Uruguay is a country to experience in all its vast diversity: History and culture in Colonia del Sacrameto, wines and vineyards in and around Montevideo; gaucho lore in its many estancias, natural reserves and national parks; and time to relax in its beaches. Short distances prevailing between its different destinations, Uruguay offers the visitor a wide range of choice to enjoy his stay thoroughly.

Often referred to as the Switzerland of South America, Uruguay is blessed with peace and prosperity. It is also one of Latin America’s most secular countries.

Uruguay is endowed with a year-round mild climate. Summer temperatures (December to April is the peak season) average 25 °C. From May to November temperatures drop, giving rise to a windy period. Winter settles in between June and Sptember, with temperatures falling below 12°C, and it is often rainy.

The country west of Montevideo is interspersed with small river towns separated from each other by large expanses of pampa and wheat fields. These are found mostly far off the beaten track, with the exception of Colonia de Sacramento, whose charms attract visitors from all over the world

Colonia de Sacramento, a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires, was founded by the Portuguese – It is a well-preserved historical gem lying on a small peninsula along the coast, beautifully set above the Rio de la Plata.

Many vineyards, wineries and artisan cheese producers in this part of the country open their doors to curious guests from all over the world.

Montevideo, the capital, is a multicultural city both placid and safe, where museums, street markets, good restaurants and friendly people combine to provide entertainment to the visitor. Get lost in its downtown streets and do not miss the experience of the typical Rio de la Plata music, the Tango or Candombe, its rhythms and multi-colored attire.

What to do

• Catch the ferry for a memorable jaunt in Buenos Aires
• Treat yourself to a memorable steak at a Parilla (steakhouse) in Montevideo’s Mercado del Puerto
• Visit one of the many vineyards, wineries and artisan cheese producers in the west

This is a land of rolling hills and verdant pastures, best explored riding, like a genuine gaucho, or/and staying in one of the many colonial estancias.

This small and amicable country provides nature lovers with a wide variety of ecosystems. It is a unique spot where, within short distance, wetlands, hills, native forest, palm groves, sandy and rocky beaches, rivers, coastal lagoons and savannahs can be found, all of which are inhabited by a large diversity of birds – more than 400 species- and other wildlife, such as the endangered capybara, the pampa deer, the sea turtle and the franca whale among others, coexisting harmoniously with the cattle, sheep and horses that inhabit the vast pampas.

What to do

• Immerse yourself in the lore of Uruguay’s cowboys at the Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha (March) in Tucuarembó, featuring rodeos, parades and folk music.
• For a classic road adventure, take Route 7 in the direction of Melo, heart of the cattle-ranching country.

The coast stretching east and north of Montevideo, is a chain of small bays, beaches, surfing and fishing villages as well as parks along the Atlantic. Further north still (towards the Brazilian boarder) the population dwindles and you find quiet lagoons where you can kayak through still waters to the music of chirping birds in the background.

What to do

• Join the cosmopolitan party crowd at the nightclubs in Punta del Este, a favorite watering hole for the smart and trendy.
• Trekk through amazing shifting sand dunes all the way to Cabo Polonio, a fishing village that draws a staggering variety of wildlife – sea lions, seals and penguins, and whales easily spotted offshore.
• Relax and enjoy ‘dolce far niente’ in the hippie-chic beaches of José Ignacio or La Pedrera.