Facing a deep bay at the mouth of the mighty Rio de la Plata, Montevideo welcomes with beaches reaching as far as the eye can see. The capital of Uruguay has a tranquil vibe borne in gently rolling hills and vast open spaces. Daily life meanders along La Rambla, a wide walkway that hugs the coastline and its beautiful beaches. Montevideo's political history is preserved in architectural treasures – Plaza Independencia and Palacio Salvo, and the Artigas Mausoleum that honours the great national hero, José Gervasio Artigas Arnal, whose remains are buried inside. Art, literature and theatre are never more than a few steps away in this UNESCO-protected creative city. The nightlife? Let's just say there's no sleep if you choose to tango ‘til dawn.