About Uruguay

The Oriental Republic of Uruguay is situated in the south east part of the continent of South America with Argentina and Brazil as its neighbors. The country touches the River of Silver and the Atlantic Ocean as well. Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and the most populous city too. The total area of the country is around 176,000m2 and it ranks second from below in size among the South American nations. The Charrúa people have the greatest influence on the culture and history of the Republic of Uruguay because they have been settled in this region for nearly 4millenia. Unfortunately, the civilization fell under Portuguese colonization in 1680 and was called Colonia del Sacramento. It was one of the final nations to become colonies under European control. The capital was established as a concentration of military power in the beginning of the 18th century when there were conflicts happening over that land. The independent Republic of Uruguay was founded between the years 1811 and 1828. This was hard-won freedom because the Spanish and Portuguese colonizers were fighting over it. Right before the nation gained independence, it was a cause of quarrel between Argentina and Brazil. The military was deeply involved in addressing the political conflicts over territory all through the 19th century. A coup took place in 1973 after the country faced economic crisis leading to a dictatorship with a civic and military nature. What followed was a period of terrible unrest with the military acting brutally against all opposition. A civilian government was finally established in 1985. Currently, Uruguay has a great standing in terms of peace and prosperity within the continent. In fact, it is the biggest contributor to the peacekeeping forces of the United Nations. In addition, the country enjoys immense economic benefits among South American countries. Important exports include crops such as rice, malt and soybean. Uruguay has a flourishing dairy industry and produces high quality beef both of which it exports. The country runs on hydroelectricity and wind-generated power. It happens to be a founding power of many international organizations including the United Nations.                   

Vacation rentals in Uruguay

There are many wonderful places to stay while on holiday in one of the most prosperous and peaceful countries in South America. Check out the great vacation rentals in Uruguay that are available on the website of CuddlyNest. Thanks to the tourism industry there are amazing apartments and houses in Uruguay with modern facilities.   

Tourist attractions in Uruguay

You may visit dozens of terrific places in the country that have cultural importance including archaeological sites and museums where the excavated artifacts are displayed in permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are amazing national parks and nature reserves in Uruguay with rainforests and precious ecosystems protecting rare species of flora and fauna.

Plaza Independencia

Translated as the Independence Square, the Plaza Independencia is situated in the capital city of Montevideo. This public square is the tourist attraction that divides Ciudad Vieja from downtown Montevideo. On one side of the Independence Square you will find the Gateway of the Citadel. The famous 18 de Julio opens up on another side of this place while the beautiful Artigas Mausoleum takes center stage instantly catching the eye. There are a number of significant buildings that surround this square that are major tourist attractions of Uruguay. The Independence Square was designed by Carlo Zucchi in the year 1830s and renovated by Bernardo Poncini in the 1860s.          

Solís Theatre

The oldest theatre of Uruguay, Solís Theatre, was opened to the public in 1856 and designed by the famous Italian architect, Carlo Zucchi. You can reach the theatre easily if you are at Independence Plaza in Montevideo. The local government of the capital decided on a major reconstruction project in 1998 that ended in 2004. This led to the erection of two grand columns by Philippe Starck within the building. You may enjoy free tours on Wednesday afternoons that are guided by graduates of the institute offering every little detail on the features of the Solís Theatre. Take the opportunity to watch a fantastic play inside.   

Santa Teresa National Park

Those who are interested in the natural treasures of Uruguay should definitely visit the Santa Teresa National Park that includes beautiful beaches where you may relax and have fun playing with your friends and family. These sandy beaches are ideal for sunbathing and sports such as beach volleyball. You may access it north of the Punta del Diablo near the northeast of Laguna Negra. There are incredible populations of wildlife thriving at the Santa Teresa National Park. In addition, you may visit the greenhouse where you may learn about many native species of plants. Take some time to explore the historic Fort of Santa Teresa at this park.  

La Mano de Punta del Este

People who are fascinated by contemporary art must check out the La Mano that is constructed on the Punta del Este. It was designed by the popular artists from Chile called Mario Irarrázabal. He made this piece of art in the summer of 1982 when he was attending the International Meeting of Modern Sculpture in the Open Air. The sculpture shows five human hands protruding from the sand on the Brava Beach that offers spectacular views of the ocean behind.  Given its location, the La Mano has been nicknamed Monumento al Ahogado meaning the Drowning Man or the opposite interpretation, Hombre emergiendo a la vida that refers to the Man Emerging into Life. It is commonly known as The Hand in English.

Palacio Legislativo

The building where the parliament of the Republic of Uruguay meets is called the Legislative Palace in the capital. It was built during the time of President José Batlle y Ordoñez in 1904. The architecture is famous of flaunting 27 shades of marble and having lovely art work by José Belloni such as reliefs and allegorical sculptures. It has been a National Historic Monument since 1975. You may attend daily guided tours for visitors.