Uruguay where is it

In this section you will find advice and basic information to travel along the coast and the interior of our country.

Click on a region on the map or use the menu on the left to learn more about Uruguay, its natural charms and its World Heritage sites. Since it is one of the smallest countries in South America, the distances are very small.

So small that to cross the country by bus from north to south takes no more than seven hours. Uruguay is one of the safest countries on the continent. It borders Brazil in the north and northeast, Argentina in the west across the Uruguay River, the River Plate to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Its privileged position in the Southern Cone of the continent is very advantageous because it allows a policy of regional integration. Besides being the exit port of the countries of the Rio de la Plata basin, it is also a bridging country between Argentina and Brazil. Uruguay, which is divided into 19 departments, has km of coastline along the River Plate and km of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.

This results in numerous sandy beaches noted for their beauty. Because it has the best natural harbor in South America, the country was born as a strategic attempt by the Spanish Crown to consolidate a second stronghold in America the first was Cartagena de Indias. However, the end of the wars brought a slump for the Uruguayan economy and further political instability that lasted into the late s.

New leadership would eventually bring about economic growth and more job opportunities that continue through present day. All rights reserved. Personality Quizzes. Funny Fill-In. Amazing Animals. Weird But True! Party Animals. Try This! Explore More. Drummers play in the annual Carnival festival in Montevideo, Uruguay's capital city. Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

Map created by National Geographic Maps. Watch "Destination World". Now Playing. Up Next. North America. Ciudad Vieja Old City is the neighborhood where Montevideo got its start in Cultural activities in Montevideo include street tango, a day Carnival celebration, and an annual ballet production. One hundred twelve miles west of Montevideo, is Colonia del Sacramento. Some of the ferries are large catamarans that complete the mile crossing in an hour.

Seventy six miles east of Montevideo is Punta del Este—a summer beach resort that bustles with hundreds of thousands of vacationers during the summer month of January. Outdoor activities in Punta del Este include standup paddle boarding, volleyball, tennis, and golf. Entertainment options include an annual car race through the streets and top-flight fashion shows. Summer vacation rentals in Punta del Este include units in apartment towers with services similar to a full-service hotel.

East of Punta del Este is the Department of Rocha. Its entire mile-plus coastline fronts the Atlantic Ocean. In Rocha, you find pristine beaches, huge lagoons, lush pastures dotted with palm trees, and forests of pine and eucalyptus. Some ranches accept paying guests, giving you the opportunity to ride with gauchos and experience the country life.