This small, South American nation has long been regarded as a local treasure by natives. Today more people from countries around the globe are finally discovering the unique adventures that make a Uruguay vacation an unforgettable experience.

Brazil, Chile and Argentina all are popular tourist destinations and their close proximity to Uruguay means that you can easily add a stop in Uruguay to your itinerary. While many people choose to make Uruguay their primary destination it is quite understandable why some use this thriving nation as a major hub for their vacation travels.

Uruguay Climate

The temperate

means cool winters and warm summers. The summer months are when the tropic breezes of Brazil gently waft through the region. This is one of the most enjoyable seasons for people to explore Uruguay. Because there are no tall mountain ranges to form a barrier the country can sometimes undergo sudden

changes. During the winter months the average temperature often ranges from 43-60 degrees F. Although these cooler months produce regular frost there is little likelihood of snow occurring.

In addition to the stunning, tropical

there are ranches, national forests, pristine rivers and rolling hillsides just waiting for you to discover them. This beautiful South American Country is home to fewer than 4 million year round inhabitants which means that you can visit even during those peak summer months and still not feel cramped and crowded as you stroll about town.

There are so many cities, landmarks and special places to see when you explore Uruguay that it can be difficult to determine where you should begin. You may find that this vacation experience is so intense you will need to stay over a few days just to take in the sights that you have already selected.

Cities in Uruguay

There are places such as

, Punta del Este and Montevideo that you will surely want to include in your Uruguay holiday package. These

are tourist favorites and you can expect to have a wonderful time as you visit Uruguay beaches, shop along the Promenade or dine out at some of the country’s many world class restaurants.

If you want to experience the wilder, more exotic countryside of Uruguay you may wish to set sail for towns such as

or

.

One of the lesser known jewels you can find as you explore Uruguay is the lovely Atlantida.

This is a beach area that is recognized as the principal swimming site in the Department of Canelones. It is located just a short drive from the sprawling shoreline of

and is well worth the drive. This is a little off the beaten path which means that there will be fewer tourists wandering about. The streets and shores are bracketed by numerous pines and eucalyptus trees that add scenic beauty, interest, shade and fragrance to the surroundings.

Discover Uruguay Foods and Restaurants

As you explore Uruguay you will certainly want to sample many of the local delicacies. Perhaps you will enjoy a bowl of hearty buseca for lunch or dinner. This rich stew is a favorite of the

. You will also find that pasta dishes are extremely popular as you explore Uruguay. Due to a heavy influence from early Italian settlers pasta is a constant offering on the menus at almost any Uruguay restaurant.

You must be sure to try the Caruso Sauce which is an authentic Uruguayan creation. This pasta sauce contains meats, onions, ham, mushrooms and a heavy infusion of double cream.

Empanadas are small packets of meat, cheese or vegetables that are cooked in a breaded wrapper. These can be bought on the street and carried with you to enjoy as a snack as you stroll about the town. Another very popular dish to discover as you explore Uruguay is the morcilla dulce which is a sausage that is flavored with walnuts, orange pulp and freshly grated orange peel.

The

is another rich sandwich that could easily serve as a meal for 2 people. There is also a dish known as a parrillada which is a platter of meat created from savory, spiced beef that is grilled over hot coals. Whichever of these you choose you will be delighted with the flavors because Uruguay beef has become a symbol of excellence in the market place.

The spicy, refreshing mate is one of the most common drinks that you will find in Uruguay. People also enjoy medio y medio, teas, fruit juices and clerico which a mix of fresh fruit juice and white wine. Uruguay is becoming famous for its vineyards and there are always a number of delicious wines to sample.

Of course there are a number of sweets that will tempt your palate as you discover Uruguay on your own terms. For instance there is a chaja which is a lush sponge cake filled with heavy cream and sweet, fruity jams. The Dulce de Leche pastry filling is unique to the country of Uruguay and cooks are glad for any occasion to include it in a

.

A shortbread cookie known as

is another popular treat. Then there is the traditional dessert known as milhojas. This delicate pastry concoction is created with multiple layers of thin, airy dough sandwiched between layers of cream and jam. In fact the word milhojas means “1000 layers”.

Football Fever

is a big draw among locals as well as tourists. Uruguay is fervent in its support of football -

and the country won Olympic gold in the early 20th century when they sent their team to compete in Europe. Uruguay also is proud of its multiple FIFA World Cup titles. Uruguay is only one of 5 countries that has won this coveted trophy more than once. This small nation is a member of the CONMEBOL and the national team has now won the Copa America event on 14 separate occasions.

When you explore Uruguay you really can have it all. You can relax on the sparkling sands of a world class beach, dance until dawn to a South American samba beat or simply be amazed at the scenic wonders contained in the national parks and forests.

Visit the sculpted hand that juts forth from the sands in

or try your hand at

. There are even large working cattle ranches and a vast number of quaint little villages steeped in tradition and old world charm that you will be able to see during your travels.

Yes, Uruguay is indeed a unique South American gem that is just waiting to be discovered