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South America
URUGUAY
Montevideo | Uruguyan Riviera | Urguyan Littoral
 Uruguay may be pint-sized, but it's certainly big-hearted when it comes to attractions. It contains one of South America's most interesting capitals, charming colonial towns, the hilly interior (true gaucho country) and a cluster of internationally renowned beach resorts.
Uruguay, on the east coast of South America south of Brazil and east of Argentina, is comparable in size to Oklahoma. The country consists of a low, rolling plain in the south and a low plateau in the north. It has a 120-mile (193 km) Atlantic shoreline, a 235-mile (378 km) frontage on the Rio de la Plata, and 270 mi (435 km) on the Uruguay River, its western boundary. The climate is temperate, even in winter, and frosts are almost unknown. Winter (June to September) temperatures range from 10 to 16°C (50 to 61°F), while summer (December to March) temperatures are between 21 to 28°C (70 to 82°F). Rainfall, evenly distributed throughout the year, averages about 1m (3ft) over the entire country.
 As well as its fashionable summer resorts and tranquil beach towns, Uruguay is renowned for its colonial towns and fortresses, its natural forestry resources, its hot water springs, and its art, cinema and jazz festivals.
Prior to European settlement, Uruguay was inhabited by indigenous people, the Charrúas. Juan Díaz de Solis, a Spaniard, visited Uruguay in 1516, but the Portuguese were first to settle it when they founded the town of Colonia del Sacramento in 1680. After a long struggle, Spain wrested the country from Portugal in 1778, by which time almost all of the indigenous people had been exterminated. Uruguay revolted against Spain in 1811, only to be conquered in 1817 by the Portuguese from Brazil. Independence was reasserted with Argentine help in 1825, and the republic was set up in 1828.
Montevideo
 Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, has a surprising cultural diversity for such a small population, and is a picturesque blend of colonial Spanish, Italian and Art Deco styles. Many Argentines come here to relax during their summer break and bask on the white sandy beaches.
Highlights include Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) with its 18th century buildings, the vibrant Mercado del Puerto, and the bustling commercial activity of Avenida 18 de Julio and its cultural offerings (theatres, museums and art galleries).
 A pleasant way to start your tour is to see the entire city from the 11th-story terrace of the Palacio Municipal, located on the main street, Avenida 18 de Julio. Or you can take in the view from the old Spanish fort. Afterward, go to Ordonez Park to see the rose garden (more than 850 varieties) and La Carreta (a covered-wagon monument - there's a similar one for stagecoaches in El Prado Park). Other sights include the Palacio Taranco (18th-century European-style mansion) and the Casa Garibaldi (once the home of Italian freedom fighter Giuseppe Garibaldi). If you need to take a break for a coffee or beer, both Plaza Entrevero and Plaza Constitucion have pleasant outdoor cafes.
Montevideo has several interesting outdoor markets, including the Feria de Villa Biarritz (open on Saturday) and the flea-markety Feria de Tristan Narvaja (Sunday morning). The artisans market, located on San Jose Street, is open every day but Sunday. If time is available, drive around the suburbs and the harbor to see ships coming in (sunset from the pier is beautiful). Festivals include a modest version of Carnival and a rodeo during Easter.
Hotel Plaza Fuerte - 4 Star
Location:
Hotel Plaza Fuerte is an attractive, four star hotel situated in the colonial Cuidad Vieja ("Old Town") of Montevideo. The hotel building dates from 1913 and has been declared a national monument. The hotel is unique in that every room has been decorated by a different designer.
Accommodation:
Tourist rooms provide Single bed with private bathroom, cable TV, Internet access, fax, direct dial phones, safety boxes and minibar. Size - 20 square metres.
Mini-Suite: The room is split between two levels, with the bedroom and living area on separate levels. Double bed, living area, some with jacuzzi, private bathroom, cable TV, Internet access, fax, direct dial phones, safety boxes and minibar. Size - 28 square metres.
Suite: The room is split between two levels, with the bedroom and living area on separate levels. Double bed, living area, jacuzzi, private bathroom, cable TV, Internet access, fax, direct dial phones, safety boxes and minibar. Size - 33 square metres.
