The region of Uruguay north of Montevideo all the way to the Brazilian border is known as Gaucho 'cowboy' Country. This large chunk of Uruguay is best explored on horseback. There are many converted ranches, estancias, where you can spend the night, or just a day. Tourist offices in Montevideo can help you with finding the estancia that meets your needs. It is a great way to get a taste of true Uruguayan culture off the tourist track and if you want to lend a hand with the work, all the better.

The town of Tacuarembó (population: 40,000) in the north of Uruguay, is a tranquil town with sycamore-lined streets, lovely plazas and an interesting museum about the great tango singer, Carlos Gardel, creatively named the Carlos Gardel Museum. The most important feature of this town, though, is the annual three-day gaucho festival at the end of March. The Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha features music, food, and horseback riding activities.