Uruguay, one of South America’s smallest countries, sits between Brazil and Argentina on the Atlantic coast. Despite its size, it has carved out a distinct identity, shaped by a mix of colonial history, agricultural wealth, and a strong democratic tradition. Once contested between Spanish and Portuguese powers, Uruguay gained independence in 1828 and developed Montevideo into a capital that reflects both its European influences and its role as the nation’s political and cultural heart. Its fertile pampas have long supported cattle ranching, and Uruguay became internationally known in the 19th and 20th centuries for its production of corned beef and leather. On the world stage, Uruguay has also made its mark through football, famously winning the first ever World Cup in 1930 and again in 1950, a reminder of how the small nation continues to punch above its weight.

Montevideo

Image ©Highbury Nomad

Montevideo

Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, sits on the wide estuary of the Río de la Plata and has long been the country’s political and cultural centre. Founded in 1724 by the Spanish to block Portuguese expansion from Brazil, the city developed as a fortified port before becoming the heart of an independent Uruguay. Its position made it both a target and a prize, shaping its history and identity.

The Ciudad Vieja, or Old Town, still reflects this layered past. Colonial fortifications, 19th-century neoclassical buildings, and art deco façades stand side by side, showing how the city absorbed European influences while forging its own identity. Immigration from Spain and Italy, which also transformed nearby Buenos Aires in Argentina, left a lasting mark on Montevideo’s architecture, culture, and food, giving the city a distinctly European character within South America.

Today, Montevideo is both Uruguay’s largest city and its political heart. The Palacio Legislativo, one of Latin America’s most iconic parliamentary buildings, is renowned as a symbol of the country’s democratic stability and reputation for progressiveness. Uruguay was one of the earliest adopters of women’s suffrage, granting the vote in 1932, and has since continued to lead the way with progressive reforms. In recent decades it has legalised same-sex marriage and abortion, and become the first country in the world to regulate the sale of cannabis.

Punta del Este

Punta del Este, on Uruguay’s southeastern coast, grew from a small fishing village into the country’s most famous seaside city. From the early 20th century onwards it attracted wealthy visitors, particularly from neighbouring Argentina, and soon developed a reputation as a hub of luxury tourism.

Beyond its status as a resort, Punta del Este has become an important meeting point for culture and the arts. The city hosts events such as the Punta del Este International Film Festival, the Arte Punta contemporary art fair, and the Punta del Este Jazz Festival, which draw artists and audiences from across the continent. Internationally recognised landmarks such as the sculpture La Mano (the Hand, pictured), rising from the sand, symbolise its artistic identity.

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento, on the Río de la Plata, is one of the country’s oldest and most historically significant cities. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, it quickly became a point of contention between Spain and Portugal, changing hands several times in the colonial period. This contested past left a distinctive mark on the city’s layout and architecture, which blend Portuguese and Spanish influences in a way unique to the region.

The city’s historic quarter has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cobbled streets, colonial houses, and riverside fortifications that still evoke its frontier past. Its location on the Río de la Plata, directly opposite Buenos Aires, explains why it was so fiercely contested between Spain and Portugal. That same position continues to shape Colonia today, with a busy ferry link to the Argentine capital making it a popular destination for day-trippers and weekend visitors.