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Sunset in Montevideo

Highlights of Uruguay

Estancias and Beaches - Example 13 Day Tour
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Discover highlights of Uruguay on this 13-day itinerary. Begin in the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento, where travelers explore charming cobbled streets, visit local museums, and indulge in a mate-tasting experience. Travel to Montevideo for a walking tour of the old city, discovering historic landmarks and visiting museums. Immerse in modern Montevideo, exploring different neighborhoods and learning about the Afro-Uruguayan drums with a visit to Lobo Nuñez's studio. Experience the authentic gaucho life at an estancia in the countryside, enjoying horseback riding and traditional activities. Venture to Quebrada de los Cuervos National Park for a thrilling trekking adventure and savor a picnic lunch. Explore the sand dunes of Cabo Polonio, visit the Santa Teresa National Park, and indulge in a wine-tasting experience in the charming town of Garzon. Finally, discover the glamorous resort town of Punta del Este and embark on a bike ride and kayaking excursion at Estancia Anastasio. 
Buildings and green space of Independence Square, MontevideoRiders on horseback in UruguaySpectacular sunrise on the coast in UruguaySailboats in a marina in Montevideo, UruguayCoast of MontevideoPlaza Independencia in MontevideoPristine Laguna GarzonSunset in Montevideo
Highlights
  • Explore Montevideo and its fantastic local wineries
  • Bike ride and kayaking excursion at Estancia Anastasio
  • Trek among the Cabo Polonio Sand Dunes
  • Indulge in a wine-tasting experience in Garzon
Places Visited
  • South America
  • Uruguay
  • Montevideo
  • Cabo Polonio
  • Colonia
  • Estancia Los Platanos
  • Pueblo Garzón
  • Punta del Este
  • Quebrada de los Cuervos
  • Rocha
  • Treinta y Tres
  • Valentines
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Colonia

Take a private transfer with a guide from Colonia Port to your hotel in the old town.

In the afternoon, join the half-day walking tour. Explore Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history, founded by the Portuguese and hotly contested by Spain and Portugal for years. Delve into its enchanting past as you stroll through charming cobblestone streets, expertly guided by a local. Discover key landmarks like the old city gate (Portón de Campo), the historic Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), picturesque squares, and the local Iglesia Matriz church. Your experience includes mate tasting and admission to local museums.

Day 2: Bodega El Quinton | La Vigna Cheese Farm

After breakfast, join your guide for a trip to Bodega El Quinton, where you'll enjoy a vineyard and olive plantation tour, followed by tastings of wine and olive oil. Next, proceed to La Vigna Cheese Farm, where you'll gain insights into the local cheese-making process and savor some of the finest cheese varieties in the region under the guidance of the "Cheese Architect." La Vigna, founded by Agustin and Lucila, is a unique establishment committed to sustainability and organic production, offering a delectable selection of innovative cheeses. You may also consider an optional cheese-tasting lunch at La Vigna (not included).

Day 3: Montevideo Old City Walking Tour

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast, transfer from Colonia to Montevideo (no guide included).

Indulge in a lunch experience at the Port Market and then meet up with your local guide for a half-day private Montevideo walking tour of the Old City. Explore the historic heart of Montevideo in depth. Begin your journey at the former town gate located at Independence Square, where you'll uncover the history of nearby landmarks, including the iconic Palacio Salvo, the Presidential office, and the mausoleum of national hero José Artigas. Subsequently, delve into the historic city center, meandering along the Sarandi pedestrian zone until you reach Matriz Square, home to the Montevideo Cathedral and the town's Cabildo. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit two museums, which will be selected based on your preferences and should be advised beforehand: the MAPI – Museum of Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Art, the Torres Garcia Museum, and the Gurvich Museum, primarily dedicated to its eponymous artist (please note that the Gurvich Museum is closed on Sundays).

Please be aware that the tour may also commence from the Port Market, and museum and theater visits are contingent on their opening and closing times. Upon concluding your tour, you will be transported back to your hotel.

Day 4: Modern Montevideo Tour | Lobo Nuñez Studio

After breakfast, join your local guide for a Modern Montevideo Tour with a visit to Lobo Nuñez's studio. Explore the post-1829 development of Montevideo's neighborhoods, characterized by wide streets and grand architecture in La Ciudad Nueva (the new city). Begin at Plaza Independencia, admire diverse buildings, and follow the main avenue, 18 de Julio. Visit Plaza Fabini, featuring a notable sculpture by José Belloni depicting a historic horse battle. Explore the open spaces, monuments, and residential areas of Ciudad Abierta.

Additionally, visit Lobo Nuñez's studio, an Afro-Uruguayan drums luthier and percussionist renowned in Uruguayan Candombe music. Learn about the origins of Carnival in Uruguay dating back to 1760 when slaves had limited celebration rights. This cultural experience grants exclusive insight into Uruguayan drumming.

Day 5: Valentines

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Following breakfast, take a private transfer to the town of Valentines in the Province of Treinta y Tres, covering a distance of 245 kilometers in approximately 4 hours. Here, an authentic experience awaits you as you'll be hosted by a genuine estancia with a local family, who will warmly involve you in their everyday rural life. Prepare to fully immerse yourself in the true gaucho lifestyle! Upon your arrival, enjoy a welcoming dinner.

