Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

A Taste of Uruguay

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

11 Days

Prices Start from

£4,545pp(ex. flights)

Embark on a private journey through the highlights of Uruguay, travelling along the nation’s southern coast between the eclectic capital of Montevideo and tiny hamlets without electricity. One of the underdogs of the South American culinary scene, Uruguay boasts world-class wine, delicious olive oils and artisan cheeses that can be sampled whilst exploring its traditional estancias, colonial towns and striking coastlines.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay 1

Cobbled Streets

Spend time in the quaint UNESCO World Heritage town of Colonia del Sacramento.

Pouring Red Wine 2

Go Wine Tasting

Make the most of the many opportunities to sample Uruguay’s distinct wine.

Lighthouse in Jose Ignacio near Punta del Este, Uruguay 3

Jose Ignacio Beach

Feel the fresh ocean breeze during a stay on the beaches of Jose Ignacio.

Cabo Polonio, Uruguay 4

Trek to Cabo Polonio

Walk through dunes to the curiously disconnected hamlet of Cabo Polonio.

Why we like it

Encompassing the real highlights of Uruguay, this journey showcases the foodie hot spots of this relatively raw and undiscovered destination. From the beautiful beach that draws the rich and famous to the seaside hamlet that boasts one of the world’s largest sea lion reserves, visit the winemaker of Finca Narbona, the olive groves of the Uruguayan Tuscany, and the bustling heart of Uruguayan asado grill culture. With stays in family-run estancias and colonial-style hotels, this is a breathtaking journey that benefits from dinner reservations at hand-picked eateries, private picnics and wine and cheese pairings.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Uruguay on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Montevideo

  • Day 2

    Montevideo - Colonia del Sacramento

  • Day 3

    Colonia del Sacramento - Carmelo

  • Day 4

    Carmelo

  • Day 5

    Carmelo - Montevideo

  • Day 6

    Montevideo - Rocha

  • Days 7-8

    Rocha

  • Day 9

    Rocha - Punta del Este - José Ignacio

  • Day 10

    Jose Ignacio

  • Day 11

    José Ignacio - Montevideo

Day 1

Montevideo

Montevideo, Uruguay

Experience a typical Uruguayan ‘parrilla’ lunch and walk the streets of the old colonial neighbourhood.

Day 2

Montevideo - Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Spend time in UNESCO Colonia del Sacramento to explore the old forts and Portuguese heritage.

Day 3

Colonia del Sacramento - Carmelo

Day 4

Carmelo

Vines, Carmelo, Uruguay

Travel to Carmelo, visiting Jesuit ruins and the wineries en route.

Day 5

Carmelo - Montevideo

Day 6

Montevideo - Rocha

Days 7-8

Rocha

Day 9

Rocha - Punta del Este - José Ignacio

Day 10

Jose Ignacio

Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

Relax and unwind on the beaches of Jose Ignacio.

Day 11

José Ignacio - Montevideo

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Narbona Wine Lodge, Carmelo, Uruguay
Narbona Wine Lodge, Carmelo, Uruguay

Sip Wine in Carmelo

Travel to Carmelo, detouring to visit Jesuit ruins and local wineries en route. Carmelo is one of Uruguay’s best kept secrets and is renowned for its golden riverfront beaches and a swing bridge that has long been considered a masterpiece of modern engineering. Hop on a bicycle to ride alongside the little boats that ply the town’s waterways, and stop for leisurely lunches at a local parrillada restaurant. Tuck into a picnic lunch at a local vineyard before indulging in a wine and cheese pairing in the evening.

Cabo Polonio, Uruguay
Cabo Polonio, Uruguay

Berets & Bombachas in Rocha

Taste the Uruguayan gaucho lifestyle at a family-run estancia overlooked by the Rocha Hills and only a horse ride away from the Atlantic Ocean. The berets and ‘bombachas’ clad gauchos, and their dogs, are only too happy to accompany you to the coast and wetland areas. However a visit to Cabo Polonio, a small hamlet hiding in shifting sand dunes and accessible only on foot or by 4×4, is also a must. We also recommend a visit to Colinas de Garzon Olive Oil Plant for a wonderful tour highlighting all the secrets of extra virgin olive oil.

