Sandwiched between its two large neighbours Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is one of the smallest countries in South America, but a little gem. Often overlooked by travellers, Uruguay is not only safe and easy to travel in with English being widely spoken, but it combines trendy, urban chic with pristine beaches, charming colonial towns full of intriguing history as well as being the perfect place to takes one’s foot off the treadmill and get away from it all for a few days.
Uruguay’s sophisticated capital Montevideo on the banks of the River Plate boasts many architectural delights, fine dining and a bustling market scene, whilst the UNESCO-protected colonial town of Colonia takes you back in time to the colonial era of the 17th Century.
For those keen to get off the beaten track, the countryside offers a world of rolling hills, birdwatching, wine tasting at pretty vineyards or living the traditional gaucho life with some wonderful riding on working cattle ranches and indulging in some of the world’s finest asados (BBQ’s) !
Alternatively the white sandy beaches, great nightlife, chic beachfront hotels and hip boutique scene are fast turning Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio into the playground of the world’s jetset.
