One of the most highly developed countries in South America; the Oriental Republic of Uruguay is a relatively small country. It is found in the south-eastern part of South America with only the Rio de Grande do Sul of Brazil as the only land border. Several water features surround the territory namely the Uruguay River in the west, Rio de la Plata’s estuary in the southwest and the cold blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast. This reflects much of the country’s feature as it is generally a lowland carved with a complex network of rivers and streams. It has pleasant climate pattern which is temperate and uniform throughout the land with low chance of experiencing extreme temperatures. A properly managed, peaceful country like Uruguay will give you an exciting trip across its land and water systems.
Punta del Este
A popular resort town in the south-eastern side of Uruguay, Punta del Este is high-class holiday relaxation experience with a variety of beaches and shorelines to discover. Its two coastlines are Mansa and Brava showing the start of the Atlantic Ocean on one end and the end of the River of Silver on the other side. There’s a wide selection beaches depending on your taste which has made it quite a hit to many tourists especially during summer. Its mild weather, extensive coastlines and the town’s own efforts to promote the place, Punta del Este has easily garnered the top prize on must-see places in Uruguay.
Lunarejo Valley
For a country filled with a complex fluvial network such as Uruguay, there are still some impressive land structures to see. Right on the borderline of Artigas and Rivera near Brazil, Lunarejo Valley contains multiple ravines, valleys and even gorges that create a scenic landscape. The valleys have sub-tropical types of vegetation and other plant species such as bromeliads and orchids. Its ravines and prairies have become home hundreds of bird species (with only about 150 identified), amphibians and reptiles. This biological richness has made the valley a valuable area not only as a sightseeing site but also as a habitat for many organisms.
Vulture Gorge
Containing the largest canyon in the country that has an outgrowth of a subtropical forest at the foot of the gorge, Vulture Gorge, or Quebrada de los Cuervos to the natives, resembles a figure of a throat and is close to Treinta-y-Tres. The vegetation in the mountains is mostly lush grass but at the bottom, trees have grown forming forests. The variety of habitats is now home to a number of birds, mammals, insects and reptiles, many of which are poisonous. The contrasting climate between the mountains and the forests below has made this area an interesting place to visit.
Esteros de Farrapos National Park
A new national park has been founded in Uruguay to protect the species of Puma and Maned Wold that only lives in that area. Alongside Esteros de Farrapos are 24 other islands enclosed in the protective measures. There are also over 200 bird species identified in that park with a number of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies. Although, relatively undeveloped in terms of tourism, a number of recreational activities have been created in the park such as boating, bird-watching, fishing and horse-riding.
Rocha
A mix of spectacular landscapes and waterscapes as well as a wide diversity of flora and fauna is the features you would find upon arriving in this department. It contains several freshwater lagoons that are considered internationally significant wetlands because they shelter thousands of migratory birds and water birds. Each lagoon has something special within them, a paradise of birds, a palm forest or an ideal fishing site. A hidden gem inside Rocha is Cabo Palonio where you can find sea lions lazing about in the sand dunes. There’s just so many things to discover in Rocha which makes it an unlimited experience.