Uruguay, South America. Destination Guide

Uruguay has a stable economy in an often volatile region. Since the 1990s, Uruguayans have consistently voted in national referenda to keep their public utilities state-run.
Uruguay does not have the dramatic scenery of Chile or Bolivia. But it does have outstanding art-deco architecture, white unspoiled ocean and river beaches which breathe an air of nostalgia from the 1950s and 60s and peaceful countryside.  One of the most exciting reasons to visit Uruguay is for music and culture.

Climate:
Located entirely within a temperate zone, Uruguay has a climate that is relatively mild and fairly uniform nationwide.  Seasonal variations are pronounced, but extremes in temperature are rare. As would be expected with its abundance of water, high humidity and fog are common. The absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, makes all locations vulnerable to high winds and rapid changes in weather as fronts or storms sweep across the country.  Both summer and winter weather may vary from day to day with the passing of storm fronts, where a hot northerly wind may occasionally be followed by a cold wind (pampero) from the Argentine Pampas.

 

Montevideo

The nation’s capital and home to nearly half of Uruguay’s population, Montevideo is a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life. Stretching 20km from east to west, the city wears many faces, from its industrial port to the exclusive beachside suburb of Carrasco near the airport.  Montevideo has a lot of beaches, which are a great place to head on a hot day. There are a few on the outskirts of the city, and along the Rambla, and more near the Old Town.   Here in the capital of Uruguay, you’ll find the headquarters of Mercosur (a commercial union between Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela) due to the city’s ideal political-geographic location, right on the best natural port on the continent. The warm ambiance provided by the friendly locals, combined with amazing architecture and unique scenery, make this destination an extraordinary place to visit.

 

Montevideo Map & Hotels:

 

Punta del Este

Punta del Este is a city and resort on the Atlantic Coast in the Maldonado Department of southeastern Uruguay. Although the city has a year-round population of about 9,280, the summer tourist boom adds to this a very large number of non-residents. Punta del Este is also the name of the municipality to which the city belongs. It includes Punta del Este proper and Península areas.
Punta del Este is known as the St. Tropez of Uruguay, thanks to its beautiful beaches, upscale resorts and swanky nightclubs.
Punta del Este’s scenic coastline is divided in two regions: Brava (Spanish for “fierce”) and Mansa (Spanish for “tame”). The limit between the two marks the end of the Río de la Plata and the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean, and split is signaled by the Mano de Punta del Este, which the sculptor designed to warn swimmers about the danger of rough waves. Beaches on the Mansa side feature thick and golden sand, while on the Brava side the sand is white and fine. Every beach of the peninsula has public access.  The city has much colonial architecture contrasting with more modern buildings. Nowadays it has a scenic shore, typical resort houses, modern buildings, a port with mooring capacity, department stores, restaurants, and pubs. There are several large houses, and gardens lined with plants.

Punta del Este Map & Hotels:

 

Flight Deals to Montevideo: