Highlights of Uruguay
Uruguay? Yes way!
South America's best-kept secret awaits! See the fabulous sights in Montevideo, San Jose and Punta del Este as you enjoy incredible architecture, countryside, breezy coastline and fine wine.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Montevideo (MVD)
- All airport, bus terminal and inter-city transfers
- 2 nights in Montevideo at the Own Hotel Montevideo, or similar
- Private Montevideo city tour (3.5 hours)
- 2 nights in San Jose at the Estancia Finca Piedra, or similar
- Lunch & dinner daily while in San Jose
- City tour of Colonia del Sacramento
- 1 night in Montevideo at the Own Hotel Montevideo, or similar
- 2 nights in Punta del Este at the Atlantico Boutique Hotel, or similar
- City tour of Punta del Este
- Visit to Alto de la Ballena boutique winery, with wine tasting & snacks
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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Uruguay is full of untouched gems, from its dazzling colonial architecture to postcard-perfect resort towns.
- With its shady plazas, riverside promenades and historic buildings, Montevideo is all capital city charm without the crowds.
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Get into the true Gaucho spirit in San Jose, an area deep in the Uruguayan countryside known for cattle ranching.
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See the bright lights and experience the big-city feel of Punta del Este, considered the Miami Beach of South America.
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Do as the locals do! The most popular drink in Uruguay is mate, a caffeine-rich beverage of yerba mate leaves steeped in hot water.
With 372 miles of coastline, stunning countryside, and a smorgasbord of influences (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, British), Uruguay is a small country with a lot to offer. Explore the country's highlights on this 7-night adventure!
Begin in the capital of Montevideo, a timeless city with a laidback feel. Tour the city's main points of interest like the Cuidad Vieja (Old Town) and the Plaza Independencia, then have the freedom to explore on your own.
From Montevideo, find real gauchos (South American cowboys) in Uruguay's countryside. In this idyllic and relaxed region, take your pick of the abundant outdoor activities. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing or biking - the choice is yours. Visit the beautiful colonial city frozen in time, Colonia del Sacramento, before returning to Montevideo.
Journey along the coast of Uruguay to your last destination, Punta del Este. On the way, you'll stop at the charming resort town of Piriapolis and Museum Casapueblo (a stunning work of architecture and design) before arriving in the Miami Beach of South America. Soak in the sun by the beach and visit a winery before returning to Montevideo for your flight home.
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
- 2 nights in Montevideo at the Own Hotel Montevideo, or similar
- Private Montevideo city tour (3.5 hours)
- 2 nights in San Jose at the Estancia Finca Piedra, or similar
- Lunch & dinner daily while in San Jose
- City tour of Colonia del Sacramento
- 1 night in Montevideo at the Own Hotel Montevideo, or similar
- 2 nights in Punta del Este at the Atlantico Boutique Hotel, or similar
- City tour of Punta del Este
- Visit to Alto de la Ballena boutique winery, with wine tasting & snacks
- Breakfast daily
-
Uruguay is full of untouched gems, from its dazzling colonial architecture to postcard-perfect resort towns.
- With its shady plazas, riverside promenades and historic buildings, Montevideo is all capital city charm without the crowds.
-
Get into the true Gaucho spirit in San Jose, an area deep in the Uruguayan countryside known for cattle ranching.
-
See the bright lights and experience the big-city feel of Punta del Este, considered the Miami Beach of South America.
-
Do as the locals do! The most popular drink in Uruguay is mate, a caffeine-rich beverage of yerba mate leaves steeped in hot water.
With 372 miles of coastline, stunning countryside, and a smorgasbord of influences (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, British), Uruguay is a small country with a lot to offer. Explore the country's highlights on this 7-night adventure!
Begin in the capital of Montevideo, a timeless city with a laidback feel. Tour the city's main points of interest like the Cuidad Vieja (Old Town) and the Plaza Independencia, then have the freedom to explore on your own.
