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South America's second-smallest country, Uruguay is bordered by Brazil and Argentina and lies along the Atlantic Ocean.
Situated just across the River Plate from Buenos Aires, tourists are drawn to the historically intriguing town of Colonia, the eclectic capital of Montevideo and the beautiful Atlantic beach resorts such as the exclusive Punta del Este.
Much of the country consists of gently rolling land only a few hundred feet above sea level, along with wooded valleys. Uruguay's highest point is found atop Mount Cathedral at 1,685 feet (514 meters).
As with neighboring Argentina, most Uruguayans have ancestors from Spain and Italy who immigrated to the country in the 19th and 20th centuries. The majority of the population is Roman Catholic, though a small community of Jews—one of the largest in South America—lives in the capital of Montevideo.
The country's most celebrated festival is Carnival, which takes place just before the start of Lent, a Roman Catholic holiday that traditionally involves abstaining from the consumption of meat. The main festivities take place in Montevideo and include costumes, drumming parades, and outdoor theater.
Soccer is the country's most popular sport; Uruguay is one of the global leaders when it comes to world titles. Basketball, rugby, and boxing also draw large crowds. A popular music and dance in Uruguay is the tango, which originated in Argentina.
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Uruguay features a rich geography teeming with varied sceneries which range from small hills and hot spring paradises to the most exclusive beaches and cities where culture co-exists with tourism perfectly.
Whether you prefer living in a city, a beach resort, or the country, you’ll find attractive options in Uruguay. For city life check out Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo. It’s the city Mercer ranks highest for quality of life in South America. For beach life, consider Punta del Este—South America’s most prestigious beach resort.
Uruguay is a lovely country with vast green pastures dotted with palm trees; long sandy beaches stretched between dramatic rocky points; and architecture that ranges from eclectic masterpieces to sleek glass-clad towers.
The people of Uruguay are laidback (muy tranquilo). It’s a place where friends, family, and neighbors take time for each other—where relationships are more important than schedules.
Popular cuisine in Uruguay includes barbecued beef, lamb, and pork; as well as a variety of Italian, Spanish, and French dishes.
Whilst smaller in landmass and with fewer tourist drawcards than its South American neighbors, Uruguay’s accessibility, contrasting cities and a range of attractions set amongst a more relaxed atmosphere make it a worthy side trip for short or extended stays.
Uruguay’s Capital City
The nation’s capital and home to nearly half of Uruguay’s population, Montevideo is a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life. Stretching 20km from east to west, the city wears many faces, from its industrial port to the exclusive beachside suburb of Carrasco near the airport.
In the historic downtown business district, art deco and neoclassical buildings jostle for space alongside grimy, worn-out skyscrapers that appear airlifted from Havana or Ceauşescu’s Romania, while to the southeast the shopping malls and modern high-rises of beach communities such as Punta Carretas and Pocitos bear more resemblance to those of Miami or Copacabana.
Music, theater and the arts are alive and well here – from elegant older theaters and cozy little tango bars to modern beachfront discos – and there’s a strong international flavor, thanks to the many foreign cultural centers and Montevideo’s status as administrative headquarters for Mercosur, South America’s leading trading bloc.
The city is known for its many large parks, tree-lined streets, sandy beaches, and wide avenues. Along the Montevideo waterfront is the rambla, the road and wide sidewalk that run along the city’s coastline. As you explore, you’ll notice pedestrian streets, as well as unique neighborhood shops, and restaurants.
The people in Montevideo take their leisure fishing from the rambla, chatting with friends in plazas and cafés, and browsing in outdoor markets.
South America’s Monaco
Punta del Este is Uruguay’s most popular resort; its iconic cityscape, glamorous parties, and incredible beaches attract visitors from all over the world. If a trip around South America is on your radar, you cannot miss the coastal city that has it all.
There are numerous museums and galleries in Punta del Este and each one has its own appeal. You can visit the former art workshop turned into a museum and hotel, Casapueblo, to admire its unique architecture and enjoy a wonderful view of the Atlantic.
You can find the most famous beaches in Punta del Este, Playa Mansa (calm beach) and Playa Brava (turbulent beach), at each side of the peninsula. Both beaches feature promenades, where you can usually spot people exercising, cycling, and rollerblading at all hours. The sea at Playa Mansa is as still and flat as its name suggests, and is perfect for families and swimming. Playa Brava on the other hand is renowned for surfing and popular among young people.
The nightlife in Punta del Este is like no other, and you can find something for every taste.
The best thing about eating food in Punta del Este is the variety of choice. As a cosmopolitan city, Punta del Este benefits from having excellent restaurants featuring dishes from all over the world. As a general rule, food is sublime in Punta del Este and dessert is no exception. Try unique fusion recipes like the dulce de leche volcano, which tastes exactly like it sounds: explosively sweet.
Punta del Este is the perfect combination of natural and urban environments.
The Historic Quarter
Colonia del Sacramento is one of the most important tourist areas in Uruguay, receiving thousands of visitors during the year. Just an hour from Buenos Aires by boat, and two hours from Montevideo by road, Colonia del Sacramento is a haven where..
visitors will find culture, history and the magic of an unmissable destination in the Río de la Plata. The charm of the city is linked to its peculiar history.
The historic Colonia del Sacramento, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, attracts tourists from around the world and is the scene of countless photographic productions that seek to capture the magic of the place. Walking through its irregular, cobbled streets allows you to take in its history and enjoy a unique landscape with spectacular views of Río de la Plata. The enigmatic Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), paved with wedge stones, has a unique charm, capable of transporting visitors to a dream world.
Museums, theater, art, handicrafts and good local cuisine are just part of a wide range of options for visitors. In addition, the city offers visitors a wide range of quality hotels, with options ranging from international hotel chains to typical posadas, housed in old colonial houses, as well as a wide range of cheerful and quaint restaurants.
Following the city’s promenade, a trip which many choose to make on bike, leads you to Real de San Carlos, a former Spanish military enclave. Here you will find the San Benito church, with its image of the black saint, and the endeavor of Nicolás Mihanovich who, at the beginning of the twentieth century, developed a tourist complex in this place in the style of the time, which currently has its main icon in the Plaza de Toros. As part of the charm of the city, Colonia del Sacramento seduces visitors with its sunsets over Río de la Plata full of color and magic.
The view from the lighthouse or from the old pier will, without doubt, seduce your senses completely.
