Authentic Uruguay

At Carrasco International Airport, warm welcome by your English-speaking guide followed by transfer to the center of Montevideo.

Before hotel check-in (scheduled for 3:00 PM), embark on a private tour at a leisurely pace: coastal rambla, historic center of Ciudad Vieja, Port Market and iconic neighborhoods. First immersion in the Uruguayan capital, between history, architecture and hospitality.

Hotel accommodation at the end of the tour and free time to rest.

After breakfast at the hotel, you receive your rental car (Chevrolet Aveo / Cobalt, Renault Logan or similar, depending on availability at the time of confirmation). The vehicle remains at your disposal throughout the self-drive tour, until its return at Carrasco Airport at the end of the itinerary.

Drive to Colonia del Sacramento, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, check-in at a typical posada in the historic center. Lunch in a traditional café in the Ciudad Vieja.

In the afternoon, meet with your English-speaking guide for a guided walking tour of the historic center: cobblestone streets, colonial houses and historic squares. End the day gently with a sunset navigation on Colonia Bay, a peaceful experience offering superb views of the river in the golden evening light.

After breakfast at the posada, meet your English-speaking guide, who will accompany you throughout the day in your rental car.

First stop: the Plaza de Toros Real de San Carlos, classified as national historical heritage. Inaugurated in 1910, this building hosted particular bullfights without killing, until they were banned under the Batlle government.

Free lunch in the Plaza de Toros area.

In the afternoon, head to the Aaron de Anchorena National Park, a protected area where the Presidential Residence is located. Guided tour of the park, a natural setting of great beauty and rich in wildlife.

Open Thursday to Sunday and weather permitting.

At the end of the day, return to Colonia del Sacramento and dinner at a restaurant in the Ciudad Vieja, in an authentic and colonial atmosphere.

At the end of the day, return to Colonia del Sacramento and dinner in a restaurant in the Ciudad Vieja, in an authentic and colonial atmosphere.

After breakfast, head north by rental car.

Along the way, opportunities to stop and discover Mercedes and Fray Bentos, towns with rich cultural and historical heritage.

In the afternoon, arrival at a typical estancia in Paysandú: contact with animals and immersion in the daily life of the Uruguayan gaucho through his tasks.

An authentic experience that immerses you in the tradition and spirit of the campo.

The day ends with dinner included at the estancia, in a warm and family atmosphere.

Night in a Typical Estancia in Paysandú.

After breakfast, head to Guichón (Paysandú department) by rental car.

Along the way, you travel through small Uruguayan villages, true hidden gems where tourism barely touches and where the authenticity of the pace of life remains.

Arrival at the Salinas del Almirón Hot Springs, the region's only saline thermal water complex: a day of rest and wellness with full board, in a setting conducive to serenity and reconnection with the landscape.

After breakfast, head to Tacuarembó in the heart of Uruguay by rental car.

On your own, explore the picturesque Valle Edén and its Carlos Gardel Museum: it houses the birth certificate claiming Gardel as Uruguayan. The controversy over his origins persists, with some saying he was Argentine, others French, but here his roots in Tacuarembó and his early career as a singer in the region are celebrated with pride.

Along the way, cross the old suspended bridge over the Arroyo La Jabonería, discover a displayed train and enjoy the warm welcome of the local people.

Night in a 4-star hotel on the outskirts of Paso de los Toros.

After breakfast, continue your journey by rental car to Treinta y Tres.

On the way, a recommended stop in Melo to enjoy a typical Uruguayan parrillada and visit the Museo Juana de Ibarbourou, an emblematic figure of national literature (entrance not included).

After lunch, drive to Cerro Colorado in Treinta y Tres and check in at a rural establishment.

Afternoon welcome with homemade refreshments; in the evening, included dinner prepared by the owner with produce from the vegetable garden and farm. Privileged setting near the Quebrada de los Cuervos, a Protected Area in Uruguay.

After breakfast, depart by rental car towards Cabo Polonio.

Upon arrival at the Access Portal, you leave the vehicle in the parking lot (approx. 270 UYU/day ≈ 7 €, not included) and purchase at the ticket office the round-trip ticket for authorized 4x4s (approx. 450 UYU ≈ 10 €, not included).

