Uruguay is dwarfed by Brazil and Argentina but this tiny South American country is emerging from the cool shadows cast by its giant neighbors the capital Montevideo is warming up to becoming one of the continents favorite destinations with its grassy plains and flat coastline Uruguay naturally keeps a

Low profile it’s a nun hurried place for colonial architecture and modern development balance each other out with ease in between the high rises of the capital Montevideo stately mansions have been restored to their former glory and now house theaters museums and opulent hotels although Uruguay seems in no rush

To be discovered the news about its revival is spreading fast in the past few decades Montevideo has made a name for itself as one of the most livable cities in South America with advanced social policies and free education for all add to that a warm temperate climate pleasant sea breezes

And miles of beach boulevards and you’ll understand why this peaceful city was bound to get noticed from Montevideo pointy telecommunications tower in the harbor you can see the lone Hill that first gave away Uruguay’s presents some 500 years ago some say a portuguese explorer sailed by and called out montevideo i

See a hill while others believe it was the spanish who named the city with the portuguese claiming the land for brazil and the spanish eager to expand argentina both nations hurried to forge strategic ports and fortresses this rivalry resulted in a tug of war that lasted for over three centuries with

Uruguay slipping into and out of the grips of Argentina and Brazil the Uruguayan’s never fully surrendered to either side and with England as referee became independent in 1825 in the plaza independencia in the city centre visit the mausoleum for the revolutionary hero jose artigas who gave up his own freedom

For the liberty of his country above the ground his statue faces the eclectic design of the palacio salvo a century ago this skyscraper was the tallest on the continent and it’s still a national symbol of pride today in the nearby Plaza mitrice the city’s oldest square the 18th century

Metropolitan Cathedral also reaches for the skies step inside to enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation under its majestic roof while this Roman Catholic Church is still the focal point of the Old Town the multicultural Montevideo knows are of many different faiths with Portuguese and Spanish blood running through their veins it’s unsurprising

That soccer has United the locals like no religion ever could sports rivalries aside the uruguayans live in harmony with their Argentinean and Brazilian neighbors and were quick to embrace the best of their architecture hospitality and culture ever since colonial times Carnival has been just as important to Montevideo as

It is to Rio de Janeiro just like in Brazil it all started with African slaves who would dress up and parade in the streets for harvest fest and in the Uruguayan capital you can also get a taste of Brazil’s vibrant beach culture take a little vacation from exploring

The city and join the locals for a refreshing swim or fun game on de los positas beach watch closely and you’ll see groups of friends sharing yerba matte be a tea poured from a flask into calabash cords with silver straws a tradition they share with the argentineans for the final proof that uruguay

Combines the best of both worlds join the locals for lunch in the mercado del puerto from the irresistible barbecue smells coming from under its wrought iron roof it’s clear that Uruguayan’s are just as passionate about pariah as the Argentineans our first take your pick from cuts of homegrown beef or lamb

At a market stall and then have the experts grill it for you on the spot one of the city’s most loved assets is its 19 mile long promenade La Rambla as you follow it along from the old down to the outer suburbs the walkway changes names often but never its appeal enjoy the

Community atmosphere in the late afternoon when office workers and students spill out of the city together here for sunset as they say it’s often the journey that teaches you the most about your destination so leave Montevideo behind for a little road trip and soak up some history along the way

A great place to start is colonia del sacramento just a few hours to the west of montevideo by car enter the Riverside settlement over the drawbridge of the port on de Campo the impressive city gate wonder colonias cobblestoned tree-lined streets to take in the simple beauty of days gone by

For lunch find the table at an alfresco seafood restaurant or take a seat in colonias popular drug store cafe the city’s most iconic landmark is its idyllic lighthouse set atop the ruins of a 17th century convent make your way up to its lantern room and look out over

The town and over the water towards Buenos Aires basking in the last rays of the day the colonial charm of this little Peninsula becomes even more authentic in the late afternoon hard as it may be to leave such a dreamy place behind it’s time to enjoy some of the country’s historic beach resorts

Take a road trip along the coastal towns to the east of Montevideo for a chance to really get off the beaten track teria police is a local favorite with nice beaches and great coastal views from its hilltop san antonio temple while their new the castle of berea the opulent

Mansion of a rich local who founded the city in 1890 from period police it’s a few hours by car to La Paloma another 19th century beach resort centered on its eye-catching lighthouse and acabo de Santa Maria Peninsula another recommended stopover on your way to Uruguay’s east coast is Punta by Deanna

The small Peninsula is home to Casa Pueblo one of South America’s most awe-inspiring hotels local artist Carlos pious bolero who created it as his workshop and living space was inspired by the way local or narrow Birds shaped their nest after his death his life’s work became a museum and the artistic

Rooms are rented out to guests when you reach the lighthouse of Punta del Este you’ve arrived at the easternmost point of the inlet where the silver River meets the Atlantic Ocean Punta del Este is one of those resort towns that reaches out to those who love the simple pleasures in life

As with any journey it’s often the little things that stay with you the most although Uruguay may be small it’s big heart and relaxing vibe create a lifetime of memories every time you feel a sea breeze get a whiff of a smoking grill or see the shimmering outline of a

Setting Sun you will think of Uruguay and smile you

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