Uruguay is a small country â€" the second smallest in South America - but one which presents everything to its visitors- from colonial towns to fashionable beach resorts to gaucho ranches, as well as the excessive quality hotels in Uruguay. This country is additionally one of the most peaceful of the South American nations and has a normally high standard of living that some other South American countries envy. Uruguay is generally referred to as the ‘Switzerland’ of South America, not because of its mountains, but due to its generally strong economy and standard of living, that is almost the same like European.
Most visitors traveling to Uruguay start their trip with the capital, Montevideo. This city was originally founded by the Spanish as being a fortress outpost of their sprawling empire. Montevideo experienced a wave of immigration from Europe through the mid 18th century and developed into a leading port. These days the city still has some kind of European atmosphere, with architectural styles ranging from colonial to art deco to modern. In this city can be found the most exceptional Uruguay hotels. The bustling waterfront is still the best place to experience the daily life of Montevideo, with its seafood restaurants, bars and street performers. The port market, which dates from 1868, is well regarded not just for its cafes serving large plates of barbecued meats, but also for its arts and crafts stalls. Montevideo also has a few astounding museums, but one of the most fascinating spots to visit in the city is the significant underground mausoleum called the Mausoleo Artigas, in which a lot of notable Uruguayans are buried.
The coastline to the west and east of Montevideo is mainly unspoiled. There are located charming small fishing villages and a lot of deserted beaches. About a hundred miles along the coast to the west of Montevideo is one of the most historic towns in South America. The little town of Colonia del Sacramento was declared a UNESCO world heritage sight, and dates from the 1600s when the region was still a Portuguese colony. It’s a maze of attractive balconied houses, narrow streets and churches, including Uruguay’s oldest church. Don’t miss visiting it while you are in Uruguay. You'll find a couple of museums exploring the town’s history, as well as an unusual museum devoted to decorative tiles. One of the major things to do in Colonia is just wander the narrow streets, explore the small shops and restaurants and take in the wonderful river views.
To the east of Montevideo is the sophisticated seaside resort of Punta Del Estes. It's the best place to arrange a hotel in Uruguay in case you are trying to find tranquil vacation. The town offers miles of beaches, varied water sports and lots of nightlife. Shopping can also be a favorite pastime in Punta del Estes - the town has a great number of exclusive shops and boutiques to rival those of nearby Montevideo and Buenos Aires. It's the place where you may also take fishing expeditions at the Atlantic Ocean.
Much of the country to the north and west of Montevideo consists of the ‘pampas’ â€" this is a large area of plains and grassland, dotted with small ranches. This part of the country is the home of the ‘Gaucho’ - the legendary horsemen of Uruguay and Argentina, whose skill in cooking meat is almost as well known as their horsemanship. There is a small museum dedicated to the folklore and history of the Gaucho, in Montevideo, but for a more ‘hands on’ experience, you can stay on a few of the ranches as a paying guest. Uruguay is still a significant beef producer and one of the most popular names in beef production â€" Fray Bentos â€" actually took its name from the town of the same name. Its meat plant is now a museum providing guided tours of the corrals and slaughterhouses.
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