Cabo Polonio is a Protected Area with no public electricity or water network; however, your posada has solar energy, water supply and a private bathroom, ensuring comfort while preserving the rustic charm of the place. On site, observe sea lion colonies, stroll among the dunes and contemplate the ocean from the rocks.

Accommodation in a Typical Posada* on the rocks, with sea views.

After breakfast, depart in a rental car towards Villa Serrana.

On the way, possibility to stop by La Pedrera and La Paloma.

Lunch recommendation: stop at fishermen's taverns between the ocean and Rocha Lagoon, near La Paloma - simple cuisine from the day's catch in an exceptional natural setting - then a short walk along the coast.

In the afternoon, arrival at Villa Serrana.

Accommodation in a 3* Hotel with swimming pool and views of the sierras.

Free afternoon to relax.

Dinner included at the hotel.

After breakfast, departure in a rental car towards Minas.

In the morning, suggested visit of the Theater, the Cathedral and Rodó Park, symbols of this capital of the sierras.

At noon, free lunch in a restaurant with panoramic views of the sierras, housed in an old train car, on the road to Salto del Penitente.
After lunch, visit to Salto del Penitente (entrance not included), a waterfall surrounded by hills, perfect for contemplation and photography.

In the afternoon, return to Villa Serrana to enjoy the hotel facilities and rest.

After breakfast, departure by rental car towards a rural establishment, a former Arab horse stud farm. Although it no longer functions as a stud farm today, it retains remarkable infrastructure in the heart of the sierras, just minutes from Pueblo Eden, a small village with timeless charm.

It is recommended to stop in Pueblo Edén for lunch or tea at La Casita de Chocolate.

El Edén, today's accommodation is a sanctuary for the soul, ideal for romance, relaxation and revitalization. With natural architecture that harmonizes with the Uruguayan countryside, the private suites combine rustic elegance, comfort and intimacy. The restaurant offers breakfasts, lunches and dinners with a changing menu each day.

Possibility of relaxation by the pool with splendid views, or exploring the surrounding nature.

Optional equestrian activities: horseback rides on Creole horses (subject to availability, intermediate level, with additional charge).

After breakfast, departure by rental car from El Edén/Pueblo Edén to Punta del Este, a prestigious resort combining art, architecture and unforgettable seascapes.

At Punta Ballena, start your day with a walk at the Lussich Arboretum, a vast wooded park with shaded trails, viewpoints and native flora. Then, visit Casapueblo, the work-studio of Carlos Páez Vilaró (entrance not included: ~600 UYU ≈ 13 €).

Lunch suggestion: at the Port of Punta del Este, to enjoy seafood cuisine (at passenger's expense).

In the afternoon, discover the Ralli Museum Foundation (free admission): a sculpture park, works by Salvador Dalí and creations by renowned Latin American and international artists.

At the end of the day, settle into a 3-star Hotel in an excellent location.

After breakfast, departure by rental car towards José Ignacio, a former fishing village that has become a chic haven on the Atlantic.

On the way, stop at the Pablo Atchugarry Foundation (free access): outdoor sculpture park, exhibition halls and panoramic views over the tajamar.

In José Ignacio, visit the Lighthouse then lunch at leisure in one of its restaurants.

In the afternoon, possibility to continue towards the Laguna Garzón bridge, a cutting-edge structure: you can cross it and have lunch or afternoon tea at the restaurant installed on the former ferry barge.

Return to Punta del Este and night at a 3* Hotel.

After breakfast and check-out at Punta del Este, departure by rental car to Carrasco International Airport (MVD) via the Interbalnearia Route.

Depending on your flight schedule, it is possible to make a short stop for a free lunch in Atlántida or in the Carrasco/Portones area before entering the airport.

Upon arrival, return the vehicle at the rental company's parking lot/counter.

Practical advice:

• In Uruguay, it is mandatory to drive with the vehicle's lights on.

• Check the fuel policy.

• Keep toll receipts and rental contract within reach.

• Recommendation for airport arrival: 3 hours before an international flight / 2 hours for a regional flight.