Historic family ranches are found throughout Uruguay, and these estancias provide a glimpse into the history and culture of a time when gauchos and grazing cattle were abundant across the rolling hills and green pastures of Uruguay. This Uruguay tour focuses on the estancias with visits to Montevideo, the countryside and the coast to Cabo Polonio. There is ample time for horseback riding, hiking, birdwatching, or just sitting back and enjoying the scenery.
Highlights
Visit a winery, learn about production and sip the fruits of their labor
Join in on chores around the ranch and explore the grounds on horseback
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive today to Montevideo and transfer to your hotel in the historic city center. This afternoon visit a winery on the ouskirts of Montevideo. Tour the winery and learn about the production processes. Finish with a tasting of the emblematic Uruguayan wine know as "Tannat" (it is to Uruguay what Malbec is to Argentina). Return to Montevideo in the evening.
Day 2: Explore Montevideo | Drive to Estancia Los Platanos
After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of this cosmopolitan city. You will visit the lively Port Market and the colonial neighborhood of Ciudad Vieja. Next a public bus will take you to the province of Treinta y Tres, named after the thirty-three soldiers that fought for Uruguay's Independence. Once you arrive, head to the Estancia Los Platanos to enjoy your evening in the countryside.
Discover the Uruguayan countryside and enjoy life on a traditional Ranch. The captivating landscape is the perfect place to experience the authenticity of the Uruguayan countryside and to enter the world of the Gauchos. Explore the land by horse, horse cart or walks and join in the daily ranch chores and activities. After a long day of rustic life, enjoy homemade Uruguayan food.
Today experience one of the most natural landscapes of Uruguay and encounter a variety of flora and fauna. The Yerba Chico stream created a canyon and formed a fascinating gorge with cliffs up to 120 meters. A narrow footpath leads you down the rocks, accompanied by the sound of the wind and the rustling of vultures flying overhead.
After a traditional lunch, transfer to the local bus station in Treinta y Tres to board the bus to the city of Rocha. You will be picked up at the bus station and transferred to Estancia Balcon del Abra.
Enjoy a full day at Estancia Balcon del Abra. This estancia is dedicated to the breeding of horses and is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Lavalleja Province. You can organize some trekking to the nearby hills, a riding tour to the nearby estancia (extra cost) or just relax at the natural pool. Enjoy horseback riding, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, or simple relaxation at the estancia.
After breakfast transfer to Estancia Guardia del Monte, a working estancia overlooking Laguna Castillos. Visit the Forest of Ombúes, a unique tree that grows in fantastic shapes with thick, twisting roots that spread out over the ground and is typically a solitary plant in other parts of Uruguay. But here, centuries-old ombúes (some over 500 years old) grow in clusters and have trunks with a diameter of six feet. Enjoy horseback riding, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, or simple relaxation next to the lagoon. Mount up on horses for a ride to the mysterious palm forests; despite a number of stories, no one knows how the palm trees (some 300 years old) got here since this species is not native to the area. Experience the gaucho lifestyle and participate in the rural activities of the day, or head out for some bird watching.
In the morning, travel to Valizas Village where a local guide will be waiting to start an unforgettable tour to Cabo Polonio Village. Start the adventure by crossing the Valizas Stream by boat before continuing on foot or horseback (just let us know your preference) for a 4 mile hike along the sand dunes and sea lion colonies until Buena Vista Hill with its fantastic views of the ocean and Cabo Polonio. Visit the lighthouse and sea lion reserve (the biggest one in the world!). This afternoon take a private transfer to Estancia Guardia del Monte.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,639
Notes
Select a Date
Trip has a combination of private transfers and public buses. Please contact us if you prefer private transfers for the entire trip.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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