Up-and-coming Uruguay is beginning to make a name for itself on the South American scene. Uruguay travel and holidays in Uruguay are increasingly affordable, making the pristine beaches and lively cities here ever more accessible.

The capital city Montevideo is divided between a soaring metropolis and a colonial old town full of art deco architecture; there's an uninterrupted sandy beach surrounding the city as well. Tacuarembó in the north is an agreeable place, which for three days every March is overrun by cowboys during the celebrated gaucho festival.

In the centre of the country lie the Termas del Guaviyu, a set of unspoilt hot springs; soak in the pools or fish in the Guaviyu stream.

People flock to the beaches of the Costa de Oro in the south and the Costa del Sol in the east. Alternatively head to Isla Gorriti, just off the coast from the popular Punta del Este resort from some indulgent pampering. Nearby Isla de Lobos is home to a large sea lion colony.