Facilities:
- Business facilities
- Internet access
- Laundry service
- Meeting & conference facilities
- Parking
Dining:
- Gourmet restaurant
- Snack bar
Radisson Montevideo - 5 Star
Location:
The Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel is a deluxe new hotel of sober elegance. It is the perfect location for business and leisure travelers, conferences, group events, meetings, wedding and events set in the heart of the commercial and financial district of the city. Built in 1996 at the cost of US$ 130 million, it is one of South America's most spectacular hotels with 255 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites with great views of the bay and the city.
Accommodation:
All rooms contain luxury furnishings, and were designed with comfort in mind, offering all the modern necessitites that guests require. Amenities include: Cable TV, complimentary paper, hairdryer, two telephone lines with dataport, internet access 24 hours a day, voice mail, minibar and air-conditioning.
Facilities:
- Indoor pool
- Spa Victoria
- Gymnasium
- Aerobic classes
- Sauna
- Jacuzzi
- Beauty treatments
- Indoor jogging track
- Business centre
- 24 Hour room service
- Laundry service
- Non smoking rooms
- Multilingual staff
- Casino
Dining:
- Restaurante Arcadia (panormaic view)
- Sexto del Radisson Bar
- The Bridge Bar
- Casino Bar
Sheraton Hotel - 5 Star
Location:
All of the Sheraton Montevideo Hotel's 207 guest rooms and 10 suites are luxuriously decorated with imported furniture, and feature spectacular views of the Rio de la Plata and the city of Montevideo. The Sheraton adjoins the Punta Carretas Shopping Center and is just 14 kilometers from Carrasco International Airport.
Accommodation:
Guest rooms and suites are sumptuously furnished, and provide air-conditioning, TV with Cable channels, free newspaper, desk, telephone with international dorect dialling, hairdryer, and kitchinette in the suites.
Facilities:
- Indoor heated pool
- Fitness centre
- Whirlpool/hot tub
- Business centre
- Room service
- Smoke detectors
- Non smoking rooms
- Wheelchair access
- 24 Hour front desk
- Meeting rooms
- Laundry service
Dining:
- Restaurant (International cuisine)
- Bar
Uruguayan Riviera
 The area east of Montevideo is one of the most Westernized places in Uruguay with innumerable beach resorts, plenty of water activities and lots of well-groomed, narcissistic tourists sporting hibiscus shirts.
Immediately east of the capital is the major resort of Atlántida, and Piriápolis is a mere flick of the towel away. From here, you can venture into the surrounding countryside and climb the 493m (1617ft) Cerro Pan de Azúcar or visit Minas, a lovely town set in wooded hills.
The largest and best known of the resorts is Punta del Este, one of South America's most glamourous and exclusive destinations. The place is awash with yacht and fishing clubs, golf courses, casinos and beautiful holiday homes. If that's not enough, there are excellent bathing beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Just offshore are Isla Gorriti, which has more superb beaches and the ruins of an 18th-century fortress, and Isla de Lobos, a nature reserve that is home to a large sea-lion colony.
Punta Del Este
 At the beginning of the 19th century, Punta del Este was a vast semi-deserted region only visited by sailors and fishermen. Today this coastal town, commonly referred to as the St Tropez of South America, attracts close to 300,000 visitors each year.
During high season, glamorous Punta del Este (or Punta, as most call it after a couple of days) is filled with rich South Americans, mainly Argentinians, looking for sun and fun. It's a narrow spit of land jutting into the Atlantic, surrounded by beaches. Around its edge is the oceanfront promenade, the Rambla General Artigas, which is lined with cafes, bars and seafood restaurants. You can spend the day at the beach enjoying one of many water sports (yachting, swimming, surfing, deep-sea fishing and waterskiing). Then relax in the afternoon with a traditional British high tea (tea and scones) at one of the tea rooms in town. The wonderfully surreal Casa Pueblo is a good place for a break from the sun: The Moorish-style fortress, once the home of painter Carlos Paez Vilaro, is now an art gallery and hotel. Punta also has great golf courses, tennis courts and a vibrant night life (discos and casinos).
