I'm thinking of a relaxing vacation next December/January in Uruguay. I would like a mix of hanging by the pool and doing lots of reading, hiking, and whatever cultural activities and things to see that there are. I know virtually nothing about the country. Any recommendations for areas to travel to that offer a little bit of everything I described? Thanks.

I might get in trouble for recommending this but tripadvisor has great forums for these places. Lots of info ...
check the link, read whatever appeals to you .. maybe it will help ~
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi..._District.html