From Montevideo, find real gauchos (South American cowboys) in Uruguay's countryside. In this idyllic and relaxed region, take your pick of the abundant outdoor activities. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing or biking - the choice is yours. Visit the beautiful colonial city frozen in time, Colonia del Sacramento, before returning to Montevideo.
Journey along the coast of Uruguay to your last destination, Punta del Este. On the way, you'll stop at the charming resort town of Piriapolis and Museum Casapueblo (a stunning work of architecture and design) before arriving in the Miami Beach of South America. Soak in the sun by the beach and visit a winery before returning to Montevideo for your flight home.
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.
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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.
Once you settle in, take a stroll on La Rambla (Montevideo's waterfront promenade), which provides access to over 18 miles of coastline.
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
Wake up and enjoy a 3.5-hour tour of Montevideo's must-sees, including stately Art Deco and Beaux-Arts buildings, colonial churches and leafy squares.
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!Private Montevideo city tour (3.5 hours)
Enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Montevideo including the Cuidad Vieja (Old Town) with its famous Mercado del Puerto, Plaza Constitucion, Metropolitan Cathedral and Colonial Town Hall, Teatro Solis, and Plaza Independencia. At the center of Plaza Independencia stands a monument dedicated to national hero, José Gervasio Artigas and his mausoleum. Facing the square is the Government House (museum of the Presidents).
Continue to the main commercial street Avenida 18 de Julio, named after the date the first Constitution of Uruguay was written: July 18, 1830. Stroll past shops and cafés until you reach the Legislative Palace (Palacio Legislativo). Known as the pride of Uruguay, the palace was constructed between 1908 and 1925 with 52 shades of local marble and 12 types of wood. Inside visits are only possible on weekdays, depending on Parliament activities.
Drive past the Prado neighborhood which has one of the oldest parks in the city. Prado Park is home to the famous sculpture La Diligencia (The Stage Coach), a monument to the last indigenous people the Charruas, and the Rose Garden. You will continue to Batlle & Ordoñez Park, passing the Obelisk, La Carreta (Covered Wagon) monument, the Soccer Stadium and the residential area of Carrasco.
Finally, stop at Plaza Virgilio with a monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy. Here you'll enjoy excellent views of the city before returning back to your hotel.
Day 3. Montevideo - San Jose
After breakfast, transfer to the Estancia Finca Piedra in the province of San Jose, at the foot of Mahoma mountains. This wonderful Estancia (ranch) is the ideal place to relax and take part in outdoor activities.
After arrival, you will have a short tour of the ranch and then tour the area by mountain bike. Later, visit the rheas and capybaras that live on the Estancia and have lunch. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Transfer to San Jose!
Check-in - Estancia Finca Piedra
Get away from it all on a slice of paradise while staying at Estancia Fina Piedra. Situated on a property that stretches across 4 miles of hills, the Estancia Finca Piedra offers a real taste of authentic Uruguayan country life with all of the comforts that some with European style. Guests can enjoy vineyard views, an outdoor pool, homemade wines, delicious meals prepared by kitchen staff, and explore the grounds, reaching out to the Mahoma hills natural reserve, La Coronilla stream and the lakes, and all of the natural landscape within property lines.
Comfortable rooms en-suite style are available, with traditional decour and free Wi-Fi, as well as an animal farm, a games room, a volleyball court and a football field available for guests to use at their leisure. The property is a little over an hours drive from Buenos Aires, and is approximately 70 miles away from Montevideo and Colonia.
Day 4. San Jose
Today is yours to spend at your leisure. Enjoy the various activities offered at the Estancia like horseback riding, hikes around the area, or take a bath in one of the two open swimming pools or in the closed heating pool.
Uruguayans are a kind and welcoming people with a great love for mate, a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink. Mate, along with asado (barbecued meat) is Uruguayan cuisine in a nutshell.
Day 5. San Jose - Colonia del Sacramento - Montevideo
After breakfast, say goodbye to the Estancia as you transfer to Colonia del Sacramento. Enjoy a 2 hr 30-min tour of the charming colonial city (the oldest in Uruguay) before heading back to Montevideo in the late afternoon.
