Carmelo lies 2:30 hours by boat across the Rio de la Plata from Tigre (to the north of Buenos Aires).  It was our fist stop in Uruguay.  World Heritage Colonia del Sacramento, founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and fought over with the Spanish for 100 years, retains its originality.

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In Montevideo´s old centre, the buildings date from the 19th and 20th centuries.  People also come to Uruguay for the surf beaches, but only a few are brave enough in the winter when it is blowing a gale and temperatures close to zero.

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Uruguay produces excellent cheeses thanks to the Swiss immigrants.  The wine is not bad either.  We enjoyed the homemade pasta, perfect in the cold weather.

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