URUGUAY TRAVEL...
One Of South America's
Best Kept Secrets
Uruguay travel and tourism is fantastic!...
"The World is a book, and those who do no travel read only one page."
St. Agustine (AD 354-430)
Sandwiched between Agentina and Brazil, Uruguay, or the Oriental Republic as its also known for its location on the eastern bank of the Rio de la Plata, is a charming little country with a flourishing tourism industry.
It's one of the smallest in South America.
In fact, is the second smallest after Suriname, with a total surface of 313,782 sq. km.
Even though small in surface when you compare it with its South American counterparts, it's BIG when it comes to attractions and friendliness of its people.
You will treasure Uruguay travel
So be prepared to give and receive a kiss on the right cheek and a hug anytime, as it's their tradition.
CAPITAL: Montevideo
LANGUAGE: Spanish (Official)
POPULATION: 3,413,329
AREA: 176,200 km. cuadrados / 68,031 ml. cuadradas
CURRENCY: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
EXCHANGE RATE:
20.9505 per dollar. February 2008 RELIGION: Roman Catholic
They love tango and mate.
Mate is so rooted in Uruguay's culture that you'll see them walking up and down with a thermos under their arm anytime of day or night.
Soccer is a national obsession, a passion they share with Argentinians and Brazilians alike.
Also love horses and gaucho traditions as well. Great gauchos (cowboys) events, horse breaking, stunt riding and the inevitable parrillada (barbeque) or asado that comes with it.
The city of Tacuarembo is well known for its Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha festival, held in March.
Your Uruguay travel experience wouldn't be completed without a visit to the Gaucho country, the area that extends from North of Montevideo to the border with Brazil.
So grab your cowboy boots and be prepared for some horseback riding or just relax in one of the estancias (ranches) opened to tourism.
The name Uruguay comes from Guarani language and means "Land of the Painted Birds".
In 1680, Portuguese founded Colonia del Sacramento on the estuary of the Rio de la Plata (right in front of Buenos Aires).
Spaniards followed suit and founded Montevideo, in 1728, later to become capital of Uruguay.
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It was actually created for strategic reasons, as the Spanish Crown needed to consolidate their second stronghold in the Americas - being Cartagena de Indias (Colombia), the first one.
Justo Jose de Artigas, Uruguay's national hero, fought the Spaniards, inspired the 33 orientales and eventually brought the country to its independence in 1825.
It was officially recognized in 1828.
Uruguay culture is rich and varied, an interesting combination of indigenous population and European immigrants, mainly Spanish and Italians.
Black population is also represented, even though a minority, that came from the coasts of Africa during Spanish domination.
It has one of the highest urbanization and literacy rates in South America, as well as one of the best medical care systems and lowest poverty rates.
It's famous for its beautifully handcrafted leather goods and woolen sweaters.
Above all, Uruguay it's famous for its beaches, so if you come around in summer time (December to March), this is Uruguay travel par excellence.
Travel Uruguay and you will discover some of the most impressive beach resorts in South America.
In fact, the country has 500 km (300 miles) of fine beaches on the Atlantic and the Rio de la Plata, all the way from east of Montevideo to the Brazilian border.
It's Uruguay's version of French and Italian Rivieras.
The most famous include...
- Atlantida
- Piriapolis
- La Paloma
- La Pedrera
- Carmelo (on the Rio Uruguay)
- Mercedes (on the Rio Negro)
- Maldonado
- Rocha
- Punta del Este
Without doubt, Punta del Este is Uruguay's most famous tourist destination. An exclusive - and pricey - gathering point for the jet set, Naomi Campbell among others.
Piriapolis comes second, built in the times of the "belle epoque" and considered then as the most sophisticated beach resorts in South America.
The coast from Punta del Este to the Brazilian border is delicious. That's Uruguay travel with capital letters.
Ever heard of Casapueblo?
Located in Punta Ballena (Whale Point), pretty close to Punta del Este, it resembles the Mediterranean white coastal houses of Santorini.
Currently converted into a hotel (Club Hotel Casapueblo), is the museum and atelier of Carlos Paez Vilaro, famous Uruguayan artist.
And how about Cabo Polonio?
That's Uruguay travel and tourism for nature lovers. It has a beautiful Atlantic beach and a natural reserve of sea lions.
It doesn't have electricity or running water.
Accessible only by 4x4 vehicles or just walking - 7 km from the main highway.
You can climb the sand dunes, visit the lighthouse, explore it on horseback, swim, surf of just relax on a hammock.
Punta del Diablo is a charming fishermen's village,deserted for the most part of the year, that you don't want to miss either.
Little known as an international tourist destination but the ideal place if you want to break away from busy Punta del Este.
La Paloma, in the cape of Santa Maria, is a quiet residential town.
You will love to walk the pine groves by the sea, practice water sports and enjoy incredible sunsets.
Colonia del Sacramento is a must on your Uruguay travel and tourism experience and one of the finest Uruguay attractions.
A step back in history, with cobblestoned streets and colorful houses.
It was founded as Nova Colonia do Sacramento by Manuel de Lobo, in 1680.
Delicious to explore, really.
Its Barrio Historico (historic quarter) was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.
Please don't miss it...
So include Uruguay travel in your next trip to South America and you will discover why it's one of its best kept secrets...and a unique South America travel experience in its own right...
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