Introduction
This South American pocket is bursting at the seams with charming treats. In the past, Uruguay was South America's best-kept secret with only a handful of South Americans popping in to enjoy the pristine beaches,
atmospheric cities and huge steaks. Then the place became more affordable and people got curious. They came, loved it and went back home to tell their friends.
Uruguay may be pint-sized, but it's certainly big-hearted where attractions are concerned. It boasts one of South America's most interesting capitals, charming colonial towns, the hilly interior - true gaucho (cowboy) country - and a cluster of internationally renowned beach resorts.
Geography:
Uruguay - the smallest Hispanic country in South America - is boxed into the eastern coast of South America by Brazil to the north and Argentina to the west. To the south is the wide estuary of the R í o de la Plata, while the Atlantic Ocean washes its eastern shore. For the most part, the country's undulating topography is an extension of that in southern Brazil, and includes two lowly ranges - the Cuchilla de Haedo and the Cuchilla Grande. West of Montevideo the terrain levels out, while east of the capital are impressive beaches, dunes and headlands. Five rivers flow westward across the country and drain into the R í o Uruguay.
Destination Facts
Capital: Montevideo
President: Tabar é V á zquez
Government: constitutional republic
Time zone: GMT -3
Area: 187000
Population: 3431932
People: 88% European descent, 8% mestizo, 4% black
Languages: Latin American SpanishPortunol - Portuguese/Spanish mix
Roman Catholic (66%), Protestant (2%), Jewish (1%), undeclared (31%)
Currency: Peso Uruguayo (Ur$)
Major industries: wool, hides, beef, fishing, textiles, footwear, tires, cement, tourism
Major Trading Partners: Brazil, Argentina, US, Germany, Mexico, Venezuela
Daylight Saving: From second Sunday in March to first Sunday in October
Country Dialing Code: 598
Getting there and away
Montevideo is the main gateway for flights to and from the country. Expect to pay an international departure tax. Roads and bus services across the borders with Brazil and Argentina are good. Unfortunately, there are no rail services linking these countries. A ferry and hydrofoil service runs between Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Colonia. Ferry passengers embarking at Montevideo pay a port terminal and departure tax; those at Colonia pay slightly less.
Getting around
The military airline TAMU has suspended services, so there are no domestic flights within Uruguay except for the domestic leg of international flights from Punta del Este via Montevideo to Brazil. Buses are reasonably priced and there are frequent services to all sizeable destinations. Traveling by car poses few problems once outside hazardous Montevideo, although the country's winding roads and hilly terrain require some care. Local transport is predominantly by bus and metered taxi.
Weather
Although there is pronounced seasonal change during the year, the winter months (June to August) are fairly mild, with average temperatures ranging between 6 ° C (43 ° F) and 15 ° C (59 ° F). Summer is comparatively cool at this latitude, with average highs peaking around a pleasantly warm 28 ° C (83 ° F). Add to that the abundant sunshine and this is a great time to visit. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed over the year and tends to fall quite moderately in just a few days.
This South American pocket is bursting at the seams with charming treats. In the past, Uruguay was South America's best-kept secret with only a handful of South Americans popping in to enjoy the pristine beaches,
atmospheric cities and huge steaks. Then the place became more affordable and people got curious. They came, loved it and went back home to tell their friends.
Uruguay - the smallest Hispanic country in South America - is boxed into the eastern coast of South America by Brazil to the north and Argentina to the west. To the south is the wide estuary of the R í o de la Plata, while the Atlantic Ocean washes its eastern shore. For the most part, the country's undulating topography is an extension of that in southern Brazil, and includes two lowly ranges - the Cuchilla de Haedo and the Cuchilla Grande. West of Montevideo the terrain levels out, while east of the capital are impressive beaches, dunes and headlands. Five rivers flow westward across the country and drain into the R í o Uruguay.
Capital: Montevideo
President: Tabar é V á zquez
Government: constitutional republic
Time zone: GMT -3
Area: 187000
Population: 3431932
People: 88% European descent, 8% mestizo, 4% black
Languages: Latin American SpanishPortunol - Portuguese/Spanish mix
Roman Catholic (66%), Protestant (2%), Jewish (1%), undeclared (31%)
Currency: Peso Uruguayo (Ur$)
Major industries: wool, hides, beef, fishing, textiles, footwear, tires, cement, tourism
Major Trading Partners: Brazil, Argentina, US, Germany, Mexico, Venezuela
Daylight Saving: From second Sunday in March to first Sunday in October
Country Dialing Code: 598
Montevideo is the main gateway for flights to and from the country. Expect to pay an international departure tax. Roads and bus services across the borders with Brazil and Argentina are good. Unfortunately, there are no rail services linking these countries. A ferry and hydrofoil service runs between Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Colonia. Ferry passengers embarking at Montevideo pay a port terminal and departure tax; those at Colonia pay slightly less.
The military airline TAMU has suspended services, so there are no domestic flights within Uruguay except for the domestic leg of international flights from Punta del Este via Montevideo to Brazil. Buses are reasonably priced and there are frequent services to all sizeable destinations. Traveling by car poses few problems once outside hazardous Montevideo, although the country's winding roads and hilly terrain require some care. Local transport is predominantly by bus and metered taxi.
Although there is pronounced seasonal change during the year, the winter months (June to August) are fairly mild, with average temperatures ranging between 6 ° C (43 ° F) and 15 ° C (59 ° F). Summer is comparatively cool at this latitude, with average highs peaking around a pleasantly warm 28 ° C (83 ° F). Add to that the abundant sunshine and this is a great time to visit. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed over the year and tends to fall quite moderately in just a few days.
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