Adventure in Uruguay: Montevideo & Punta del Este
Dig deeper into Uruguay's charms
Spend an action-packed vacation in two of Uruguay's must-see cities: Montevideo and Punta del Este! Enjoy bike tours, horseback riding, treks and 4WD drives in cities, countryside, and beaches.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Montevideo (MVD)
- All airport, bus terminal and inter-city transfers
- 3 nights in Montevideo at the Own Hotel Montevideo, or similar
- Montevideo city tour by bike (apx. 3 hours)
- Tour to Estancia Finca Piedra, including lunch (apx. 8 hours)
- 3 nights in Punta del Este at the Atlantico Boutique Hotel, or similar
- Punta del Este Bike Tour (apx. 3 hours)
- Visit to Valizas and Cabo Polonio with trekking, including lunch (apx. 12 hours)
- 1 night in Montevideo at the Own Hotel Montevideo, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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Tour Montevideo's highlights including Independence Square, Metropolitan Cathedral and Castillo Pittamiglio by bike.
- Get into the gaucho spirit at an authentic estancia (ranch) in the Uruguayan countryside!
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Pass the old lighthouse, Candelaria Church and an array of beaches on a bike tour in the glitzy resort town of Punta del Este.
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During your free time in Punta del Este, see the incredible architecture of Casapueblo, Carlos Páez Vilaró’s whimsical villa and art gallery.
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Witness one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the world at the rustic coastal village of Cabo Polonio.
There's more to Uruguay than meets the eye. While cosmopolitan Montevideo and glitzy Punta del Este offer enough to sustain most visitors, it pays to dig deeper. On this 7-night adventure, you'll see a massive colony of sea lions along the Atlantic coast and horseback ride in the countryside, where vast fields spread out like oceans.
Begin in Montevideo and enjoy a bike tour taking you to all of the city's highlights, from Constitution Square to the waterfront, where Montevideo residents love to stroll with a mug of mate in hand. From the capital, journey to the countryside for a day at an authentic estancia (ranch). Go mountain biking, horseback riding and fishing in this idyllic landscape!
You'll then journey along the coast of Uruguay to the party resort town of Punta del Este. Hop on a bike and see the old lighthouse, beaches and pose for a photo of the iconic La Mano sculpture! Spend a day in Punta del Este at leisure, then enjoy a full-day tour of Cabo Polonio, a quaint coastal hamlet which has the second-largest colony of sea lions in the world!
Helpful links for travel to Uruguay:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Montevideo (MVD)
- All airport, bus terminal and inter-city transfers
- 3 nights in Montevideo at the Own Hotel Montevideo, or similar
- Montevideo city tour by bike (apx. 3 hours)
- Tour to Estancia Finca Piedra, including lunch (apx. 8 hours)
- 3 nights in Punta del Este at the Atlantico Boutique Hotel, or similar
- Punta del Este Bike Tour (apx. 3 hours)
- Visit to Valizas and Cabo Polonio with trekking, including lunch (apx. 12 hours)
- 1 night in Montevideo at the Own Hotel Montevideo, or similar
- Breakfast daily
-
Tour Montevideo's highlights including Independence Square, Metropolitan Cathedral and Castillo Pittamiglio by bike.
- Get into the gaucho spirit at an authentic estancia (ranch) in the Uruguayan countryside!
-
Pass the old lighthouse, Candelaria Church and an array of beaches on a bike tour in the glitzy resort town of Punta del Este.
-
During your free time in Punta del Este, see the incredible architecture of Casapueblo, Carlos Páez Vilaró’s whimsical villa and art gallery.
-
Witness one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the world at the rustic coastal village of Cabo Polonio.
There's more to Uruguay than meets the eye. While cosmopolitan Montevideo and glitzy Punta del Este offer enough to sustain most visitors, it pays to dig deeper. On this 7-night adventure, you'll see a massive colony of sea lions along the Atlantic coast and horseback ride in the countryside, where vast fields spread out like oceans.
Begin in Montevideo and enjoy a bike tour taking you to all of the city's highlights, from Constitution Square to the waterfront, where Montevideo residents love to stroll with a mug of mate in hand. From the capital, journey to the countryside for a day at an authentic estancia (ranch). Go mountain biking, horseback riding and fishing in this idyllic landscape!
