Surely, Uruguay is a great hidden gem in South America offering beautiful landscapes, culture, and cuisine.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Uruguay, including Artigas, Rivera, and Montevideo, is during their summer period from December to March when the temperatures are warm and inviting.

Route and Accessibility:
You can fly into Carrasco International Airport near Montevideo. From there, domestic flights, buses, or car rentals are available to reach Artigas and Rivera.

Altitude and Acclimatization:
Uruguay is largely flat, thus, altitude sickness is not of concern here. All the three cities, Artigas, Rivera, and Montevideo are at relatively low altitudes.

Accommodation and Booking:
Uruguay offers a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget hostels. It's always a good idea to book ahead, especially if you're visiting during the peak summer season.

Clothing and Essentials:
Light clothing is suitable for the summer, don't forget your beachwear if you plan to visit the coastal areas. A light jacket is recommended for the evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the cities. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen!

Health and Safety:
Standard vaccinations like Hepatitis, Typhoid and Flu are recommended. Water is generally safe to drink across the cities but do check with locals to stay sure.

Local Etiquette and Respect:
Uruguayans are warm and friendly people. Spanish is the language spoken there, so knowing a few basic phrases can be helpful. Public etiquette is quite relaxed, similar to Western standards, but do respect local customs and traditions.
Enjoy the mate tea, partake in the siesta culture and don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine like chivito, asado, and dulce de leche.