URUGUAY

Geographical location

Satellite image

Uruguay Area• Total176,215 km2 (89th)

68,037 sq mi • Water (%)1.5

Uruguay Population • 2016 estimate 3,427,000 (134th) • 2011 census 3,286,314 • Density 18.6/km2 (198th)

48.3/sq mi

UruguayCapital: Montevideo

Uruguay’s Tourist Attraction1. COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO2. MONTEVIDEO3. PUNTA DEL ESTE4. THE ROCHA COAST5. PIRIAPOLIS

PIRIAPOLIS

• Piriapolis used to be the summer holiday destination of choice before Punta del Este took off. Today it remains a popular spot thanks to its beaches, but also the more tranquil atmosphere it offers. Apart from its promenade (Rambla de los Argentinos), which the city revolves around, and its beaches, one of the most famous attractions in Piriapolis is the Sugar Loaf Mountain (Cerro Pan de Azucar), the third highest point in a generally flat Uruguay. From the top, there are endless views of the coastline and the authentic gaucho landscape. There is also San Antonio Hill, much closer to the centre of town, which you can ascend by chairlift.

• To get to Piriapolis from Montevideo, you can take a bus from the city or from the airport. A good option is to rent a car and then continue exploring further up Uruguay’s coast.

THE ROCHA COAST

• If you’re looking for something less developed, head to the coast of the Rocha department. This area honours the national slogan of Uruguay Natural. Places such as La Paloma, Cabo Polonio and La Pedrera are the favourites of different tourist groups, from families to backpackers, surfers and young adults.

• Cabo Polonio is a special experience the rustic fishing village has no electricity or running water, creating a real escape from modern life, perfect for a relaxing vacation. La Pedrera is perfect if you enjoy surfing or want to start learning how to catch the perfect wave. iI also has one of the best beaches on the whole coast. The biggest town in the department is La Paloma, a small city that sits alongside nice wide beaches, with all the comforts that a tourist may need.

PUNTA DEL ESTE• Located 130Km from Montevideo, Punta del Este is

arguably the most famous beach resort town in South America. It has in recent year gained a reputation as being the St. Tropez of South America thanks to its beautiful beaches, modern city and glitzy nightlife, attracting the rich and the famous. It is an extremely popular summer destination for Argentines, as well as Brazilians and cruise ship passengers.

MONTEVIDEO• Uruguay’s biggest city is Montevideo, the country’s capital. It’s a

beautiful city filled with old European architecture, and, despite being the capital, has a laid-back environment, even in the busiest areas. Some of Montevideo’s top landmarks include the old city quarter, the Puerta de la Ciudadela, the Teatro Solis, and Parque Rodó.

• Another attraction you can’t miss is the Rambla, a promenade stretching 22km along the city’s coast, as well as the beaches where the Rio de la Plata reaches the Atlantic Ocean. After a day sightseeing the attractions of the city you can relax, play sports and watch the sunset on the beach

COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO• Colonia del Sacramento is a top destination due to its closeness to

Buenos Aires on the other side of the Rio de la Plata. Many people come across the river for a day trip from Argentina’s capital. You can take a ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia, which takes 1 hour on the fast boat and 3 hours on the slow one.

• What makes Colonia so popular is its Historic Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient cobbled streets of this old Portuguese city are lined with museums, churches and old buildings. There is also a scenic river promenade and an antique bullring (Plaza de Toros). It’s a good place to unwind for a few days, or to use as a starting point to continue along Ruta 1 to Montevideo and beyond.