Lighthouse in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay
Lighthouse in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

Cooking Lessons in Jose Ignacio

Journey to Uruguay’s striking south-eastern coast, which rose to fame when Rolling Stones’ guitarist Ronnie Wood was photographed strolling the boardwalks of its beaches. Partake in a cooking lesson at Estancia Anastasio, a great way to understand how best to use the local produce, and sample the world-class Tannat wine, renowned whiskey and superb cheeses of this region. Stay in a sought after property and dine amongst the dunes in world-class restaurants such as La Huella. During downtime, join a cooking workshop, try a spot of canoeing, go horseback riding, attempt stand up paddle boarding or simply lounge on the beach.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, Uruguay
Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo, Uruguay

Cobblestone Streets of Colonia Del Sacramento

Tour the historic centre and old dockside markets of Montevideo to discover its rich French and Italian-inspired architecture, as well as its distinctive flair for Art Deco and grand neo-classical designs. Also journey to Colonia del Sacramento, known for its cobblestone streets and painted houses fronted by sycamore trees, to join a privately guided walking tour of its old forts and Portuguese heritage. During these stopovers, spend an afternoon sipping Uruguay’s signature wine at a local winery and experience a typical Uruguayan ‘parrilla’ lunch.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Posada del Faro £££££

  • Uruguay

Posada del Faro is a rustic yet elegant whitewashed hotel with a lovely pool and terraces overlooking the Playa Brava. The Posada has 12 bright, airy rooms with small fireplaces and private terraces. All rooms have wireless internet, ceiling fans and most rooms have air-conditioning.

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Charco Hotel £££££

  • Uruguay

Charco Hotel is located in the historic centre of Colonia del Sacramento, with great views across the River Plate. The White Rooms are tastefully decorated in a colonial style, bright, spacious and white. Charco Hotel offers just eight rooms and therefore attention to detail and great service also. For dining, Charco Hotel has a small bistro with wonderful meals that are made only from the freshest ingredients. Dine while enjoying the views of the river. For those who like a bike ride, the hotel provides bicycles to get around the city.

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Alma Historica Hotel £££££

  • Uruguay

A restored Palace from the 1900s, The Alma Historica Hotel is located near to the Zabala Square, one of the most romantic spots in Montevideo. The property perfectly blends modern and traditional styles. This small boutique hotel offers an elegant and refined stay. The 15 rooms are inspired by Uruguayan culture.

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Narbona Wine Lodge £££££

  • Uruguay

Part of the Relais & Chateau group, Narbona Wine Lodge, is located just 20 km from Carmelo. Narbona Wine Lodge offers just five rooms, each decorated with antique furniture, either overlooking the winery or vineyards. The lodge offers a wide selection of activities and excursions covering the wine industry and the possibility of sampling excellent wine accompanied by delicious food. Facilities include guided tour of the winery, outdoor swimming pool, mountain bikes, cart rides, gym and reading room.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £4,545 Per person

When to travel

Uruguay in January

January and February are the warmest months to visit Uruguay, with temperatures peaking at over 30°C in some inland areas. It is the busiest time of year for both local and foreigners to travel in the country, so be sure to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation.

Uruguay in February

January and February are the warmest months to visit Uruguay, with temperatures peaking at over 30°C in some inland areas. It is the busiest time of year for both local and foreigners to travel in the country, so be sure to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation.

Uruguay in March

March is a great time to visit Uruguay, with the locals having gone back to work. This leaves the country’s beautiful beaches quiet, but with warm air and sea temperatures. Carnival and other festivals are in full swing, so there is still plenty going on.

Uruguay in April

April and May bring autumn across the country, although the sea is at it’s warmest. This makes it a great time to explore the beaches or dip in hot springs along the Rio Uruguay.

Uruguay in May

April and May bring autumn across the country, although the sea is at it’s warmest. This makes it a great time to explore the beaches or dip in hot springs along the Rio Uruguay.

Uruguay in June

June to August is winter in Uruguay, and is the quietest time of year for travel. Winters here are mild and can be quite dry, so it can be a good time for a cultural trip, exploring Montevideo and the quaint smaller towns. On the coast, southern right whales can be spotted as they come to breed.

Uruguay in July

June to August is winter in Uruguay, and is the quietest time of year for travel. Winters here are mild and can be quite dry, so it can be a good time for a cultural trip, exploring Montevideo and the quaint smaller towns. On the coast, southern right whales can be spotted as they come to breed.

Uruguay in August

June to August is winter in Uruguay, and is the quietest time of year for travel. Winters here are mild and can be quite dry, so it can be a good time for a cultural trip, exploring Montevideo and the quaint smaller towns. On the coast, southern right whales can be spotted as they come to breed.

Uruguay in September

Spring is in sight, but there is still plenty of snow on the mountains. Newborn lambs can be spotted in the vibrant green fields.

Uruguay in October

Spring arrives in late September and October, with temperatures rising quickly into the 20s. Hotels and restaurant start to re-open, although the beaches remain quiet.

Uruguay in November

November and December is a beautiful time of year to visit Uruguay, with long, pleasantly warm days but before peak season. If you are planning to visit towards the end of December over Christmas and New Year, you should secure your accommodation well in advance.

Uruguay in December

November and December is a beautiful time of year to visit Uruguay, with long, pleasantly warm days but before peak season. If you are planning to visit towards the end of December over Christmas and New Year, you should secure your accommodation well in advance.

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