Photos

The Rio de la Plata is the brown, rather short, sediment-filled river in the center of the image. It is the widest river in the world, ranging from around 40 km (25 mi) in width near Buenos Aires, to approximately 220 km (140 mi) near its mouth. As its water mixes with clearer ocean water, it creates swirls and cloudy formations. Visible in this image (in gray) is Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, located inland near the head of the river. Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, is located downstream on the opposite side of the Rio de la Plata (and also appears gray). Photo: NASA.

The Plaza Independencia in Montevideo is the capital city's main square. The monument that dominates the Plaza is to Uruguayan hero José Artigas; his remains are kept in an underground room beneath the statue.

Aerial view of Montevideo showing the Sacred Heart Church in the left foreground. The adjoining building was originally a seminary but today is a school.