Contents
Introduction vi
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1
Chapter 1 Background Information 3
Geography 3, Climate 5, Natural history 5, Conservation 12, History 12, Government and politics 22, Economy 23, People 25, Language 26, Religion 26, Culture 26
Chapter 2 Practical Information 45
When to visit 45, Highlights 45, Suggested itineraries 46, Tour operators 46, Red tape 48, Embassies 48, Getting there and away 51, Health 56, Safety 59, What to take 61, Maps 61, Money and budgeting 61, Getting around 63, Accommodation 66, Eating and drinking 67, Public holidays and festivals 71, Shopping 72, Opening hours 73, Media and communications 73, Cultural and business etiquette 75, Buying a property and moving to Uruguay 75, Travelling positively 76
PART TWO THE GUIDE 77
Chapter 3 Montevideo 79
History 79, Climate 83, Getting there and away 83, Getting around 88, Orientation 91, Tourist information 92, Where to stay 93, Where to eat and drink 100, Nightlife 108, Entertainment 112, Shopping 115, Sport and activities 118, Other practicalities 118, City tour 121, Museums 134
Chapter 4 Southern Uruguay 143
Canelones department: West 143, Wineries of Uruguay 149, Florida department 166, San Jose department 170, Canelones department: East 176, Lavalleja department 180
Chapter 5 Eastern Uruguay 189
Maldonado department 189, Rocha department 242
Chapter 6 Western Uruguay 275
Colonia department 275, Soriano department 296, Rio Negro department 304, Paysandu department 315, Salto department 323
Chapter 7 The Interior 333
Artigas department 333, Rivera department 341, Tacuarembo department 346, Durazno department 354, Flores department 359, Treinta y Tres department 362, Cerro Largo department 367
Appendix 1 Language 375
Appendix 2 Further Information 378
Index 382
