Uruguay - the compact pearl of South America
General information
Uruguay is one of the smallest countries in South America, located between Argentina and Brazil, with coastlines on the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital, Montevideo, is a compact and calm city, founded in the 18th century as a defensive fortress, and today the administrative seat of the regional MERCOSUR bloc.
The country is known for its high standard of living, political stability and relaxed pace of life - qualities that make it a pleasant addition to the more dynamic Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro on combined trips around the region.
Climate
Uruguay has a temperate oceanic climate with no extreme temperatures during the year. Summer (December-March) is warm and pleasant for walks along the coast, while winter is mild compared with the neighbouring, more southerly regions of Argentina.
Culture and sights
Montevideo's historic centre can be explored on foot in a few hours - the Plaza Matriz, the cathedral, the town hall building and the Teatro Solís, one of the oldest theatres on the continent, tell the story of the colonial and post-colonial city.
The authentic Mercado Agrícola and Mercado del Puerto markets give a taste of the local cuisine, strongly influenced by the tradition of asado (meat grilled over embers) - an inseparable part of Uruguayan identity, just as strong as in neighbouring Argentina.
Why and when to visit?
Montevideo is an ideal addition to a longer trip around Argentina and Brazil - just a short flight or ferry ride from Buenos Aires, it offers a different, calmer view of the Río de la Plata region.
