This is a country which enjoys the top position, in Latin America, not only as far as the Democracy Index goes (Economist Intelligence Unit, 2014), but also as far as the IT Development Index is concerned (International Telecommunication Union, 2014).

It is ranked lowest in corruption ( Transparency International, 2014) and highest in terms of the Prosperity Index (Legatum Institute, 2014) in Latin America.

In fact, keeping all these factors in mind, it is no wonder that this country has been ranked as the top country, amongst Latin American countries, as the best place to live (Mercer, 2015). Uruguay or 'Uruguay Natural' is all of the above and so much more.

The country boasts of over 450 different species of birds, which makes bird-watching such a pleasure. Vast stretches of natural grasslands, diverse types of forests, and abundance of water bodies and marshlands create an enormous natural mosaic ideally suited to this pastime.

Hundreds of kilometres of coastline, largely made up of white sand beaches, running uninterrupted along the Atlantic Ocean, offer six strategically placed areas ideal for whale and sea-bird watching.

Did you know that Uruguay is home to four of the seven existing sea turtle species, 35 species of marine mammals including the Southern Right Whale and a colony of more than 3.2 lakh sea lions?

In fact, the country is in the process of establishing a National System of Protect Areas, with the aim of preserving areas that represent the country's rich bio-diversity: for example the Santa Lucia River Wetlands and Isla de Flores located near Montevideo, Chamanga (in the centre of the country, with its ancient rock paintings), the Farrapos Wetlands (on the Uruguay river, near the hot springs zone) and many, many more.

These areas can be explored with the help of various hiking paths of varying difficulties. Uruguay also boasts of discoveries of the country, on horseback, with expert guides.

The Criollo horse, descended from the Andalusian purebreds, has been closely linked to the country's history. Besides this, the Quarter horses are also bred here. What is amazing about the country is also its thriving rural tourism.

The world of the Gaucho encompasses a host of accommodation facilities ~ a mix of the traditional and the modern ~ but with a common thread through them ~ one of heart-warming hospitality, which allows the traveller to relive old traditions and even participate in farm chores.

Wine tourism is popular in this world capital of Tannat ~ a wide variety of grape which yields a type of red wine that rarely goes unnoticed across the world. Festivities are intimately linked with gastronomy, hard work and good harvest so it is possible to learn about wine through tasting, wine paring and taking part in traditional celebrations: the Tannat and Lamb Festival the San Juan Festival, and the Pruning and Creole festival, amongst others.

And do not forget to try the Chaja ~ a traditional dessert. It is interesting to note that the products of Uruguay are some of the best in the world: the wines have been awarded six golds and 24 silvers in the edition of the prestigious Selections Mondiales des Vins in Canada.

The Uruguayan olive oils have been ranked eighth amongst the best extra virgin oils produced worldwide. Besides this, the country exports dairy products to more than 130 destinations and is the only country in the southern hemisphere to produce caviar.

For those who love adventure, a number of options such as a canoeing, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking and a whole lot more options are available.

The country is also a delight for shoppers as it showcases a wide variety of art and crafts in wood, leather, bone, wool and precious and semi-precious stones.

And after all the adventures and journeys, if you want to relax, just proceed to the North-eastern region of Uruguay, approximately 400 km of Montevideo, the capital, in the departments of Salto and Paysandu, where there are several geothermal springs to enjoy. Some of the famous Geothermal water centres are: Arapey, Dayman, Guaviyu, and others.

The springs are also a source of entertainment for children with water slides, tunnels, bridges, waterfalls and artificial wave pools. Uruguay reminds one of a famous saying which goes like this: The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes, and Uruguay welcomes you to do just this.