At the beginning of the 20th century, in the heart of Ciudad Vieja, on April 6, 1909, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was founded in Montevideo. It is a social, ecumenical, pluralistic, and international movement.

In Uruguay, the YMCA is present in the departments of Montevideo, Colonia, Paysandú, Salto, San José, and Rivera.

In Montevideo, YMCA Montevideo operates two sports and cultural units: the Centro Unit, located in the heart of the city, and the Portones Unit, in the Punta Gorda neighborhood. Currently, they have over 8,500 members and more than 1,500 children attending their schools and educational programs.

In the Department of Colonia, the Artigas Camp offers a unique educational experience—a magical place for reconnecting with nature and fostering community living. More than 11,000 campers visit each year.

The REGIONLAC Conference: Leveraging Synergies for Lasting Impact, is organized by the Regional Node of the Latin American and Caribbean Alliance of YMCA in conjunction with the YMCA, based in the City of Montevideo, Uruguay.

The event will be held in Uruguay, specifically in its capital, Montevideo. 

The venue for our REGIONLAC 2025 event will be the IBIS Montevideo Rambla Hotel, located at Calle La Cumparsita 1473, Rambla República Argentina, 11200 MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay.

IBIS Montevideo Rambla boasts a prime location, air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable accommodations.

For more information about the hotel:

https://all.accor.com/hotel/3539/index.es.shtml?utm_campaign=seo+maps&utm_medium=seo+maps&utm_source=google+Maps 

IMPORTANT: The hotel has only 15 double rooms available, which will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to reserve your spot as soon as possible and take advantage of the early payment discount!

We invite you to schedule your arrival for Tuesday, May 27 over the day, as registration for the event will begin at 16:00 that day.

The event ends on Saturday, May 31, at 2:00 PM, so we highly recommend booking your return flight for after the event’s conclusion.

Participation cost per person will be USD 945.00 in a single room and USD 825 in a double room with prepayment by January 24. After that date, the costs will be USD 1,000 for a single room and USD 900 for a double room with a payment deadline of February 28

Once you pay, we will send you the registration link for the event.

Professionals, volunteers, young people, and people from the YMCA who are interested in living a unique experience in Montevideo and learning more about the work of the YMCA of Montevideo.

After the conference, a certificate of participation can be issued by requesting it directly with the Regional Node team.

REGIONLAC will be operated in Spanish and English interpretation will be provided in some spaces.

We invite you to visit the activity program section for the latest updates. 

MONTEVIDEO URUGUAY

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a vibrant city located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata. It stands out for its quality of life, being one of the safest and most well-off cities in Latin America.

Its Rambla, stretching over 20 kilometers, is ideal for walks and outdoor activities. It encompasses the historic Old City, home to iconic landmarks like Plaza Independencia and the Solís Theater, one of the oldest theaters in the Americas.

Montevideo is also the birthplace of tango and candombe, cultural expressions recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Montevideo celebrates the longest Carnival in the world, with more than 40 days of parades, music, and unique traditions.

For more information, visit: https://montevideo.gub.uy/areas-tematicas/turismo

• Capital: Montevideo

• National language: Spanish

• Currency: The monetary unit is the Uruguayan peso (UYU)

• Credit cards: Most establishments accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express debit and credit cards.

• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave around 10% of the total bill. Tips for tour guides and hotel staff are also appreciated, though not required.

• Taxi: It is recommended to use registered taxis or applications such as Uber or DiDi, available in major cities.

• Dialing code: +598

• International calls: + country code + area code + telephone. Time zone: (UTC- 03:00)

ELECTRICITY

In Uruguay, the common voltage is 220 V. The frequency is 50 Hz. The plugs and sockets are of the C/F type.

The majority of the region enjoys a temperate and humid climate. Montevideo, in particular, benefits from a temperate climate influenced by the sea, which helps moderate extreme temperatures and maintain consistent humidity levels.

The average annual temperature in Montevideo is 16 °C.

The highest temperature, over 35 °C, occurs in December to February, and the lowest, around 6 °C, in June, July, and August.

For the dates of our event, maximum temperatures are expected to be around 27°C and minimum temperatures of 12°C, with some chances of rain.

EMERGENCY PROTOCOL IN THE EVENT OF A CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Montevideo does not face seismic risks, but it can experience intense storms with strong winds and rain, especially in autumn and winter. In these cases:
Follow the recommendations of local authorities, such as the Municipality of Montevideo and the National Emergency System (SINAE).
Avoid walking near large trees or shabby structures during high winds.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

• Emergencies 911
• Red Cross (+598) 2401 2526
• Medical Emergencies 105
• Firefighters 104
• National Police 911
• Anonymous complaints 0800 2121

MEDICAL INSURANCE
All delegates are required to have international medical insurance and should carry a copy of their policy at all times, along with a copy of their passport or identification card.

AIRPORT

Carrasco International Airport, officially “General Cesáreo L. Berisso” Carrasco International Airport, is the main commercial airport serving Montevideo and the rest of Uruguay.

The airport’s IATA code is MVD, and it has modern facilities for domestic and international arrivals and departures.

Official Website: https://www.aeropuertodecarrasco.com.uy

* It is important that when planning your trip to Montevideo you select Carrasco International Airport since it is the country’s main airport and is located about 20 km from the city center. Transportation options such as taxis, Uber, DiDi, and buses are available to facilitate your transfer.

** Be sure to provide those responsible for the event organization with a copy of your flight itinerary with the flight number and airline in which you will travel well in advance to pick you up without issues. it

ARRIVALS AT THE AIRPORT

Ground Transportation
In Montevideo, there are several land transportation options. We recommend always using safe taxis or applications such as Uber or Didi.

The city also has an efficient public transport system, consisting of urban buses that connect the main neighborhoods and tourist spots. The rates are affordable, and the schedules are regular, making mobility easier.

Some countries require a visa to enter Uruguay.

We recommend visiting the official pages of the Uruguayan government. https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-relaciones-exteriores/

Some countries in the region that require a visa include: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.

We suggest a business casual dress code for conference activities, and to wear some light clothing to cover the air conditioning inside the rooms.

In May, Montevideo will experience minimum temperatures of 9°C and maximum temperatures of up to 16°C, offering a cool and pleasant climate. However, it is possible to have rainy days, so it is recommended to bring waterproof clothing, an umbrella, and some light coats to protect yourself from the cold.

The event t-shirt will be worn on Thursday, May 29, so we recommend comfortable clothing for visiting the programs of the YMCA in Montevideo. That same day, a photograph of the event will be taken. It is also advisable to wear sunscreen, waterproof clothing, and use umbrellas in case of rain.

Contact us at daniel.galan@ymcalac.org