Uruguay

Uruguay, commonly called "the Switzerland of America", this republic proud of its almost 200 years of democracy is one of the safest countries in the world.

It is a virtually unexplored destination for traditional tourism.

This small and peaceful country offers nature lovers an amazing variety of ecosystems mainly concentrated in the "Bañados del Este" Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO).

A unique place where, within short distances you can find: wetlands, hills, native forest, palm groves, sandy and rocky beaches, rivers, coastal lagoons and savannahs, all filled with an enormous diversity of birds - more than 400 species- and other wildlife like the endangered capybara, pampas deer, sea turtle and franca whale among others, which coexist in harmony with the cattle, sheep and horses that populate the vast pampas. The country occupies the sixth position in the Environmental Sustainability World Index 2002.

Situated on the undefined frontier between the Spanish and Portuguese empires, it has always been a region of passing influences; thus the hospitable character of its people.

First conquerors and then the immigrants who arrived from Europe in large waves during the first half of the last century, have enriched the native traditions, forging a very particular cultural identity different from the majority of Latin American countries. Indigenous remains, fortresses of the Colonial period and traces of the gaucho's life have combined with a rich urban architectural heritage.