Cattle ranches, big open skies, vineyards, olive groves, sleepy cobblestone-street towns and an immaculate coastline – diminutive Uruguay exudes charm and character.
The Uruguayans are famously laid back – yet also among South America’s warmest hosts. Explore the pretty Portuguese village of Colonia del Sacramento, the crumbling old town and bustling port of Montevideo and the hippie-chic fishing villages of Jose Ignacio, La Pedrera and Cabo Polonio. Those who like to put themselves as far off the beaten track as possible can head for the rarely-visited interior for a taste of local estancia life, tumbleweed towns and gaucho rodeos.