Uruguay

When people think of South America, Uruguay is often overlooked – and completely unjustifiably so. This small country, sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina, surprises visitors with its endless beaches, rolling hills and relaxed way of life. In the capital, Montevideo, the lively Rambla waterfront promenade is perfect for a stroll, while the historic old town of Ciudad Vieja is full of colourful facades and street performers. Coastal resorts such as Punta del Este attract visitors with sunshine, culture and a touch of glamour.

Uruguay has a pleasant, temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. The months from December to February are particularly appealing to travellers as the sun shines frequently and it rarely rains – perfect for days at the beach, exploring the cities or venturing out into nature.

When travelling in Uruguay, you will find that credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and larger shops. The currency is the Uruguayan peso (UYU), and cash can easily be withdrawn from the many ATMs found in cities.