Uruguay

Uruguay is a small country between Argentina and Brazil, on the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic. Montevideo, the capital, lies on the river’s wide estuary, its long seafront rambla running past the beach districts of Pocitos and Carrasco. In the Old Town, Ciudad Vieja, grills glow under the iron roof of a 19th-century market hall, and a neoclassical 19th-century theatre stands by the main square.

Punta del Este sits on a peninsula between calm Playa Mansa on the bay and ocean-facing Playa Brava, home to the Hand sculpture. Along the coast lie La Barra, Manantiales and José Ignacio, with its 19th-century lighthouse and quiet beaches; inland, hills and farms surround Pueblo Garzón, with lagoons nearer the shore. From roughly July to November, southern right whales are often seen from land. In the west, Colonia del Sacramento’s UNESCO World Heritage historic quarter keeps cobbled lanes and 17th–18th-century houses; Carmelo pairs vineyards with pine woods by the river.

Food is hearty: asado and grilled beef from the parrilla, the chivito steak sandwich and dulce de leche. Tannat is the signature red grape, and many wineries welcome visitors. The climate is temperate: the beach season runs roughly December to March, while Montevideo and wine country are rewarding all year. Uruguay suits couples and food and wine lovers after a beach-and-city holiday.