Your stay at the estancia encompasses a range of daily activities, including horseback riding, cooking demonstrations, savoring traditional "asados" (barbecues), exploring the local town, and partaking in rural daily routines.

Day 6: Free Day at the Estancia

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy your free day at the Estancia. 

Day 7: Quebrada de los Cuervos National Park

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
In the morning, take a private transfer (without a guide) to Quebrada de los Cuervos National Park, covering a distance of 117 kilometers, which will take approximately 2 hours. Here, you'll join a trekking adventure! Meet your local guide at the park's entrance and commence a 3-hour mini-trek that will lead you through the gorge to the point where the Olimar and Yerbal Rivers converge. Enjoy a locally prepared picnic lunch provided by your guide!

In the afternoon, continue your journey with a private transfer (without a guide) to Brisas de la Pedrera, situated within the province of Rocha. This leg of the trip covers a distance of 247 kilometers and is expected to take approximately 4 hours.

Day 8: Full Day Cabo Polonio Sand Dunes Tour

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Meet your local guide for an exciting excursion: Full Day Cabo Polonio Sand Dunes Tour. The adventure commences in the quaint town of Valizas, where you'll cross the stream aboard a local angler's boat for a captivating 4-hour barefoot trek across the sand dunes to reach Cabo Polonio. Along the way, enjoy the splendid ocean vista from Buena Vista Hill before arriving at the charming fishing village.

Savor lunch with a view of the ocean at a seaside restaurant, and ascend the lighthouse to witness one of South America's largest sea lion colonies. In the afternoon, depart the village aboard a 4-wheel monster truck for the return journey to your hotel.

Day 9: Santa Teresa National Park Hike

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Join your local guide for an immersive full-day excursion: Hiking from La Coronilla to Santa Teresa National Park. Your adventure commences in the charming town of La Coronilla, where travelers visit the visitor center of the local NGO Karumbé (meaning "turtle" in the local Guaraní language). Here, an expert will enlighten you about the various activities they are undertaking in the region and lead the group on a hike to the Green Hill Protected Area. During this hike, have the opportunity to spot green turtles and dolphins (from November to March).

Upon reaching Santa Teresa National Park, join in a delightful local picnic lunch and delve into the history of the area, including the Portuguese fortress and its local significance.

Day 10: Garzon | Uruguayan Tuscany Tour with Lunch and Tasting

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Join on a transfer for a Tour with Lunch and Tasting: Explore Garzon, often referred to as the "Uruguayan Tuscany." Start the excursion with a visit to the peaceful town of Garzon, where the group pause at the central square, chapel, and train station. Proceed to Garzon Winery, where you'll enjoy a visit, a tasting session, and a provided lunch. Situated atop a rocky prominence, the winery offers breathtaking vistas of the hillside vineyards, which thrive in mineral-rich, well-drained soils, contributing to the production of high-quality grapes. Following lunch, you'll be transported back to your hotel in José Ignacio.

Day 11: Punta Del Este Half Day City Tour

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast and then join your local guide for an enticing tour: Punta Del Este City Tour (Half Day). Punta Del Este is unquestionably one of South America's most prestigious seaside resorts. You'll have the opportunity to admire numerous beaches, elegant coastal residences, towering apartment complexes, luxurious hotels, and upscale dining establishments. This tour will introduce you to the key attractions of Punta Del Este, including the Main Avenue, Juan Gorlero, the artisan market, the yacht port, Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria church, the lighthouse, the beaches, and the residential neighborhoods of Golf, San Rafael, Beverly Hills, Rincon Del Indio, and Cantegril. Travelers also cross the undulating bridge to La Barra, known for its surfer-friendly beaches, vibrant houses, a plethora of restaurants, and a more laid-back ambiance.

The trip will include a stop in Punta Ballena, where you'll encounter Casapueblo, a distinctive and eccentric structure designed by the renowned Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaró (entrance fee included). From here, you'll see the most breathtaking ocean views and witness a spectacular sunset.

Day 12: Estancia Anastasio

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, hop on a transfer to Estancia Anastasio for a bicycle excursion along rustic pathways, passing by private estates en route to the Anastasio Stream. Subsequently, switch to kayaks and paddle your way to the lagoon. This lagoon, which connects to the sea during the winter months, serves as a thriving haven for diverse bird species, including flamingos, swans, herons, storks, and more. A classic picnic lunch awaits, and you'll have the option to return to Jose Ignacio by either biking or utilizing a transfer.

Day 13: Return to Montevideo

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, return to Montevideo by group bus. From here a private transfer takes you either to the port for the ferry to Buenos Aires or to the airport for your flight onward.

Accommodations

El Charabon

Your hosts will welcome you with warm hospitality
The estancia offers numerous amenities to enjoy your stay
The 9 guest suites are individually decorated

Charco Hotel

Estancia Los Platanos

Estancia Los Platanos
Estancia Los Platanos
Learn about the 100+ years of history on this working ranch & hotel

Alma Historica

Hotel Brisas de la Pedrera Boutique

Anastasio Hotel & Beach Club

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,562

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 2 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • 1 Day Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Airport Departure Tax
  • One-Way Ferry Ticket from Montevideo to Buenos Aires
  • One-Way Ferry Ticket from Buenos Aires to Colonia

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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