A country little coveted by Europeans, Uruguay is first and foremost famous for its beaches. Its pampa, land of gauchos and the colonial charm of its interior cities should not be neglected. But the real wealth of this country is the generous and warm Uruguayans.

With an area of 176,215 km², Uruguay is one of the smallest in South America. It is wedged between Brazil to the north and Argentina to the west from which it is separated by the Uruguay River which flows into the Rio de la Plata estuary. Following on from the Argentine pampas, Uruguay is essentially made up of large plains, most of which are used for sheep and cattle breeding. Low altitude mountain ranges, the Cuchilla de Haedo and the Cuchilla Grande, are located in the southern extension of Brazil and bring some relief to the country.

It is especially for its coastline that Uruguay is famous. The Gold Coast, which stretches for nearly 70 km along the Rio del Plata, has around thirty seaside resorts, ideal for family holidays. The department of Rocha, in the East, is prized by surfers for the height of the waves which break there.

Between these two regions, straddling the Rio del Plata and the Atlantic Ocean, Punta del Este is a particularly upscale resort, whose translucent beaches and nightlife earn it the nickname of "Saint Tropez of South America". Even if the Latino jet set seems to have migrated to the nearby resort of José Ignacio, a fishing village where showbiz and sports stars have the most designer houses built. Punta del Este is located an hour and a half from the capital of Uruguay. Picturesque and modern at the same time, with an architecture combining Spanish, Italian and Art Deco influences, Montevideo is home to more than half of the country's population. That is 3 million inhabitants, mostly of European origin.

Other major cities in the country include Paysandu, the largest in the province; Salto, the most populated urban centre in the north, near which there are spas and the Salto Grande dam in Uruguay. Located in Rio Negro, Mercedes' motto is: "here was born the homeland". In Uruguay, the summers (December to March) are hot, sometimes even suffocating on the coast, one of the busiest seasons in terms of tourism. Winters (June to September) are mild with temperatures ranging from 10° to 16°C. Festivals and folklore lovers will enjoy staying in Uruguay at the time of the carnival, on the Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday. Holy Week is the opportunity to attend folk music concerts, asados (barbecues), horse training demonstrations or horse riding.

Uruguay is one of the most European countries in Latin America. More than 80% of its population is white, descended from Italian, German and Russian immigrants. If its beaches and seaside resorts, more or less luxurious, lend themselves willingly to the practice of the boat, sailing, fishing, water sports or quite simply idleness, Uruguay is also a very agricultural country as one can discover it thanks to a stay in an estancia held by true gauchos.

Uruguay is a country whose beaches, during the summer period, are very popular with its Argentine and Brazilian neighbours. Trapped between their two Latin American giants, Uruguay have nevertheless managed to build their own identity. Beyond its coastline, this country also deserves to be discovered its hilly countryside, its agricultural estancias, the colonial architecture of its cities.

"The Uruguayan Peso (UYP) is the official currency. In Uruguay, prices vary greatly between summer and winter. Annual inflation is around 15%, but as a result of these regular devaluations, the rapid rise in prices is not affecting foreign currencies.

Art and culture in Uruguay
Theatre is very popular in Uruguay and its authors are often very influential in the national cultural life. It flourishes in several major fields: painting, sculpture and music. While most traditional dances and music (polkas, waltzes, tangos...) originate in Europe, all have given rise to local variations. On an artisanal plan, one can find in Uruguay topazes and amethysts cut on the spot as well as a vast choice of articles out of leather or suede. Another real institution in the country, as in many Latin American countries, is football.

A trip to Uruguay must begin with a visit to its capital Montevideo and notably: the Ciudad Vieja, the Plaza Independencia, the Palacio Salvo, the Plaza Constitution, the Iglesia Matriz, the Museo historico nacional, the Mercado del Puerto, the Feria de Tristan Narvaja. The practice of water activities of all kinds on the beaches of Carmelo and Mercedes and the discovery of the trendy seaside resort of Punta Del Este will give a good overview of the Uruguayan coast. It is also necessary to walk on the banks of the Rio del Plata and more particularly in Colonia del Sacramento. Finally, the visit of an agricultural estancia of the center will complete the stay.

Gastronomic specialities in Uruguay
In Uruguay, Pampa obliges the beef, famous for being very tender, is served at all meals and is used in the composition of several local specialities. Like buseca, a spicy soup made with beef, peas and beans, or puchero, served with vegetables, beans, bacon and sausages. The cazuela is a stew of poisons or tripe, it is according. For dessert, you should try chaja, a cake made with cream and jam. Milk jam is tasty and mate is the national drink that Uruguayans sip all the time.