 One geographic thing we particularly enjoy in Punta is being able to watch the sun both rise and set over water. The beaches are good, with each having a certain ambience of its own - one stretch of sand may be for families, another for sporty types, one for teenagers and another for supermodels. They change from season to season, so you'll just have to find where you're comfortable. Playa Mansa, protected by the peninsula, is calmer than the Playa Brava beaches that face the Atlantic. The Mansa beaches are favored by families and water-sports enthusiasts. Playa Brava's waves draw surfers, and the activity carries on into the night, with numerous pubs and nightlife options.
Opposite the large peninsula separating the two waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Rio de la Plata, lie the enchanted islands of Isla Gorriti and Isla de los Lobos, inhabited by one of the world's largest sea-lion colonies.
On the oceanside, Playa Brava is host to beachgoers of all types. Crowded beaches in-season are expected but only a few miles north towards La Barra, one can find the peace and rhythm of the South Atlantic Sea.
Going north from Punta you will past some of the finest residential areas in South America. With their distinctive "mound landscapes" this area of the Maldonando Region is a "must see" for tourists and visitors. Golf and Tennis clubs can also be found in this vicinity.
Hotel San Marcos - 3 Star
Location:
Hotel San Marcos is an attractive, three star hotel situated in the exclusive area of San Rafael, just 100 meters from the nearest beach (Playa Brava). As well as its 60 rooms, it has an indoor pool with jacuzzi, an outdoor pool and a games room.
Accommodation:
San Marcos Hotel has 60 rooms elegantly furnished and equipped with private bathroom, color TV, individual split air conditioning, direct dial telephone, minibar and heating. It also provides Room Service.
Facilities:
- Indoor pool with jacuzzi
- Outdoor pool
- Gym
- Games room
- Nearby watersports
- Laundry service
- Parking
- 24 Hour room service
- Meeting rooms
- Internet access
Dining:
- Restaurant (International cuisine)
- Outdoor Barbeque
- Cafeteria/bar
Hotel San Rafael - 4 Star
Location:
Hotel San Rafael is one of Punta del Este's oldest hotels and is ideally situated immediately opposite Playa Brava and surrounded by 15,000 square meters of private garden. Built in a unique style reminiscent of a tudor castle, the hotel features a health club and tennis courts as well as an outdoor and heated indoor pool.
Accommodation:
Tourist - Basic rooms with private bathroom, cable TV, minibar, air conditioning, direct dial phones.
Superior - Better rooms with private bathroom, cable TV, minibar, air conditioning, direct dial phones.
Junior Suite - Bedroom and living area, private bathroom, cable TV, minibar, air conditioning, direct dial phones.
Suite - Two rooms: Bedroom and living room. Private bathroom, cable TV, minibar, air conditioning, direct dial phones.
Facilities:
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Sauna
- Gym
- Tennis
- Gardens
- 24 Hour room service
- Convention centre
- Laundry service
- Nearby watersports
- Nearby golf
- Nearby horseriding
- Internet access
Dining:
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Coffee shop
L'Auberge Hotel - 5 Star
Location:
Considered by many to be Punta del Este's finest hotel, L'Auberge is a unique five-star hotel located in the exclusive Parque del Golf neighbourhood. Renowned for its unique architecture (it was formerly a water tower), the hotel occupies a whole block and is surrounded by 10,000 m2 of parkland. As well as an attractive outdoor pool and grill area, the hotel is famous for its homemade waffles served in its Tea Salon overlooking the garden.
Accommodation:
There are 37 guestrooms over 10 floors, including 6 single rooms and 23 double rooms. Amenities include: private bathroom, colour TV with satellite and Cable channels, air-conditioning, internet access, in-room safe and minibar.
Facilities:
- Outdoor pool
- Whirlpool
- Jacuzzi
- Jogging track
- Cycling
- Golf course nearby
- Meeting rooms
- Room service
Dining:
Hotel Art Las Cumbres - 5 Star
Location:
Located on a hilltop commanding wide vistas of the valley and Punta Ballena, the Hotel-Art is a half hour's drive from the hustle and bustle of Punta del Este.
