Uruguay might be dwarfed by some of its South American neighbors, but it has plenty to offer for its tourism industry. In other words, there are plenty of things to do and places to visit in this meat-loving and soccer-crazy country. Yes, they love reminding people they won the first World Cup.

According to Lonely Planet, Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America. However, it is considered one of the most politically and economically stable and also peaceful countries in the continent. Its capital, Montevideo, is relaxed, mixing traditional Latin American vibes with modern skyscrapers.

5 Places To Visit While in Uruguay

There are plenty of areas to visit around this small country, even though it does not have the land mass of its bigger and more well-known neighbors. Here are five places that you should definitely not miss when in this country:

Historic Colonia

This is the old city, in the old part of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay's oldest city. It boasts classic Spanish colonial architecture and is known for its UNESCO heritage site, the Barrio Historico, which is filled with plazas, cafes, and a riverfront promenade that shows the old colonial vibes that the city has.

Palacio Salvo

To the capital of Montevideo, we go pay a visit to one of the city's most historic skyscrapers, the Palacio Salvo. It is often a must for many visitors. According to Get Your Guide, there is a guided tour in both English and Spanish, and climbing the historic building lets visitors not only learn of its history but also see a beautiful and unique view of Montevideo.

READ MORE: Here's Why Uruguay Is a Must-Visit Country for Meat Lovers

Punta del Este

Of course, a trip to Uruguay would not be complete without going to some beaches, right? Well, Punta del Este is certainly one of the country's most popular resort towns and a go-to destination for beach lovers around the world.

Usually regarded as the Monaco of South America, Punta del Este boasts yachts, casinos, and trendy cocktail bars, as it is often the playground for the rich and famous. It is also filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs all around its world-famous beachfront, which boasts beautiful ocean views and sunsets.

Carmelo

While not as popular as cities like Montevideo and Colonia, Carmelo is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination for many visiting Uruguay. This is a city where two of the country's major rivers, the Rio de la Plata and the Rio Uruguay, meet. It has since become a destination for watersports, yachting, fishing, and other activities. However, one of the reasons it is gaining popularity is because of Uruguay's rising wine culture, and it is near many of the popular wineries.

Punta del Diablo

According to Touropia, this is where locals and many Argentinians go when they want to spend time at the beach. This is a laid-back area and is known to be a relaxing place with plenty of beaches, fresh seafood, and lots of ways to relax and unwind. There are also other outdoor activities in this quiet fishing village, such as surfing and horseback riding.

READ MORE: Uruguay Food: Best Traditional Cuisine

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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