URUGUAY, Your next vacation !!!

Uruguay. Wonderful Country. Wonderful Holidays. Photos of Uruguay.

sábado, mayo 17

COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO, URUGUAY

- 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,











SALTO(uruguay) CITY - ATTRACTIONS

- 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.






PUNTA DEL ESTE, Uruguay (Beaches)

PHOTOS OF BEACHES (Punta del Este)



Solanas - this beach located 14km from downtown on the Mansa side is famous for being the best spot to view spectacular sunsets in the area. The sea is as calm as a pond and is ideal for small children and for water sports.





Las Desembocadura - this huge beach is situated where the Maldonado River empties into the ocean. The beach is a great place to get away from the wind and is hardly ever crowded. This is also a great spot for children, fishing and to play sports.



PUNTA DEL ESTE | Uruguay (Attractions)

PHOTOS OF PUNTA DEL ESTE



Gorlero Street - this street is the backbone of downtown Tunta del Este and is lined on both side with tall buildings, shops, restaurants and ice cream parlours. Gorlero Street is the centre of attraction for the local youth giving it a vibrant atmosphere. Further along the peninsula, Gorlero Street turns quieter and you will see nice houses that were built in the early 20th century.




Casa del Pueblo - this modern art museum is housed in the former home of the celebrated Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaro. The building itself is an eye catching Mediterranean style structure and the art inside is interesting and varied.






Feri Hippie - called the Hippie Market, this street market has about 200 stalls that offer a wide variety of articles such as sculptures, paintings, jewellery, wool garments and leather articles. The market has been in operation for 30 years on the Plaza Artigas and can get very crowded during summer evenings.




Old Lighthouse - the lighthouse was first installed at the Isla de los Lobos in 1858 but due to complaints from fisherman it was moved to the peninsula in 1860. The lighthouse is 44m high and flashes twice every 8 seconds. The lighthouse was again rebuilt in 1923 using volcanic ash from Italy. The views from the area are spectacular.




MONTEVIDEO ATTRACTIONS | Uruguay

PHOTOS OF MONTEVIDEO



Catedral - Calle Sarandí at Ituzaingo. Dating back to 1804 and the 1st public building in the city. It's also known as Matriz Church and is the resting place of some of the country's statesmen. The high domed bell towers are a city landmark..





Plaza Independencia - This is the beating heart of the city and is the starting point for the old city. It's a local meeting place, especially in the evening and the large squar.e is bordered by shops and cafes. The founder of Uruguay is honered with a statue and his ashes lie below the monument.



















Palacio Taranco - Calle 25 de Mayo 379. A great museum to view early 20th century local furniture, art and accesories. The palace was built in the French renaissance style and is worth a visit..







Teatro Solis - Calle Buenos Aires 652. The cities main thatre is ornately decorated and was opened over 150 years ago. The interior reflects a more sedate past and attention to detail is interesting. There is a authentic atmosphere here for theatre or opera. The National Museum of Natural History is housed here as well, Try to experience a show here.






URUGUAY HOLIDAY GUIDE.

Essential Tips for Holidays in Uruguay
  • Check out our free interactive Uruguay holiday guide and discover Uruguay's biggest attractions, best restaurants and much more.

  • If you've visited Uruguay before why not tell us your holiday tips and help everyone have a great holiday in Uruguay.


Uruguay Holidays - DESTINATIONS - Punta del Este, Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento. Salto



Uruguay, general Information.

  • Temperature in summer: 25ºC - 32ºC

    Population: 3.5 million
  • Time Zone: GMT -3 Driving side: Driving is on the right hand side.
  • Languages: Spanish
    Portuguese
  • Religion: 66% Roman Catholic
    Protestant
    Jewish
  • Emergency #: Police - 109
    Highway police - 108
    Fire brigade - 104.


Uruguay, DESTINATIONS | Punta del Este, Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, Salto.

  • Montevideo - the capital of uruguay has a beatiful mix of colonial Italian, Spanish and Art Deco style that make the city a feast for architecture buffs.The cities most intriguing feature is the Ciudad Vieja the colonial core and favourite public space in the city. Montevideo is also the favourite place among Argentines to come for their summer break and relax on one of the sandy white beaches.
  • Uruguayan Riviera - Montevideo's east coast is probably the most westernised place in the whole of the country. The coast features expensive beach resorts, golf courses and lots of sandy beaches that are great for watersports. One of the major resorts is Atlantida which initself is stunning but is also a base to visit the lovely surrounding countryside and visitors can also attempt to climb Cerro Pan de Azucar which is 493m high.
  • Uruguyuan Littoral - this is the countries most important agricultural area located west of Montevideo. The town of Mercedes has some wonderful beaches which are good for fishing, swimming and boating. The lively colonial city of Colonia is another attraction of the area because of its charming atmosphere. Walk along the cobbled streets and admire the old style whitewashed buildings. Another town to visit is Paysandu which is Uruguay's second largest city and has some fantastic museums.
  • Punta del Este - this is one of the most exclusive and glamourous destinations in South America. There are many expensive beach resorts as well as top class golf courses, yacht clubs and stunning residential areas. Punta del Este also has fantastic beaches and just off the shore is Isla de Labos which has a nature reserve with a sea lion colony as well as the ruins of a 18th century fortress on Isla Gorriti.


WHEN TO GO TO URUGUAY | Punta del Este, Montevideo, Colonia del Sacramento

  • The coastal tempreatures can get smoulderingly hot but the hilly interior gets a lot cooler especially in the evening. Most visitors come to Uruguay for their wonderful beaches making summer (December to March) a popular time to visit. If you want to avoid the crowds go in the off season as winter tempreatures are not very cold.

Uruguay, Culture information.

  • For such a small country, Uruguay has a huge amount of culture and tradition. Theatre is very popular and famous Uruguayan playwrights such as Mauricio Rosencof feature prominantly.
  • Many of the countries atrists and writers have received international acclaim such as the painter Pedro Figari and the countries greatest writer Jose Enrique Rodo. Music and football are another of the countries passions as is meat which uruguayans have a voracious appetite for and beef platters (parrillada), steak sandwich (chivito) and spicy sausage wrapped in a hotdog roll (hungaros) are all a most to try when visiting the country.

Uruguayan Beaches | Montevideo, Punta del Este, Salto, Colonia

  • La Mansa - this is a series of smaller beaches starting from downtown Punta del Este to Punta Ballena, 14km westwards. The beaches are calm and ideal for bathing and windsurfing. The views are also wonderful overlooking the Punta del Este bay.

  • Montoya - this beach located in La Barra just before you get to Manantiales is the prefered beach among families and loved by teenagers. The beach has good waves making it great for watersports.

MOVING AROUND, Punta del Este, Montevideo, Uruguay

  • There are no domestic flights in Uruguay except for the domestic leg of some international flights. Travelling by car should not be a problem but just watch out for hazardous traffic in Montevideo and the winding hilly terrain in the countryside. Local public transport is mainly by metered taxi and bus which are reasonably priced and run to all major destinations very frequently.


NATIONAL FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS in Uruguay | Montevideo, Punta del Este, Colonia del Sacramento, Salto

  • Carnaval - held on the Monday and Tuesday immediatley before ash Wednesday every year. This is without a doubt the countries premier event with dancing and partying. The whole of the country lines the streets where performers play drums and dance in dazzling costumes.
  • La Semana Criolla - known as holy week and held over easter, this showcases a more traditional side of the country. Activities include folk music, cowboy stunt riding, horse breaking and delicious BBQ's (asados).



USEFUL HOLIDAYS Links - Uruguay



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