» ABOUT URUGUAY

» THE MEETING VENUE

» MONTEVIDEO AT A GLANCE

About Uruguay

The INSME Annual Meeting 2006 will take place in Montevideo, capital city of Uruguay.

This country is situated in Southern South   America, between Argentina and Brazil and borders on the Atlantic Ocean to the South.

Its proximity to the ocean and the lack of topografic barries make the weather in Uruguay semi-humid.

Winter temperatures (June-September) average 10°C to 16°C. Autumn temperatures (March-June) are from around 16ºC to 22ºC in average.

Real-time weather forecasts:
World Weather Information Service

An even climate and relatively short distances allow you varied and year-round activities. From its hills and vast praires, you can always gaze as far as the horizon...
Get a taste of Uruguay in this photo gallery!

The Meeting Venue

NH Columbia****
Rambla Gran Bretaña 473
11000 Montevideo
Tel. +59.82.9160001

 Distance from airport: 20.00 km
 Distance from downtow: 1.00 km

ROOMS: 148 rooms including 12 suites with telephone, TV, mini bar, air conditioning, hair dryer, internet conection.

Other services: Room Service, buffet breakfast, restaurant, convention center, laundry, parking, gym and sauna.

» Preferential reates for participants of the INSME Annual Meeting 2006:
US$ 65 single room
US$ 70 double room

Montevideo at a glance

Of relatively recent origin, Montevideo was founded by the Spanish in 1726 to counterpart the colonial Portuguese advance in South America. Taking advantage of its natural harbour, it soon became one of the most active commercial centre in South America.

Today, besides being the capital city of Uruguay, Montevideo is also the administrative headquarter of MERCOSUR, the Southern Common Market created by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay in March 1991.

The city rises for 530 squared km on the Río de la Plata estuary and hosts 50% of the country's population (approximately 1,330,400 inhabitants).

Lying on one of the more extended gulf of South America, Montevideo is surrounded by a ring of beaches incorporated into the urban landscape. This singular feature has given the city's appearance a special character and serves as a "purifying lung".

The city distinguishes for a remarkable collection of architectural masterpieces, particularly from the early 20th century, displaying many excellent examples of art deco and modern buildings.

Montevideo has a surprising cultural diversity for such a small population, and is a picturesque blend of colonial Spanish, Italian and Art Deco styles.

The historic centre named “Ciudad Vieja” dates back to the colonial era and it is located on a promontory between the Rio del Plata and an inner bay.

Going east you will find Plaza Independencia, heart of the business and government life of the city. On the plaza is the black-marbled Mausoleum of Artigas, topped by an enormous statue of the national hero, and the 26-story Salvo Palace, built in 1927, one of the world's great skyscrapers, the square’s major attractions.

Located in the west part of the City close to the port there are different places to go for a walk: Plaza Constitución, the neoclassic Cabildo (the Town Hall) and the Cathedral, known as Matriz Church. When visiting the town is warmly recommended a walk along the city’s promenade “La Rambla”, stretching from the Old City to the neighbourhood of Carrasco.

Other important sights in the area include the Museo Histórico Nacional, which consists of four different houses filled with historical paintings and antiques, and the Museo del Gaucho y de la Moneda, which houses an impressive display of artefacts from Uruguay's gaucho (cowboy) past.

The Mercado del Puerto, once the finest port in South America, and now a colourful, lively centre filled with markets, restaurants, artists and street musicians deserves a look.

The Feria de Tristán Narvaja is an outdoor market peddling groceries, antiques and souvenirs.

�Locate touristic attractions in Montevideo on the city map

Inexpensive accommodations, eateries, nightclubs and theatres are found in the Ciudad Vieja, while the best shopping is along Avenida 18 de Julio.