The Cabo Polonio Natural Park, located in the Department of Rocha, about 320 km from Montevideo, is a unique sand dunes formation of eolic origin in South America. Menaced by artificial afforestaion implnted in the sixties, is nowadys being conserved, and only "soft" tourim activities are allowed.

"Ciudad Vieja" or "Old Downtown" is nowadays the centre of bars and dancing clubs. It is remarkable that activities beging very late: about 2 a.m. !

Montevideo is a very nice city for waklking tours. Even though it is the capital of the coutry, it still keeps an ambiance of small town, where noone seems to be in a hurry. It is the city with more planted trees pro capite in South America.

Several European origin colonies exist in Uruguay, specially in the Western Region, called Litoral: Nuevo Berlin (German), San Javier (Russian), Nueva Helvetia (Swiss), etc. The presence of the Ufrouruguayan community is very strong in Montevideo. All of them are very keen of their respective orgins, which is celebrated at special dates every year. the pjoto corresponds to the festivity of Yemanyá, Quuen of the Sea, by the religions Umbanda and Kimbanda -from Africa- which takes place at the Uruguayan beaches every 2nd. February.

There are no indigenous communities as such in our country. The Charruá and Guaraní original people have mixed with the European and formed the so called "mestizos", whose presence is important at the countryside.

Montevideo has passes through different historical periods, which have left their heritage: the Spanish colonization, the Portuguese government, the Independence period, the so called "New City" at the beginning of the XX century ...

Notwithstanding the most interesign token of historical heritage is Colonia do Sacramento, whish is at the same time the oldest city in the country (founded by the POrtugese in 1680). It is located at only 2 hours by bus from Montevideo.

Another interesting historical place is Fray Bentos, a city of British origins, where the Industrial Revolution started in our region, linked to meat industry.

Rural Tourism is having a rapid development in our country. At Montevideo Department and elsewhere you can enjoy the life of old "estancias" that have become confortable hostels, where the peace and beauty of the countryside reigns.

Carnival is the most popular festivity in Montevideo. Even though it is celebrated in February, Carnival shows take place all over the year. An interesting Crnival museum has been opened lately.

Additonally there are many expressions of the European culture in our culture, which are part of our national heritage.

The Uruguayan cuisine is the result of the combination of Mediterranean and native elements. The most popular meal is, of course, "asado" or barbecue. It is the "King" of the grill, which is also composed by: "chorizo" (tasteful sausage made of pork), "morcilla" (black coloured sausage of Spanish origin, made out of the blood of the pork; it can be salty or sweet. In the latter case one can find orange or nuts in it; simply delicious!); "chinchulines" a part of the intestine of the cow.

Montevideo is rich in museums, theatres and places where music is performed. Additionally to tango and candombe, uruguayn rock can also be enjoyed here. To experience our typical rural music, played by the "gauchos", we can visit a traditional "criolla" near the capital city.

Montevideo has 15 km of coast to the Rio de la Playa, most of which is occupied by sandy beaches. Their attitude for recreation is certified. Bathing is possible from middle November to middle March ... but due to global warming, possibling the heat period will become longer in the future. In Winter (June to August) beaches are enjoyable to walk along, listening to the music of the waves.

Thematic tours are my speciality! What would you like to learn about the Uruguayan way of living? Soccer, tango, candombe, democracy? I can make a vist plan that would suit for you.

Several Institutes teach Spanish for foreigners in Montevideo.

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