Uruguay is one of the smallest of the South American republics. Nearly half of the country's 3.2 million citizens live in the capital city, Montevideo, which is situated on the east bank of the Rió del Plata, almost directly east of Buenos Aires on the west bank.  Uruguay is a land of hilly meadows broken by streams and rivers, best explored on horseback or by staying at one of the country's many estancias.  Venture up the Atlantic coast towards Brazil and you will find 500 kms of fine sandy beaches and fishing villages.

Montevideo, the capital, is the country's natural trading centre. Local dishes include asado (barbecued beef) and bife de chorrizo (rump steak). Theatre, ballet and symphonic concerts are staged in Montevideo from March to January.  Montevideo's port market ~ Mercado del Puerto ~ still has plenty of personality and atmosphere. The impressive wrought-iron buildings are home to outstanding seafood restaurants and traditional grills that sell parillas, where you can choose your cut of meat!

The only remanant of colonial architecture can be found at the Colonia del Sacramento, a small peninsula jutting into the Río de la Plata. Fray Bentos is the main port on the east bank of Río Uruguay. This is the town where the Liebig company built its first factory producing meat extract. The original plant ~ known as El Anglo ~ has been extended and restored as the Museo de La Revolución industrial and business park. The office block in the factory has been preserved with its original fittings and many machines can be seen. Within the complex are the homes of the workers were housed, Barrio Inglés, and Las Casa Grande, where the Director lived. There is a restaurant at the site, Wolves, and a disco!

The resort of Punta del Este is packed with Argentines and Brazilians, as well as the locals, taking their summer breaks. A little way beyond the resort, there are quieter beaches, with lovely sand dunes and natural features, many of which are administered by the national parks to protect the environment. 

 

• Aerolineas Argentinas ~ From London Gatwick to Buenos Aires, via Madrid, then on to Montevideo, daily.
• Iberia ~ From London Heathrow via Madrid to Montevideo, four times weekly, departing on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
• LAN ~ From London Heathrow to Montevideo, via Madrid and Santiago, four times weekly, departing on Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Saturday.  There is also a service via Miami on Wednesday and Friday.

Uruguay borders Argentina until the Rio de la Plata separates the two countries with its huge ten-mile estuary.  From a sports aspect, as with Chile, it is very similar to Argentina as all three countries operate their British sports through their independent schools.

These schools are dual medium ~ Spanish, the mother tongue, and English ~ but their curriculum is very much based on the English educational system.  Most headmasters come from the UK although there are many who are local. 

Uruguay has always been a popular destination for our South American tours.  It is always combined with at least one other country.  Rugby and football are the primary sports although there is a little girls hockey played as well.  Our contacts in Uruguay are so strong that we have arranged for Uruguayan schools to come to the UK.

Whilst we maintain regular communications with our local contacts, on a pan-South American tour it is more efficient for us to use Hernan Vidou from our South American co-ordinators at Interfly in Argentina.

  

Schools will always stay with host families, whilst the accommodation we use for the staff is Hotel Cala di Volpe in Montevideo.

The 4* Cala Di Volpe is situated in front of the sea in one of the most beautiful and colourful sections of the Montevideo Boulevard, and is Montevideo's first boutique hotel.  The 72 rooms are well appointed and offer a variety of facilities, including:

The hotel can also offer the following:

• Solarium
• Hydro Massage
• Fitness Centre
• Sauna
• Indoor swimming Pool
• Restaurant, Bar and Lounge

The Restaurant Azzurro overlooks the sea and serves a variety of International food.