Holidays in Uruguay, Punta del Este, Colonia del Sacramento

- Photos of Colonia del Sacramento -

in Uruguay's province of Colonia, was the only Portuguese settlement along the Rio de la Plata. Founded as Nova Colonia do Sacramento in 1680 by Manuel de Lobo, it was the focus of struggle between the Spanish, who founded the settlement at Montevideo in response, and the Portuguese over control of the area.

For years it operated as a contraband port, evading the strictures imposed on trade by the Spanish crown.

Today it is a resort city, a port, and the trade center for a rich agricultural region.
Built in Portuguese style of houses and cobblestoned streets, the historic portion of Colonia is reminiscent of old Lisbon. Winding streets and colorful houses are laid out in a pattern different from Spanish colonial cities, and a delight to explore.

The historic quarter, Barrío Historico, on a small peninsula jutting out into the river, was named a UNESCO heritage site in 1995.
Colonia del Sacramento is across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires, and is the main water thoroughfare for visitors from Argentina to access any part of Uruguay. Many travelers stop to enjoy the excellent restaurants, art and craft shops, museums and a large yacht harbor. map, from Expedia,

- ABOUT SALTO City. (Uruguay) -

Photos of Termas del Dayman.

The second largest city of the country, Salto is also the capital of the department that carries the same name.

The city is situated 496 km by road northwest of Montevideo on the Uruguay River, opposite the Argentine city of Concordia, Entre Ríos, to which it is linked by the Salto Grande Bridge built on top of the Salto Grande Dam.
Popular activities among young people include drinking mate (a herbal beverage), going dancing at night, and crossing into Argentina to go shopping in Concordia on weekends. One of the attractions are thermal pools which are located close to the city known as "Termas del Dayman".

They are kept at over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 °C) year around. Salto is also known for its Calle Uruguay, in which locals stroll during weekend nights to socialize, drink with friends or just show off.

Photos of Horacio Quiroga Water Park.

Inside the Termas de Salto Grande, and being part of the Horacio Quiroga Hotel, the biggest thermal springs in South America. A recreational center with an international level based on swimming pools and thermal entertainments for all ages.

Among its attractions you can find: the "Adventure River”, with a course of 80 metres to travel on floaters, a colorful water castle with a slide, hammock, sprinkler, and never ending surprises for the younger ones.
"Anaconda", a vertigo zone with a kamikaze, an open and round slide and the Black Hole, an impressive 73 –meter long slide, with an interesting flash game.

But the newest attraction is "Playa Paraíso", a pool of great proportions with artificial waves created by air being bombed into the water.
The park offers its visitors the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing massage session. The cost of each session is $ 150 (Uruguayan pesos – local currency).

Photos of Acuamania Water Park.

Salto’s Water Park: Acuamania
In Salto, an Uruguayan province, the area within Dayman thermal springs features South America’s first thermal water fun park, Acuamania.
The design and construction of such park was in charge of the same designing companies as Disney and Wet'n Wild Parks.
Covering an area of about 15,000 square metres, a first class infrastructure can be found at the park, where memorable experiences can be enjoyed in a space aimed at entertainment and relaxation.

---->Activities within the park

Slow River
This artificial river, 300 metres long, 3 metres wide and 0.9 metres in depth, shall be navigated on rubber boats, passing through cascades, bridges, tunnels, etc enjoying a great time.

Kamikaze
This attraction consists of two eighteen-metre high water slides. You may go down any of them at breakneck speed until finally falling into the warm thermal waters.

Hidrotubos
This game consists of two twelve-metre high spiral shaped slides. One of these water slides is closed and both of them are 70 metres long.

Children’s swimming pool
There are several games aimed at the youngest members of the family such as: slides, showers and pirate boats specially designed for them to enjoy themselves and remain safe in fairly shallow pools.

Teenager’s swimming pool
Pools where teenagers may enjoy themselves restlessly and have a wonderful time are also found at the park. Games such as springboards, slides, gaff sails and floats in a pool no more than 0.9 metres in depth will guarantee great fun.

Adult’s swimming pool
A deeper pool is available for adults. Such pool is about a metre and a half in depth and it is ideal for adults to relax and enjoy themselves in a perfectly pleasant environment.

Golfito
As for sport related activities, a mini golf consisting of 9 holes and 3 holes for practising is readily available for sport lovers or even for those willing to give it a try.
Hydromassages, Scottish and Finnish showers
To adults delight, it is possible to go through Scottish and Finnish showers, a hydromassage for 30 people and showers under which relaxing massages may be received within an area of 300 square metres

Paradise Beach
Those willing to recall swimming in the sea could visit “Paradise Beach” where artificial waves are to be greatly enjoyed.