Born in Soto, Paysandú Department, Etchamendi began his career with Club Canillitas, and later went on to manage Progreso, Defensor Sporting and Liverpool Montevideo before moving to Argentina in 1965.

He also took over Colón (where he was manager for just a week),[1] Unión de Santa Fe and Los Andes[2] in that country before moving back to Uruguay.

[3] He led the latter club to three Primera División titles (1970, 1971, 1972), aside from winning the 1971 Copa Libertadores and the 1971 Intercontinental Cup.

After leaving Nacional at the end of the 1972 season, Etchamendi subsequently worked at the Paraguay national team, Montevideo Wanderers, Bella Vista, Club León and Deportivo Cali.

On 30 May 1976, while managing Deportivo Cali, Etchamendi suffered a myocardial infarction during the second half of a home fixture against Independiente Santa Fe.