You'll then journey along the coast of Uruguay to the party resort town of Punta del Este. Hop on a bike and see the old lighthouse, beaches and pose for a photo of the iconic La Mano sculpture! Spend a day in Punta del Este at leisure, then enjoy a full-day tour of Cabo Polonio, a quaint coastal hamlet which has the second-largest colony of sea lions in the world!
Helpful links for travel to Uruguay:
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Montevideo!
Bienvenidos a Uruguay! Arrive at Montevideo airport and enjoy a transfer to your first hotel. Uruguay’s capital is a city of contrasts, with its well-preserved historic landmarks on one side and modern buildings on the other.Â
Once you settle in, take a stroll on La Rambla (Montevideo's waterfront promenade), which provides access to over 18 miles of coastline.Â
Transfer to Montevideo hotel
Check-in - Hotel Own Montevideo
This beautiful hotel is set upon a pretty tree-lined street overlooking the scenic Club de Golf del Uruguay. An outdoor rooftop pool with incredible city views is available for guests seasonally, while the on-site delicious French restaurant is open year-round and features a beautiful terrace. Other features of the hotel include a 24-hour front desk and bike rentals.
Guest rooms at the hotel are comfortably decorated with a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, minibar, and more. Complimentary Wi-Fi and air-conditioning are also available.
Hotel Own Montevideo is well-located just about a 5 minutes' walk to the bus stop, La Plata River, and Oceanside Boulevard. Both Cagancha Square and Independence Square are within 2.5 miles as well. There are many beaches nearby, while the closest airport is Carrasco International Airport about 10 minutes away. A wonderful location, amenities, and hospitality make Hotel Own Montevideo a great choice for a hotel in Uruguay.
Day 2. Montevideo
Kickstart your adventure vacation in Uruguay with a bike tour around the city! Start at the waterfront then cycle to Constitution Square, Independence Square and more.Â
In the afternoon, consider booking a town car for the 20-minute drive to Bodega Bouza Winery. This beautiful winery is a front-runner in the local industry, creating hearty reds made with tannat, the signature Uruguayan grape, as well as tempranillo and merlot. Don't miss seeing the 1964 Citröen D.S., Ford Model T’s and a droll Messerschmitt 1957 minicar in the owner's vintage car showroom!
Montevideo city tour by bike (apx. 3 hours)
Explore the historical city of Montevideo by bike! After receiving a short safety briefing and a bottle of water, your guide will lead you into the city from the pier. See the statue of Bruno Mauricio de Zabala (founder of Montevideo) at Plaza Zabala, then cycle through the maze of shadowed streets until you reach Constitution Square, the oldest plaza in Montevideo and home to the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral. Pause briefly to soak up the history and admire the beautiful architecture.
Continue cycling towards the Palermo district and along the coast to Castillo Pittamiglio, the former home of alchemist and architect Humberto Pittamiglio. Stop to photograph the exterior of this unconventional and quirky building. As you cycle back towards the downtown area, stop en route for photos at Punta Carretas Lighthouse.
Round off your tour at Independence Square, where you’ll see the old Citadel Gate, the bronze statue of José Gervasio Aretigas and Salvo Palace before cycling back to the pier.
Day 3. Montevideo
Leave Montevideo behind today as you travel into the heart of the Uruguayan countryside! Spend the day hiking, biking and horseback riding at Estancia Finca Piedra.
Upon your return to the city, head to Mercado del Puerto for a sensory food experience. Uruguayans love their meat, so saddle up to a bustling parrilla (steak restaurant) and dig in!
Tour to Estancia Fina Piedra, including lunch (apx. 8 hours)
Spend the day at Estancia Finca Piedra, located in the province of San Jose at the foot of the Sierras of Mahoma. This wonderful ranch is an ideal place to relax and enjoy biking, horseback riding through the mountains and hiking. After arrival, you will have a short tour of the Estancia and then tour the area by mountain bike. Later on, visit the rhea birds and capybaras that live at the Estancia. After lunch, you'll have the freedom to enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, horseback riding or fishing. Transfer back to Montevideo in the late afternoon.
Day 4. Montevideo - Punta del Este
You'll be picked up this morning from your hotel for a 2-hour bus ride to your next destination: Punta del Este! Transfer to your hotel, settle in, then enjoy a 3-hour bike tour of the city highlights! Pose for a photo at the iconic La Mano (The Hand) sculpture and gaze out across the wild Atlantic Ocean.