Upon your return to Montevideo, head to Barrio Sur or Palermo neighborhoods to see comparsas, or troupes, put on street performances of candombe, traditional folk music of Uruguay.
Transfer to Colonia del Sacramento!
Transfer to Montevideo!
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.
City tour of Colonia del Sacramento
Explore Colonia del Sacramento, the oldest city in Uruguay founded by the Portuguese in 1680 when Spain and Portugal were in the midst of confrontations. For over a hundred years, both empires fought over the city until the Treaty of Saint Ildefonso awarded it to Spain. The small colonial city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.
Visit the main square Playa de Maya and stroll the picturesque streets of Santa Rita and San Gabriel, Matriz Church, San Pedro road, the Bastion del Carmen and the famous “Calle de los Suspiros“ (Street of Sighs), often used as a set for historical films.
Day 6. Montevideo - Punta del Este
Today, drive about 2 hours to Punta del Este, the most popular beach destination on the southern tip of Uruguay. The city's beautiful beaches attract tourists from around the world, but mainly from Argentina and Brazil.
See the charming resort town of Piriapolis and the Museum of Casapueblo before arriving in Punta del Este. Tour the elegant residential neighborhoods, beaches, downtown and port before arriving at your hotel.
Transfer to Punta del Este!
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.
City tour of Punta del Este
Drive towards Piriapolis, a coastal city located 19 miles from Punta del Este. Established during the Belle Epoque, the city resembles France's Côte d’Azur and was home to Uruguay's first resort. Visit the Argentino Hotel, built in 1930 and the most luxurious hotel in South America at the time. Admire the gorgeous art nouveau details in the hotel lobby.
The next stops will be Portezuelo and Punta Ballena for sweeping views up and down the coast. Visit the museum Casapueblo, home and atelier of the famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaro. The dazzling white complex, built in 1958 by Vilaro himself, resembles Spanish-Moroccan architecture and is situated on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. Narrow steps lead to a maze of rooms scattered on different levels and filled with the artist’s works.
Continue to the residential areas of Punta del Este (San Rafael, Cantegril, Parque Golf and Beverly Hills) and admire its elegant homes and sophisticated colonial architecture. Punta del Este is famous for its coastline and a wide variety of fine sandy beaches like Playa Brava, San Rafael and El Emir. Continue to the downtown area, main Avenue (Avenida Gorlero) and the port before concluding the tour at your hotel.
Day 7. Punta del Este
Spend the morning at leisure to relax and enjoy Punta del Este on your own. See Punta’s most famous landmark, the monster-sized sculpted hand protruding from the sands of Playa Brava.
In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the boutique winery Alto de la Ballena. With beautiful views of the Laguna del sauce, this is the perfect setting to end your Uruguayan adventure!
Visit to Alto de la Ballena boutique winery, with wine tasting & snacks
One of Uruguay’s most impressive start-up wineries, Alto de la Ballena is located 10 miles from the sea off the coast of Punta del Este. With iron-rich soil of oxidized gray granite, schist and quartz, the winery is a haven for wildlife and has great views out across the Laguna del Sauce.
Álvaro Lorenzo and his wife Paula Pivel were high-flying executives, (he was also a member of Congress from 2004 to 2010) but decided to follow their passion and start a boutique winery in 2001. Their research identified southeastern Uruguay as ideal for dry wines, with sea breezes and temperatures on average of 85° F. Currently, they produce 30,000 bottles a year but aim to increase that to 50,000.
Their vineyards are planted with Merlot, Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Viognier grapes. The entry level line includes a clean, well balanced Viognier, a Merlot-Cabernet Franc-Tannat blend (with half the Merlot aged in French oak, but still a young wine overall with lots of tannin) and a rosé (60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Tannat, so like a light red wine). After visiting the vineyards, enjoy a wine tasting and snacks of cold cuts, selected cheese and homemade bread.
Day 8. Depart Uruguay
Your vacation ends today. Take a private transfer from Punta del Este to the international airport in Montevideo for your flight home.