Uruguay has always been an underdog, wedged like a grape between Brazil's massive thumb and Argentina's long forefinger. Despite spending two centuries in the shadow of its larger neighbors, South America's smallest country is finally receiving some well-deserved attention. Uruguay, which is progressive, stable, safe, and culturally sophisticated, provides visitors with opportunities to experience everyday 'not made for tourists' moments, such as getting stuck in a cowboy traffic jam on a dirt road to nowhere or strolling along Montevideo's beachfront with maté-toting locals. Visitors who are only staying for a few days will find plenty to do in cosmopolitan Montevideo, picturesque Colonia, and party-til-you-drop Punta del Este. However, it is worthwhile to delve deeper. Go wildlife watching along the Atlantic coast, hot spring hopping up the Rio Uruguay, or horseback riding in the interior of Uruguay, where vast fields spread out like oceans.