In the evening, watch the sunset at Playa Brava then enjoy a fresh seafood meal in town.
Transfer to Montevideo bus terminal
Bus to Punta del Este!
Transfer to Punta del Este hotel
Check-in - Atlantico Boutique Hotel
Feel the beach vibe while staying at the Atlantico Boutique Hotel, which is just a 10-minute walk from the beach and has a comfortable nautical atmosphere. The lighthouse is just a block away, the Punta del Este's harbor is 650 feet away, and chic shops and cosy cafes are three blocks away.
Guests can enjoy the garden overlooking the pool, indulge in a buffet breakfast served up at the bar, and rent bikes to take around town. Rooms provide free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a minibar, cable TV, and a private bathroom. The area is excellently suited for coastal and beach walks, and is only 12 miles away from the Laguna del Sauce International Airport.
Punta del Este Bike Tour (apx. 3 hours)
Hop on a bike for a scenic ride through the resort city of Punta del Este. Stop for photos at the old lighthouse, with crystal panels that radiate light from the top of the lighthouse’s 150 stairs. Cruise past Candelaria Church, the beautiful neighborhood of San Rafael and stunning Brava Beach, where you can pose in front of the city’s unique sculpture, La Mano (The Hand).
Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal created these iconic, massive fingertips that look as though they are reaching up through the soft sand. The sculpture marks the division between the end of the La Plata River and the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean, warning swimmers about the choppy waves.
This easy bike ride past Punta del Este's beaches and sights is the perfect way to tour this gorgeous seaside town!
Places Visited:- Old Lighthouse
- Candelaria Church
- San Rafael neighborhood
- Brava Beach
- Los Ingleses Beach
- El Emir Beach
- Gorlero Avenue
- Calle 20
- La Mano (The Hand) sculpture
- Golf Park area
- Mansa Beach
Day 5. Punta del Este
Enjoy a day at leisure in Punta del Este! Consider visiting Casapueblo, the home and atelier of internationally renowned artist, Carlos Paez Vilaró. The dazzling white complex, resembling Spanish-Moroccan architecture, is situated on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. Vilaró built it in 1958 with his own hands, using only traditional tools. Narrow steps lead to a maze of rooms scattered on different levels and filled with the artist’s works.Â
Day 6. Punta del Este
Leave Punta del Este in the early morning and drive east to the hamlet of Cabo Polonio. Trek across the expansive sand dunes and see the second-largest colonies of sea lions in the world sunbathing on the rocks!Â
Visit to Valizas and Cabo Polonio with trekking, including lunch (apx. 12 hours)
Depart early morning from Punta del Este and drive to the small village of Valizas where your trekking to Cabo Polonio begins. Trek across sand dunes to Valizas, which has one of the largest colonies of sea lions in South America. Completely isolated from nearby towns by a big strip of sand dunes, Cabo Polonio remains loyal to its charm and spirit. This marvelous 4-hour trek will take you from the middle of the desert to the Atlantic Ocean. After a relaxing lunch, head to Cabo Polonio lighthouse and enjoy a short but thrilling ride in 4WD vehicles!
Day 7. Punta del Este - Montevideo
At the given time, you'll be transferred to the bus terminal in Punta del Este where you'll board the bus to Montevideo. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.Â
Transfer to Punta del Este bus terminal
Bus to Montevideo!
Transfer to Montevideo hotel
Check-in - Hotel Own Montevideo
This beautiful hotel is set upon a pretty tree-lined street overlooking the scenic Club de Golf del Uruguay. An outdoor rooftop pool with incredible city views is available for guests seasonally, while the on-site delicious French restaurant is open year-round and features a beautiful terrace. Other features of the hotel include a 24-hour front desk and bike rentals.
Guest rooms at the hotel are comfortably decorated with a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, minibar, and more. Complimentary Wi-Fi and air-conditioning are also available.
Hotel Own Montevideo is well-located just about a 5 minutes' walk to the bus stop, La Plata River, and Oceanside Boulevard. Both Cagancha Square and Independence Square are within 2.5 miles as well. There are many beaches nearby, while the closest airport is Carrasco International Airport about 10 minutes away. A wonderful location, amenities, and hospitality make Hotel Own Montevideo a great choice for a hotel in Uruguay.
Day 8. Depart Uruguay
Your Uruguayan adventure ends today. You'll be transferred to the international airport in Montevideo for your flight home.Â