Montevideo is perfectly positioned for adventurous day trips. Two hours by bus to the east is the famous and sophisticated beach resort of Punta del Este. Lush vineyards and rural ranches lie to the north. Along the coast is Colonia del Sacramento, a town frozen in time with its 17th and 18th century buildings and cars from the 1950s. Buenos Aires, Argentina's vibrant capital, is just a 30-minute flight away, or 3-hour trip by ferry.

Jetmar on Plaza Independencia 725 (tel: (02) 902 0793; website: www.jetmar.com.uy) offers a range of organised trips along the coast and into the interior.

Uruguay Wine Tours (tel: 099 149 662; website: www.uruguaywinetours.com) provides information on wine routes in the country with accommodation in family-run bodegas (wineries).

Given how compact the country is, independent travel is a good option. The website for the main bus terminal, Tres Cruces (website: www.trescruces.com.uy) details all services and timetables. Alternatively, just hire a taxi in Montevideo to take you to your destination - Uruguay Living (website: www.uruguayliving.info) has a list of English-speaking taxi drivers.