golf, uruguay, where to play, what to see, where to stay, information

Carmelo, best resort in South America?

- What to see

In Uruguay one of the first impressions for North American or European tourists is the preservation of classic cars from the 1920’s, 30’s or 40’s. Even for young people. Is it because Uruguay is a young nation and has a short history? The country has no specific natural site. In the hinterland, the landscape is made up of hilly meadows broken by streams and rivers but 600 kms of sandy beaches stretch along the Atlantic and the Rio de la Plata.

Concerning the past, the small city of Colonia del Sacramento (70 kms from Carmelo and 185 kms from Montevideo) is the most ancient city. Created by the Portuguese in 1680 it was for years a port for contraband. Now Colonia is a quiet old town declared in 1995 a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in a Portuguese style of stone houses and cobble-stoned streets, the historic portion of Colonia reminds of old Lisbon with restaurants, art and craft shops, museums and the old harbour. The lighthouse was constructed in 1857 from the stones of the ruins of the convent. Nearest port for the ferries coming from Buenos Aires (1 hour by speed ferry), Colonia is a favorite getaway for many Argentineans because of its many miles of beach coastline. During summer weekend the beaches will be full of people from Buenos Aires that took the ferry to lie on the sand.

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a charming, cosmopolitan city, offering a taste of colonial days in the Ciudad Vieja, or old city, a choice of sandy beaches, nightlife, cultural and artistic events and a pleasant climate. See on the Plaza Independencia the palacio Salvo and the monument to José Gervasio Artigas.

Piriapolis : developed before Punta del Este along the lines of a European spa resort, Piriápolis attracts visitors for its excellent beaches, lively nightlife, recreational facilities and relaxed vacation lifestyle. A chairlift drives to the peak for a panoramic. Local people say it has a touch of Nice (France).

Punta del Este is called the St. Tropez of Uruguay for its miles of beautiful beaches, its upscale and exclusive resort tradition, and the wealth of its summer visitors. Expensive by local standards, Punta del Este is attractively priced compared to European and US resorts. And the forest of high-rise buildings – higher and higher – hide and spoil the old charm of the East Point. Fortunately the next village of La Barra and its roller coast bridge has still preserved its traditional style as San José Ignacio, its lighthouse and deserted beaches. But for how many time?

Wineries: Uruguay produces good wines based on tannat grape introduced in Uruguay in 1870 by Basque immigrants and transformed into the "national variety" perfectly adapted to the local soil and climate. Uruguay is the only country in the world where significant amounts of tannat are grown, more even than in its native madiran and irouléguy in France. Tannat makes a red wine of intense colour, good aroma and body which is well suited to accompany beef and other red meats. Very good surprise!Wineries Cerros de San Juan or Irurtia are near Carmelo as well as la Finca Narbona for wine and cheese.

Old cars in Colonia

Montevideo skyline

Piriapolis

Conrad Hilton Casino at Punta del Este and

the Dedos fingers at Playa Brava

San Jose Ignacio light-house