Proud of its Great Daring

BEYOND MONTEVIDEO AND THE SEASIDE CITY OF PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY AWAITS VISITORS WITH COLONIAL TOWNS, QUIET VILLAGES FIT FOR EITHER RURAL OR NATURE TOURISM, PICTURE-PERFECT RIVER PORTS AND CULTURAL VALUES LIKE TANGO, SOCCER AND MATE

Blessed with mild climate, this country captivates for the beauty of its coastal landscapes and fertile plains. Beyond Montevideo and the seaside city of Punta del Este, it awaits visitors with colonial cities, quiet villages for rural or nature tourism, picture-perfect river ports and cultural values like tango, soccer and mate.

The syncopated rhythm of candombe, tango, milonga and charrúa folklore make the night at El Milongón, a Montevideo nightlife whose show intends to be a synthesis of the deep Uruguayan countryside, also found at the Mercado del Puerto, in the cobblestone streets of Colonia del Sacramento or the dunes of Cabo Polonio.

We are at the gateways of the Rio de La Plata, melancholic and joyful, traditional and modern, to enter from there into Benedetti's "little country" which, quite likely, will make us say as local poet Lucio Muniz just wrote: "It's a pity not to have more eyes.”

Even though it is South America's second smallest country, Uruguay opens up with inland hugeness made up of prairies, plains and hills, rivers and lakes, peaceful villages dedicated to agro-tourism and a long coastline that awes with its nature and tourist facilities. In recent years, the country -the only one in South America located entirely in the temperate zone- has been recognized by the UN and other international organizations among the best nations in the continent in terms of literacy, corruption awareness, human development, income distribution and per capita Gross Domestic Product. Small, but with boldface names in literature, is a great consumer of yerba mate and is proud of its great daring and history in soccer.

MONTEVIDEO

Founded between 1724 and 1726 prompted by the Spaniards' urgency to contain the Portuguese advance in the Río de la Plata, the southernmost capital of America has one of the most modern air terminals in the region, Terminal 2 of the Carrasco Airport, whose official name is General Cesareo L. Berisso, and which is the main port of entry in the country.

Montevideo does not overwhelm visitors thanks to its tree-lined avenues and quiet neighborhood streets, let alone its abundant green spaces. The Matriz Church (1790-1804) and the Cabildo (1804), the remains of the old wall and the Puerta de la Ciudadela (Citadel Gate) contrast with the Old City (cultural and nightlife core) with the modern buildings of the city, rich in examples of 19thand early 20th-century architecture, and the influence of Art Nouveau.

The Cerro Fortress (1799) offers a wide view of the city and in the Sarandí

pedestrian walkway you can trapise among art galleries, artisans, street shows and popular markets. The Mercado del Puerto (Port Market) is a must-see: a place for an authentic barbecue grill next to a national Tannat wine; full of cafes, restaurants and bowling alleys, with sales ranging from vegetables and the famous local meat to antiques and leather crafts.

Horse racetracks, casinos, intimate cafes, popular fairs and shopping centers are other attractions. And, of course, the beaches and the Rambla, a coastal avenue of over 20 km that lets you see the various faces of Montevideo, from the luxurious homes of the Carrasco neighborhood to the colonial sector, and which is a walk and space for sports and recreation.

The Montevideo Carnival, stretching from January to March, is distinguished by the sound of drums and characters of African-origin candombe, the singing of the Uruguayan

There are several tourist centers, but Piriápolis and Punta del Este are worldknown destinations. Punta del Este, besides the luxury, has the glamour of any celeb-filled destination

murga and the comparsas. Its history is recreated in the Carnival Museum, near the Mercado del Puerto.

Montevideo is the birthplace of renowned writers and playwrights, and offers a varied cultural program. However, the most striking thing about the city can be discovered during the day: its stores, numerous restaurants, cafés and open terraces from which the visitor will always have a perspective on the avenues, streets and tree-laden parks that stand it out as a very peaceful city.

THE RIVIERA URUGUAYA

The sea is not as warm as in the Caribbean (the annual average temperature of the country is 17 degrees Celsius), but it has beauties that have lured tourists since the 19th century, year after year in the course of the high season (December to March).

There are several tourist centers, but Piriápolis and Punta del Este are world-known destinations. Punta del Este, besides the luxury, has the glamour of any celeb-filled destination and is home to a famous film festival. It was even the "center of international espionage" during World War II. There, the Rioplatense coast ends and the Atlantic shore begins.

It is a city of beautiful beaches with more than a hundred hotels, dozens of restaurants, a residential area, an international airport

and a 500-slip yacht port; casinos, three golf courses, shopping malls, cinemas and artisans' squares.

It regularly hosts international motor racing and marathon events, and offers facilities for water sports, fishing and hunting. Be sure to visit the lighthouse (built in 1860 and 45 meters high), the modern Casa del Pueblo art museum and the Gorriti and Lobos Islands -home to the largest colony of sea lions in South America.

CULTURE AND NATURE

Colonia del Sacramento, founded by the Portuguese in 1680 on the banks of the Río de la Plata, near Buenos Aires, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995. It is an authentic journey in time through narrow, cobblestone streets, among colonial houses. Services for tourists abound, from restaurants and stores to bicycle and motorcycle rentals. The surrounding region is one of Uruguay's rural tourism strongholds.

In the department of Rocha, on the border with Brazil, there are important wetlands, reservoirs of valuable species of flora and wildlife. In the Merín Lake (120 km long and 35 km wide) there are beautiful beaches and assorted accommodations (luxury hotel, chalets, bungalows, camping), and sport fishing and sailing are practiced as well.

Perhaps the strongest experience in the 180-km-long Rocha's coast is Cabo Polonio, an isolated fishing settlement with large sand dunes and a nearby sea lion reserve. It is perfect for those who seek to get away from the luxury and comfort of the big hotels, and immerse themselves in a dazzling nature, as a luxury summary of what Uruguay can offer to the visitor.

Punta del Este is a city of beautiful beaches with more than a hundred hotels, dozens of restaurants, a residential area, an international airport and a 500-slip yacht port

Tango is one of the musical and artistic expressions that most define Uruguayan culture.

Plaza Independiente, the most important square in the city of Montevideo.

Known as La Mano (The Hand), the famous sculpture of Punta del Este is frequently intervened by different artists.

In Punta del Este, the Rioplatense coast ends and the Atlantic begins.

Colonia del Sacramento was founded by the Portuguese in 1680.