Uruguay & Paraguay
These 2 countries share borders with Argentina and Brazil and while less visited than their larger neighbours, they have their own hidden tresures and personalities.
URUGUAY is South America's second smallest country (174,810 sq km), and has been a well kept secret for some time. Situated on the east coast of South America, it is bordered by Brazil in the north and Argentina in the west. Uruguayans number around 3.4 million and are of largely European descent. The indigenous inhabitants were the Charrua Indians, who kept mostly to themselves and shunned outsiders but eventually began trading with the Spanish. The country has been popular with local visitors for its 500 km of white sandy beaches and little resort towns. The most well known Punta del Este, attracts the rich and famous over the summer season. However, the real charm of Uruguay lies in its colonial towns and fortresses, and its gaucho country, as well as its art, cinema and jazz festivals. although the country can be reaached by air, a nicer way to arrive is by ferry or hydrofoil from Buenos Aires to Montivideo or Colonia del Sacramento.
PARAGUAY is a landlocked country with an area of 406,752 sq km located in the heart of South America. It lies on the banks of the Paraguay River, bordering Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and the other landlocked neighbour, Bolivia to the northwest. The name "Paraguay" is derived from the Guaraní word ‘pararaguay’ meaning "from a great river". This "great river" is the Paraná River, which produces the greatest amount of hydroelectric power in the world The landscape of Paraguay consists of grassy plains and wooded hills to the east and low, marshy plains to the west .The local climate ranges from subtropical to temperate. Its population of 6.5 million are 95% mestizo, and 5% other (European and indigenous). In fact Australians even colonized - the utopian socialist settlement in Paraguay, founded by the Australian New Australian Movement. Paraguay's celebration of Carnaval in February is a good time to visit with the liveliest celebrations being in Asunción.