In another message Adrian asked:1. How diffcult is it for a middle-aged couple (50+) to settle down in Uruguay (i.e to get a permanent residency status)? Is an investment in Uruguay (say, in the turist industry) manadatory? What about people who want to have a free-lance career (writers, etc) in Uruguay?
I think you will find it quite easy. You need to show to immigration that you have a clean police record and income sufficient to support yourself. The "dollar figures" don't seem to be explicit, but I think you will find that they aren't huge. You will also find flexiblity in the requirements of where the money comes from.
I believe the "real estate investment" option requires you to purchase a property of at least US $100,000. That property is titled in the name of the government for 10 years.
Your best bet is to visit, stop by immigration with someone who is fluent in spanish and find out exactly what options are suitable for you.