middle class in South America.  The result: less corruption among the police and politicians, and less crime overall—especially violent crime.   Uruguay has the lowest rate of violent crime per capita than any other country on the continent.

This has brought about tourism in Uruguay in a big way.  Hunting in Uruguay is only one of many popular tourist activities.  The beaches of Punta del Este attract beachgoers from all over South America, and the historic city of Colonia attracts tourists from all over the world—many who are already vacationing in Argentina, and are looking to take the ferry for the day trip over (about one hour).

Whether it’s the wingshooting in Uruguay, or some other activity that brings you to this peaceful, quiet, and friendly nation, you are going to love experiencing all this country has to offer, and among all of the Uruguay outfitters, Los Gauchos is the foremost in the country—offing every available venue of hunting and fishing.

 

 

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