Uruguay, one of the smallest of the South American republics, is located by the Atlantic Ocean between Argentina and Brazil. Its population is about 3 million inhabitants, half of which live in the capital, Montevideo. Its 500 km (300 miles) of fine sandy beaches, forests, hills, hot springs, art festivals, numerous opportunities for sport and entertainment, and above all its people, make Uruguay an ideal place to visit all year round.
Highlights :: Colonia del Sacramento has a charming Barrio Histórico (historic quarter) that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. It has cobblestone streets built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and contains some brilliant examples of colonial architecture. Among the notable attractions around Plaza Mayor (main square) are: Museo Portugues, Museo de Azulejo (Tile Museum), Casa del Almirante Brown which houses Museo Municipal, Casa de Nacarello, Iglesia Matriz (Uruguay’s oldest church) and El Faro (the lighthouse). :: Montevideo’s architecture combines colonial, European and modern influences. The Ciudad Vieja (old City) is one of Montevideo’ major tourist attractions. It is also famous for its nightlife and its Saturday morning open market. The Puerta de la Ciudadela (Door to the Citadel), the Cabildo (the old town council hall), the Cathedral, the Plaza Matriz, Plaza Zabala and the Port Market (with excellent parrillas* and seafood restaurants) are fine examples of Uruguay’s colonial past. :: Punta del Este is the in vogue beach, full of restaurants, cultural activities and parties year round. Some of its most famous beaches are Portezuelo, La Barra (15 km from PDE) with its characteristic undulating bridge and the Manantiales beaches. José Ignacio (20 km from PDE) hosts the Playa Mansa (quiet beach), and the Playa Brava (with stronger surf). You can also visit the “The Hand in the Sand”, the hippie market, the old lighthouse and do a boat trip to Isla de Lobos. :: La Pedrera is a small and exclusive resort with beaches good for surfing, windsurfing, bodyboarding, diving and sport fishing. It is the ocean’s outstanding beauty, encouraging waves, fine white sand and majestic rocks that make these beaches truly unique.
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