The hotel was built by the Architect Ivan Holjevac, as the home of his own family, now transformed into the current property with panoramic views of the forest, sea and peninsula.
Accommodation:
 There are six different types of rooms, each individually decorated, some with views of the hills, others overlooking the coast. Some rooms have jacuzzi, either inside or outside; some have access to private deck area, some have private terraces. They provide private bathrooms, air-conditioning, heating, TV, telephone, and minibar.
Facilities:
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Jacuzzi
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Massage room
- Watersports
- Golf
- Tennis
- Hiking
- 4-Wheel drive
- Hireseback riding nearby
- Freshwater Lagoon
- 24 Hour room service
Dining:
- Restaurant (Italian & French cuisine)
- Cafeteria
Conrad Resort & Casino - 5 Star
Location:
The spectacular Conrad Resort & Casino Punta del Este is awaiting you sorrounded by pristine beaches and nature on the atlantic coast of Uruguay.
Accommodation:
Superior: 57 rooms located at the main tower between the 3rd and 7th floor. Rooms equipped with 1 King Size bed or 2 Queen Size beds, panoramic view of the Punta del Este bay, Color TV, air conditining, Cable TV, private bad, safety box, frigobar, hairdryer, internet connection, amenities, etc.
Deluxe: 110 rooms located at the wings between the 3rd ans 7th floor. Rooms equipped with 1 King Size bed or 2 Queen Size beds, panoramic view of the Punta del Este bay, Color TV, air conditining, Cable TV, private bad, safety box, frigobar, hairdryer, internet connection, amenities, etc.
Premium: 111 rooms located between the 8th and 17th floor.
Rooms equipped with 1 King Size bed or 2 Queen Size beds, panoramic view of the Punta del Este bay, Color TV, air conditining, Cable TV, private bad, safety box, frigobar, hairdryer, internet connection, amenities, etc.
Facilities:
- Indoor Pool
- Outdoor Pool
- Fully equipped Spa
- Sauna
- Gymnasium
- Tennis courts
- Casino
- Kids club 4-11
- Handicapped rooms & facilites
- Laundry service
- Wheelchair access
- Valet parking
- Meeting/banquet rooms
- 24 Hour room service
Dining:
- Las Brisas
- Manjares (International buffet)
- St Tropez (Gourmet dining)
- Gauchos (Outdoor grill)
- Veleros Lobby Lounge
Club Hotel Las Dunas Resort & Spa - 5 Star
Location:
Club Hotel Las Dunas Resort & Spa de Mar is a 5 star resort-style hotel situated right in front of one of Punta del Este's nicest beaches, Manantiales. Situated along the coast road, 15 km from the center of Punta del Este, the hotel's 72 self-contained apartments all have terraces with ocean view and kitchenette.
Accommodation:
Junior Suite: Sleeps 2. Double bed or twin beds, terrace with ocean view, dining area, air conditioning, kitchenette with microwave, private bathroom, TV, telephone, mini-bar, safety box, laundry service
Senior Suite: Sleeps 4. Same amenities as Suite Junior but with separate bedroom and living room with sofa bed, two bathrooms. An extra bed may be added.
Facilities:
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Sauna
- Gym
- Waterpsorts
- Tennis courts
- Gardens
- Children's Club
- Meeting rooms
- Laundry service
- Wheelchair access
- Valet parking
- 24 Hour room service
Dining:
- Las Brujas (International cuisine)
- Beach Bar
- Snack Bar
Jean Clevers Parque Hotel - 5 Star
Location:
The Jean Clevers Hotel is a European style hotel located in the historic Jean Clevers Park, in the exclusive residential are of Lido, just minutes away from excellent shopping, casinos and Playa Mansa. There are beautiful trails amidst gardens and tress, lush vegetation, lakes and bridges
Accommodation:
 With a total of 50 rooms, they range from Double superior, to the top Suite Real, all are tastefully furnished and spacious, providing air-conditioning, 20/29 inch TV with cable/satellite, minibar, digital telephone with direct international dialling, and hairdryer.
