Uruguay is just the kind of surprise

As one of South America’s least-visited countries, Uruguay offers an off-the-beaten-trail and authentic travel experience. Also, might we add, an incredibly surprising one. Unbeknownst to many, Uruguay boasts some of the most formidable attributes for which this continent is so renowned including world-class vines, sensational culinary specialities and hiding, behind a cloak of unassuming nonchalance, startling colonial-era treasures.

With a host of natural hot springs and glorious beaches not

besieged by busloads of tourists, and with the added bonus of short distances

and top-notch roads, a comprehensive tour of Uruguay is just the kind of

surprise you’ll cherish on your up-coming trip to Latin America.

Getting a foot in the Uruguayan door is dead easy, with

hour-long ferry rides connecting its two most prominent hubs, Montevideo and

Colonia, to Buenos Aires.

Best Highlights of Uruguay

 Colonial

architecture, natural mineral springs, glitzy seaside stars and revitalizing

estancia stay: in Uruguay, you can experience it all up in just a few days.

Soak up the historic charm of Colonia del Sacramento

One of the prettiest colonial-era historic centres in all of

Latin America, Colonia’s UNESCO-listed core is an architectural gem like few

others. Having changed hands repeatedly, from Spanish to Portuguese and back

again a few more times, this historic walled city – the oldest in the country –

showcases traits and influences from both powerful empires. Cobblestone winding

laneways, ancient forts, museums, great shopping and delightful dining await

you at the end of the short and scenic ferry ride from Buenos Aires.

Get your history, cuisine and culture fix in Montevideo

The Uruguayan capital has much going for it, least of all the

fact that it feels more like an overgrown laid-back village than a truly

bustling metropolis. Being gorgeous helps, of course, yet Montevideo offers a

wide array of attractions to satisfy all tastes. Its historic harbour side

centre, Ciudad Vieja, boasts classical and art deco architectural gems as well

as several pedestrian-only strolling and shopping strips.

The city also boasts an impressive foodie scene that rivals

those of more illustrious capitals so make sure to spend a couple of days here

at the very least, as feasting takes time! Mercado del Puerto is a particularly

great hive of activity with artisan stalls and food carts feeding the eyes, the

taste buds and the soul, in equal measure.

Spend it up in Punta del Este

Down the southeast tip of Uruguay is the glitzy seaside hub

of Punta del Este, where lovely beaches, plush hotels and a wicked nightlife

attract locals and tourists alike. Dubbed the St Tropez of South America, Punta

del Este is where you go if you want to sip refreshing mojitos in swanky

seaside bars, whilst watching the fabulous emerge from their multi-million

dollar luxury yachts.

This luxury seaside resort town may be Uruguay’s most

expensive destination but living it up here is still cheaper than Europe and

Australia, so include a few days to enjoy the city attractions, long stretches

of beautiful beaches as well as expansive gaucho plains that surround the city.

Soak in the hot springs of Salto

Thermal resorts take advantage of the heated springs of the

Guarani Aquifer to offer a flurry of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments in

the area around Salto and Paysandu, in north-western Uruguay. With temps

ranging between 38 and 46, the mineral-enriched waters are said to be sublimely

therapeutic and, if nothing else, they are exceptionally relaxing. Thermal spa

vacations are popular with locals and you’ll discover several spa resort towns

along the revered Rio Uruguay.

Take a hike in Santa Teresa

Many visitors mistakenly consider Uruguay a country of

scenic but flat landscapes yet the truth is altogether different. Given the

ease of transport and relatively diminutive size, together with a surprisingly

eclectic topography, Uruguay is actually a much-coveted hiking country in South

America with well-established trails satisfying the cravings of multi-day avid

trekkers, day-hikers and even active families with young kids in tow.

One of the most enjoyable hikes in the whole country is done

in the Santa Teresa National Park, a forest-covered coastal reserve 300km north

of Montevideo, and only 180km from Punta del Este.  Views of sandy shores and the glistening

Atlantic keep you company as you meander your way through sections of pristine

forest that lead up to a 300-year-old fort affording all-encompassing views.