South America is a continent of incredible contrasts that is full of interest and excitement for travellers.
Embarking on a South America package tour is something that is guaranteed to intrigue anyone who enjoys visiting people from other cultures.
One of the smallest and friendliest nations in South America is Uruguay, which is nestled on the Atlantic coast with Brazil on its northern border and Argentina on its southern and western border, across the River Uruguay.
The landscape is mainly rolling farmland, attractively criss-crossed by streams and rivers.
Two of the most popular areas in Uruguay are the capital city, Montevideo, and the popular summer beach resort of Punta del Este.
Montevideo is a modern city which is home to about half of the population of Uruguay.
It is also the country's trading centre and provides visitors with an eclectic mix of traditional and European architecture, including many interesting museums.
Buildings in Montevideo that are worth visiting as part of your South America package tour include the Ciudad Viejay or Old Town, the lively Mercado del Puerto and the Avenida 18 de Julio which has plenty of theatres, ballet, concerts, museums and art galleries to interest those who enjoy delving into the history and culture of the places they visit.
Gorgeous white sandy beaches surround the city, with the best bathing beaches situated at Playas and Miramar.
The beach resort town of Punta del Este lies two hours drive from the capital city.
It is known as the St Tropez of South America and attracts around 300,000 visitors every year.
Punta del Este is the best known of the Atlantic coast resorts, which are all busy between December and April.
The popularity of this area with tourists belies the fact it was almost unknown only two centuries ago.
In those times, Punta del Este was a huge semi-deserted region visited by no one other than sailors and fishermen.
Today, it's a mecca for lovers of sun, surf and sand.
Those with an interest in marine life also flock to the area because of the world's largest sea lion colonies that have made their home on the offshore islands of Isla Gorriti and Isla de los Lobos.
Along with its close neighbour, Argentina, Uruguay enjoys popular local dishes made with the delicious beef which is so unique to this part of the world.
Visitors on a South America package tour can try barbecued beef, known as asado and the delicious rump steak called bife de chorizo as well as numerous other delicious foods.
You won't regret adding the small South American nation of Uruguay to your travel plans.
Embarking on a South America package tour is something that is guaranteed to intrigue anyone who enjoys visiting people from other cultures.
One of the smallest and friendliest nations in South America is Uruguay, which is nestled on the Atlantic coast with Brazil on its northern border and Argentina on its southern and western border, across the River Uruguay.
The landscape is mainly rolling farmland, attractively criss-crossed by streams and rivers.
Two of the most popular areas in Uruguay are the capital city, Montevideo, and the popular summer beach resort of Punta del Este.
Montevideo is a modern city which is home to about half of the population of Uruguay.
It is also the country's trading centre and provides visitors with an eclectic mix of traditional and European architecture, including many interesting museums.
Buildings in Montevideo that are worth visiting as part of your South America package tour include the Ciudad Viejay or Old Town, the lively Mercado del Puerto and the Avenida 18 de Julio which has plenty of theatres, ballet, concerts, museums and art galleries to interest those who enjoy delving into the history and culture of the places they visit.
Gorgeous white sandy beaches surround the city, with the best bathing beaches situated at Playas and Miramar.
The beach resort town of Punta del Este lies two hours drive from the capital city.
It is known as the St Tropez of South America and attracts around 300,000 visitors every year.
Punta del Este is the best known of the Atlantic coast resorts, which are all busy between December and April.
The popularity of this area with tourists belies the fact it was almost unknown only two centuries ago.
In those times, Punta del Este was a huge semi-deserted region visited by no one other than sailors and fishermen.
Today, it's a mecca for lovers of sun, surf and sand.
Those with an interest in marine life also flock to the area because of the world's largest sea lion colonies that have made their home on the offshore islands of Isla Gorriti and Isla de los Lobos.
Along with its close neighbour, Argentina, Uruguay enjoys popular local dishes made with the delicious beef which is so unique to this part of the world.
Visitors on a South America package tour can try barbecued beef, known as asado and the delicious rump steak called bife de chorizo as well as numerous other delicious foods.
You won't regret adding the small South American nation of Uruguay to your travel plans.