Uruguay from Buenos Aires

This morning, we are transferred to the port of Buenos Aires, for our ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, on the south coast of Uruguay.

Upon arrival at Colonia port, we take possession of our rental vehicle.

We dedicate today to visiting Colonia del Sacramento. This colonial town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site is the oldest in the country, founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, on the banks of the estuary facing Buenos Aires. The town changed hands several times between the Portuguese and Spanish and conceals architectural treasures, such as the Calle de los Suspiros, the Church of the Holy Sacrament, the San Pedro bastion, the port and the lighthouse from which the panoramic view of the city is superb. How lovely it is to wander through these small cobbled streets!

Optional (€50/person):
Guided tour of the historic center (1h30)

We settle for the night in a Posada (a typical inn/guesthouse) located in the city center.

We're leaving the coast today for the next few days and beginning our journey up the Río Uruguay which marks the border to the west with Argentina. Our first stop is Carmelo.

Carmelo is a small peaceful town about 1 hour north of Colonia, renowned for its beautiful beaches, landscapes and wine tourism. Its human scale lends itself particularly well to discovery on foot or by bike. Its historic center is organized around the Plaza de la Independencia, and among its various points of interest and colorful façaded alleyways, you shouldn't miss one of the city's emblems: its swing bridge with arms dating from 1912, an engineering masterpiece allowing the passage of large boats.

Afternoon arrival in Mercedes, a small town located on the banks of the río Negro, a river whose pleasant atmosphere we can enjoy by strolling along its lovely rambla. Our hotel is located in the heart of the city and allows us to easily admire the beautiful architecture of its different neighborhoods.

This morning we find ourselves on the banks of the Uruguay River in the town of Fray Bentos. This city was built in the 19th century to accommodate large tonnage ships and became a major meat production center. Its former industrial district, developed around one of South America's largest meat salting plants, is now UNESCO-listed and constitutes a must-see visit. Many other sites deserve a visit, such as the rambla, the Luis Solari museum or Hargain square.

Paysandú is a city mainly known for its hot springs, but its other attractions are nonetheless numerous: very beautiful port and rambla, beaches, parks, Perpetuidad monument, not to mention the surroundings of the city, which conceal waterfalls, forests and caves.

Night at the hotel located near Constitution Square.

Art lovers, the city of Tacuarembó, in northern Uruguay, will seduce and surprise us unfailingly. Displaying sculptures and outdoor paintings, on house facades and in the streets, the city also houses numerous museums, including the Carlos Gardel Museum dedicated to the father of sung tango.

A 2 hours drive south, the small town of San Gregorio de Polanco has nothing to envy its big sister: its walls are adorned with drawings, paintings and poems, works by local and international artists. Located on the banks of a large artificial lake formed on the río Negro, the locality also has magnificent beaches.

Night at the hotel a few minutes at the foot of the beach.

We set out this morning on the road to the south-east towards the peaceful little town of Treinta y Tres, on the banks of the Olimar River, long plagued by bandits in this uncertain zone between the Portuguese and Spanish empires. Among the multiple natural sites of interest, we can mention the Quebrada de los Cuervos, a large protected nature reserve with very rich fauna and flora and surrounded by numerous myths and legends.

We have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful countryside since we are staying here in a rural estancia. Hiking, horseback riding, workshops and various activities, our stay in this 1850 guesthouse is pure bliss! We can also help the gauchos herd the cattle, shear the sheep, …

We continue eastward and reach the fishing village of Punta del Diablo. The serenity of the place charms us and the immense nearly deserted beaches are a paradise for nature lovers and surf enthusiasts.

Our hotel could not be more perfect for enjoying these idyllic surroundings! Located right on the beach with extraordinary ocean views from our terrace, we will be spoiled for choice between answering the call of the sea or splashing about in the hotel's beautiful outdoor pool.

We dedicate our day to a free visit of the Cabo Polonio ecological reserve, a small corner of paradise forgotten by tourists. The largest refuge of sea lions in South America, its vast deserted beaches and a few typical dwellings scattered around and accessible only on foot or by 4x4 through the dunes, contribute to the timeless atmosphere that emanates from this place.

At the end of our wanderings, we head to the seaside resort of La Paloma where we settle into our magnificent hotel located in the heart of town and close to the beach.

A beach day ahead! We stroll around La Paloma, a relaxing destination with beautiful deserted beaches and many natural sites such as the Ombúes forest, then gently head west. We stop along the way at José Ignacio, a trendy beach resort that retains the charm of a fishing village. Among the various seafood specialties, we can taste the emblematic local dish, seaweed omelette. One last stretch separates us from our destination for the day: Punta del Este.

Punta del Este is the country's most famous beach resort. The « Saint-Tropez of Latin America » boasts a particularly picturesque coastline and beaches, some suited for families (calm sea), others for surfers. Art lovers are not left out with the famous Casa Pueblo by artist Carlos Paez Vilaró and the Parque de Esculturas by the Fundation Pablo Atchugarry. The colonial architecture of the city, though hidden among modern buildings, will delight enthusiasts.

Optional: visit to a Bodega and wine tasting
Visit a vineyard in the midst of beautiful rolling landscape then taste 5 wines, including 2 premium ones, with the Maldonado mountains as a backdrop. Artisanal cheeses accompany this feast.
(€45/person)

Night in a beautiful hotel on the Punta del Este peninsula, near the beaches.

The Minas Region, located northeast of Montevideo and approximately 1 hour from the coast, is a hilly area that will delight nature lovers and fresh air enthusiasts and is ideal for wonderful walks.

The small seaside resort of Piriápolis is located about a hundred kilometers east of Montevideo on the bay of the same name. Lined with beautiful beaches dominated by green hills, the town exudes a charming old-world appeal and offers magnificent views.

Return to Punta del Este and night in the same hotel.

Optional (depending on season - €60/person, 2h):
Boat trip to Lobos Island - Off the coast of Punta del Este, Lobos Island is a unique nature reserve home to approximately 200,000 sea lions. Swimming available for a magical experience!

Today, we head to the road to Uruguay's capital city Montevideo.

Optional (€75/person, min. 2 people):

Private guided tour of Montevideo (approximately 3h30), with an English-speaking guide, during which we visit the major sites of Uruguay's capital:

• its old town (Constitution Square, cathedral, Independence Square, …)

• the "18 de Julio" avenue, the city's main artery which notably leads to the Parliament and Senate headquarters

• the Centenario stadium, the city's pride where the national football team became world champions in 1930

• the neighborhoods bordering the banks of the Rio de la Plata, this huge estuary forming a triangular indentation on the Atlantic coast: we start with Punta Carretas at the southern tip of the city, then head east and successively cross through Pocitos with its lovely beach and marina, Malvin bordered by several beautiful beaches and finally Carrasco and its famous casino.