urugUay
We have no doubt that Uruguay is one of the best off the beaten track destinations in South America. Home to dramatic landscapes, little-known vineyards, culturally rich colonial towns and rural ranches, with beautiful beaches, bohemian guesthouses and glamorous cities to match. Let us help you discover a more remote site of the continent, creating lifelong memories along the way.
Uruguay highlights
• The beach stays are wonderful. La Barra and Jose Ignacio, home to some of Uruguay’s best beaches and boutique hotels providing a sanctuary of shoes-off comfort, beach cafes and rustic restaurants, far away from the busier coastal resorts. This boho style and hippie-chic atmosphere is sure to capture your senses.
•Wine lovers, meet small-scale producers tending their vines using traditional techniques, in the most idyllic of countryside settings. (including Uruguay’s Tannat grapes – which create some of the best red wines in South America) • Visit inland estancias for an authentic experience of traditional Uruguay.
• Montevideo Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Colonia del Sacramento, Carmelo are must-sees.
• Visit Cabo Polonio – a beach town only accessible by walking through the dunes or by 4×4 vehicles.
• Do not miss Garzon – a sleepy, dusty town with a lovely central plaza that has a Francis Mallman restaurant and a gorgeous posada, this is the place to slow down and linger.
• Stay at an Estancia – horseriding is a national passion in Uruguay and there are plenty of excellent places to enjoy, from remote ranches in Rocha to the trendier options in Jose Ignacio.
• Perhaps on arrival or at the end of the trip, visit the resort town of Punta del Este – for the glitzy yacht clubs, sprawling hotels and fine dining.
Uruguay
when to GO
September to March, however travel is possible year-round, especially if you focus on more cultural sites and cities.
languages
Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
FLIGHTS
Uruguay is most easily accessed through its neighbour, the city of Buenos Aires, and most major airlines fly into BA. From there you can fly into either Montevideo or Punta del Este, or take the ferry to Colonia or the capital.
CURRENCY
Uruguayan Peso
time frame
Uruguay is often a beach add-on to a trip to Argentina, but it easily could deliver a great 1 to 2 week trip in its own right.
hotels we love in Uruguay
Nothing but the best. Browse the hotels that may feature in your bespoke Uruguay itinerary.
Playa Vik, Jose Ignacio
Narbona Wine Lodge, Carmelo
sofitel montevideo casino carrasco & spa
DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT
Life in Uruguay
What Our clients Are Saying
Don’t just take it from us, let our bespoke clients do the talking!
Hard to believe (sad too!) that our Uruguay adventure is behind us. We had an amazing time, met beautiful people, saw a new part of the world and shared many laughs with friends – both new and old.
We weren’t entirely sure what to expect from Uruguay but I assure you that whatever we had envisioned was surpassed. We experienced a very warm welcome from our all our guides, hotel and restaurant staff. The service was exceptional from when we landed to when we were dropped off at the airport.
Our principal guide Laura and our driver Nico were a big part of why we fell in love with Uruguay. No task was too small, no request unheeded. From our initial greeting with a hug and a kiss, we knew we were in good hands. We can’t stress enough how lovely they were! We learned so much and genuinely enjoyed their company as they guided us through the south of Uruguay. A solid ten out of ten for a lovely couple. ❤️
Travelling with good friends is such a beautiful gift and experiencing it all for the first time is precious. We were together with Dave and Sanyo, Tom and Debbie just last night reminiscing (and missing) Uruguay. All the fantastic meals cooked over a roaring fire, our feet in the sand, the sunsets at Play Vik, which hotel had the best breakfast (all excellent btw), best mattress…we discussed it all over a shot of grappa miel, a very special souvenir from a very special trip.
Thank you Marie-France for your part in curating such a unique, amazing vacation.
Hasta la proxima
Laura and Ron
In an nutshell …
1) Our trip was a 9/10
2) Exceeded expectations; our expectations were “uncertain”, didn’t really know what to expect. We enjoyed the country, people, food, guides.
3) Exceeded expectations (mostly); Nico and Laura were great;
4) We had some great lunches / dinners in Jose St Ignacio; really liked walking the beach; wine tours were all excellent
Tom & Debbie