Facilities:
- Outdoor pool
- Indoor pool
- Gymnasium
- Tennis
- Meeting rooms
- Internet access
- Laundry service
- Room service
Dining:
- Restaurant
- Patisserie
- Afternoon tea
- Buffet breakfast
- Alfresco dining
Piriapolis
 The first summer resort established in Uruguay, Piriápolis is a more relaxed version of Punta del Este. Surrounded by a forest of pinetrees and eucalyptus, the town enjoys a long stretch of white sandy beach and calm waters.
An hour's drive east of Montevideo, Piriápolis is a city surrounded by green rolling hills, the most important of which is Cerro de San Antonio offering an unmatched panorama of the city.
Argentino Hotel Casino Resort - 4 Star
Location:
The Argentino Hotel Casino Resort is one of Uruguay's oldest and best known hotels. Built in 1930, the hotel's building is typical of the "Belle Epoque" period and overlooks the town's beaches. As well as 300 rooms and 56 suites, the hotel has its own casino and fully equipped spa with sea-water pools.
Accommodation:
The hotel offers 300 rooms, 56 suites, all of them with sea view or Sierras view. The rooms are furnished with the original Austrian furniture with which Mr. Don Francisco Piña furnished each and every one of the large rooms at the hotel. Amenities include: air-conditioning, private bathroom, Cable TV, direct dial telephone and minibar.
Facilities:
- 2 Indoor pools
- Casino
- Thermal seawater pools
- Finland sauna
- Gym
- Aqua gym
- Tennis
- Soccer field
- Volleyball court
- Synthetic ice rink
- Horseriding
- Bicycles
- Library
- Parking
- Laundry service
- Room service
- Childeren's club
- 18-hole golf course 15 minutes away
Dining:
- Salon Magdalena
- Executive Corner
- Snack Bar
Uruguayan Littoral
 West of Montevideo, and covering the portion of Uruguay which fronts the Río de la Plata and the Río Uruguay, is the country's most important agricultural area. Its outstanding attraction is the lively colonial city of Colonia (del Sacramento), an under-appreciated gem of narrow cobbled streets flanked by whitewashed buildings. The boating, fishing and swimming are good along the beaches of Mercedes, and there are many excellent museums in Paysandú, Uruguay's second largest city.
The advent of a convenient land route from Montevideo to Buenos Aires via the new bridge reduced freight and passenger traffic through the small port of Colonia on the Río de la Plata just opposite the Argentine capital. To compensate, the Uruguayan government encouraged the architectural restoration of Colonia, which was originally built by the Portuguese in colonial times. In 1990 Colonia had became one of Uruguay's most historic tourist attractions, and many of its houses had been bought by vacationers from Buenos Aires.
Colonia del Sacramento
 A visit to the historic center of Colonia del Sacramento is like a walk back in time. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, this old colonial town is renowned for its cobbled, windy streets and colorful houses reminiscent of old Lisbon.
Due to its colonial beginnings, the city's layout is different from the majority of Uruguayan cities. Its cobbled streets and houses alternate with small bars, excellent restaurants, art and craft shops, museums and a large yacht harbor.
This gem of a city (population 30,000), with its charming South American ambience, is located on the Río de la Plata, a one-hour drive from Carmelo. A driver and guide can be arranged to take you to this lovely city, which attracts thousands of tourists year-round.
Colonia has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site by the United Nations. Outside the city is a Jesuit monastery which is in the process of being preserved by World Heritage and is well worth visiting.
El Mirador - 4 Star
Location:
El Mirador Hotel Casino is a four star hotel situated just outside the town center of Colonia del Sacramento. Renovated in 1998, the hotel has 101 rooms and is 10 floors high. It has an outdoor pool and barbecue, its own casino, tennis courts and meeting rooms for up to 220 people.
Accommodation:
Single, Double/Double Twin or Triple: Rooms with private bathroom, TV, direct dial phone, air conditioning, safety box, music, minibar and hairdryer.
Suite with jacuzzi: Rooms with jacuzzi, double bed, balcony, TV, private bathroom, direct dial phone, air conditioning, safety box, music, minibar and hairdryer.
