Though it’s a relatively popular vacation destination for South Americans, Uruguay is largely undiscovered by travelers from North America. Situated south of Brazil and alongside Argentina, many travelers are unaware of the charm of this beautiful country. From beaches to islands to centuries-old neighborhoods, Uruguay may be just the low-key, lower-cost alternative you’re looking for in a South American destination. These are just a handful of the places you’ll want to visit if you book a trip to Uruguay:

Barrio Historico in Colonia de Sacramento
If you’re vacationing in Buenos Aires and are looking for a quiet, relaxed retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Barrio Historico is the place to go. This preserved town features cobblestone walkways and colonial buildings, and the most interesting mainstay may be the old, parked cars that have become part of the landscape. Hire a guide for a walking tour of the town or visit the small, unpretentious museums and you’ll learn fascinating bits of information about the area.

Mercado Agricola in Montevideo
Montevideo’s agricultural market recently went through a major renovation and now offers visitors the cleanliness and organization of a modern market with the charm and history of a scene that’s been around for over 100 years. Tourists and locals both congregate in this beautiful indoor market, where traditional stalls selling fruits and vegetables are just the tip of the iceberg. Come to sample lots of food, artisan beer, and homemade ice cream, plus browse through the unique shops.

Casapueblo in Punta Ballena
This stunningly unique property is a hotel, museum, and cafe created by Uruguayan artist Paez Vilaro. The shape of the building is unlike anything else, parts of it seeming to melt under the hot sun while others showcase a blend of architectural styles and detailing. Located on a cliff at the water’s edge, visitors gather for the sunset every evening. The most fortunate of guests get to meet the artist for themselves while everyone is welcome to purchase a piece of his artwork from the gallery.

Punta del Este Beaches
Miles of gorgeous white-sand beaches ensure you can’t go wrong with a visit to Punta del Este. Visit the famous fingers statue on Playa Brava then take a dip in the beach’s calm waters. There are restaurants, bars, and cafes for every taste, from casual to formal, though there’s a generally upscale feeling to much of the area.

Piriapolis Lookout Points
You have your choice of numerous lookout points when it comes to taking in the views in Piriapolis. In a country generally known for its flat terrain, you might just find the uphill hiking exhilarating, and you will most certainly appreciate the views from the top of Cerro San Antonio, Cerro Pan de Azucar, or Cerro del Toro. It’s easy and enjoyable to spend a day or two strolling along the beachfront main strip, eating and drinking your way through town.

If you have a trip to Uruguay coming up, there’s no better time to learn some Spanish or brush up on your existing skills with language instruction classes. If you would like to learn more about the programs we offer, contact us and we’d be happy to answer any of your questions or help you get signed up right away.

The country sitting at the top of South America contains some of the most stunning natural scenery you could ask for, and while some of it you might know, some of it you probably don’t. So without further adieu, what are the best places to see in Venezuela?

1. Angel Falls. This UNESCO World Heritage site was discovered in the 1930s by an American pilot that crash landed in the region. Now the Angel Falls can only be accessed by boat or plane, but it’s worth it to see the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, at 979 meters.
2. Los Roques Archipelago National Park. 350 islands with pristine with sandy beaches and clear blue waters. There’s coral reef, scuba diving, and a wide variety of seabirds and aquatic life, the perfect place to relax and take in the sun.
3. Margarita Island. With a name like that you’d expect there to be a lot of clubs and bars…You’d be right. The island is famous for it’s clubs, duty free shopping, big hotels, colonial towns, and of course beaches.
4. El Ávila National Park. By taking a cable car to the top, you get a picturesque view of Caracas and the Caribbean, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, ice skate and go shopping.
5. Cueva del Guácharo National Park. You might notice by now that there are a few national parks in Venezuela, for good reason too, Cueva del Guácharo contains a limestone cavern over 10 km long, and features the Oilbird — Also known as the guácharo.
6. Médanos de Coro National Park. This park rests on the Isthmus of Médanos, and covers both desert and coastal habitats. You might have noticed I said desert, yes, Venezuela is a tropical country with beautiful greenery and beaches, but it also features this dune filled sandy park, perfect for sand-boarding!
7. Miraflores Palace. The official workplace of the president, located in Caracas, the capital city. The building features some stunning architecture and is well worth a look during your inevitable time in Caracas.

You can help make your trip here all the more enjoyable by learning some Spanish, English is not as widely spoken as you might like, so skimping in this area could get you into trouble. Don’t fret though, if you need a little help getting your Spanish up to standard, consider taking some classes, or inquire about anything you’re not sure of.