UPTOURIST

Uruguay is a destination that is often overlooked, being sandwiched between two giants in the form of Brazil and Argentina. Whilst the country itself may be tiny, its travel options and destinations sure are mighty. These following top 5 destinations in Uruguay may even change your perception about the country and you could find yourself booking the next ticket there pronto!

Punta del Este

The playground of the rich and famous – Punta del Este is the place to be in the summer. Home to yachts, glitzy hotels and endless beaches, holidaymakers come here to spend the days lazing on the beach before partying the night away. A budget destination Punta del Este is not but it does guarantee a night or two, if budget allows, of frivolous fun.

• Punta del Este: Things to do | Hotel deals

Montevideo

Montevideo, the vibrant capital is a stone’s throw away from Buenos Aires but it deserves more than its status as a transit destination. From its colonial old town to the thriving modern quarters, Montevideo has a lot more to offer the tourist than meets the eye. From savouring delicious barbecued steak to sampling the many cultural offerings in the city, there’s plenty to see and do in Montevideo.

• Montevideo: Things to do | Hotel deals

Colonia del Sacramento

A tangibly quaint town, Colonia del Sacramento also holds the prestigious accolade of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Barrio Historico is the main draw with the neighbourhood having plenty of intriguing alleyways, quaint cobblestoned streets and old Portuguese architecture to explore. Once you’re done discovering every corner of the old town, you can climb up to the top of the lighthouse to be treated to the most incredible view of the city and the Rio de la Plata river.

• Colonia del Sacramento: Things to do | Hotel deals

Cabo Polonio

Off the beaten track (literally), Cabo Polonio has no paved roads into the national park. Cabo Polonio is the ideal place to get away from it all, being the perfect antidote to long nights partying in Punta del Este, with a back-to-basics approach to life and rural landscapes to match. There’s also a resident sea lion population, which you admire from a distance.

Salto

Salto is a great city in its own right to pass a day or two but the reason why it’s a top destination is in fact the hot springs that surround the city. The springs’ year-round temperatures make for a perfect soak, regardless of the season. You could even head to Acuamania, a water park with slides and pools as well as separate thermal pools to bathe in. Not only that but you will also be treated to awe-inspiring views to boot!

• Salto: Hotel deals

Cover photo credit: Doug Wheller