Apartment: Two adjoining rooms, both with private bathroom, balcony, TV, private bathroom, direct dial phone, air conditioning, safety box, music, minibar and hairdryer
Facilities:
- Outdoor pool
- Tennis
- Casino
- Gardens
- Nearby watersports
- Laundry service
- 24 Hour room service
Dining:
- Chez Adele (French cuisine)
- Bar/cafeteria
Carmelo
 Founded by Colonel José Gervasio Artigas on February 12, 1816, Carmelo is an authentic South American town (population 22,000) that has yet to be touched by commercialism. In the South American summer, many Argentinians dock their boats in this riverside town. It is known for its collection of cars from the 1920s and 1930s, which have been fixed up and can be seen throughout the area.
Arriving in Carmelo is an inspiring experience. The air is fresh and clear, fragrant with pine and eucalyptus; the climate is temperate year-round and the landscape is dominated by the majestic Rio de la Plata, one of the widest rivers in the world.
Uruguayan wineries produce about 800,000 bottles of wine each year. The wineries feature Pinot, Cabernet, Mistela and Garnache grapes, as well as some sparkling wines. The wine is exported to France, Italy and Germany.
Three wineries are within a 24-kilometre (15-mile) radius of the town. The largest in the area is the Irurtia winery, which employs 300 people during the harvesting months and is well known for its Ca´ del Sacramento Franciacorta wine. A smaller winery in the area, Los Cerros de San Juan and Zubizarreta, offer authentic ambience.
Four Seasons Resort Carmelo - 5 Star Deluxe
Location:
Nestled amidst pine and eucalyptus trees by the Rio de la Plata. Pan-Asia spa and dining promise temple-like peace. Four Seasons Resort Carmelo, Uruguay, is an intimate retreat, with just 20 bungalows and 24 suites. Situated in the South American forest, all guest accommodations feature private terraces for outdoor living and dining.
Accommodation:
 Bungalows measure 90 square metres (970 square feet). The sleeping area features a hand-carved bed with goosedown pillows. Mesh draping surrounds the bed, creating a dramatic look. The living area consists of a fireplace, lounge chairs, a desk and a dining table for two. These rooms have a ceiling fan, built-in safe in the separate dressing room, dual-line telephones (one with speaker) with data fax ports, a cordless phone, Internet access, satellite television, a radio/CD player and an espresso machine. Bungalows also offer a private terrace with a dining table and a sitting area with built-in couch.
Bathrooms are luxurious, with a heated floor, deep-soaking tub, separate glass-walled shower and large vanity with two sinks; a private garden features an outdoor shower.
 Bi-level Suites measure 120 square metres (1,300 square feet). The ground floor consists of a comfortable open-concept living area. It features locally designed furnishings, including a dining table for two and a wood-burning fireplace, as well as a private outdoor terrace, ideal for al fresco breakfast or late-night cocktails. Upstairs, the king bedroom offers an exquisite locally carved four-poster Lapecho bed and polished wood floors. Mesh draping surrounds the bed, creating a dramatic look. The rooms are accented with woven and embroidered wall tapestries, rugs from Uruguay and cosy banquettes. These suites have a built-in safe, dual-line telephones (one with speaker) with data and fax ports and a cordless phone and Internet access. Every room offers an espresso machine, a satellite television and two radio/CD players. Spacious, airy bathrooms feature 5.5-metre (18-foot) ceilings, an oversized tub and separate slate shower, double sinks, heated floors and a fine selection of premium amenities, including fluffy, inviting towels and bathrobes. For convenience, a separate guest powder room is located on the ground floor.
Facilities:
- Spa Centre
- Asian Blend body treatments
- South American Beat - deep tissue massage
- Harmony fusion - luxury massage with 2 massage therapists
- Large choice of various body treatments
- Gym
- Sauna
- Meditation room
- Golf Course
- Tennis courts
- Watersports in the Rio de la Plata
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Horesriding nearby
- Library
- Kids club
- Weddings
Dining:
- Pura (all-day restaurant)
- Quincho Lounge
- La Estancia (outdoor Barbecue)
- Shiva Lounge
- Mandara Bar
- In-room dining
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