Cobbled Streets
Spend time in the quaint UNESCO World Heritage town of Colonia del Sacramento.
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.
Spend time in the quaint UNESCO World Heritage town of Colonia del Sacramento.
Make the most of the many opportunities to sample Uruguay’s distinct wine.
Feel the fresh ocean breeze during a stay on the beaches of Jose Ignacio.
Walk through dunes to the curiously disconnected hamlet of Cabo Polonio.
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.
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
Experience a typical Uruguayan ‘parrilla’ lunch and walk the streets of the old colonial neighbourhood.
Day 2
Montevideo - Colonia del Sacramento
Spend time in UNESCO Colonia del Sacramento to explore the old forts and Portuguese heritage.
Day 3
Colonia del Sacramento - Carmelo
Day 4
Carmelo
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
Relax and unwind on the beaches of Jose Ignacio.
Day 11
José Ignacio - Montevideo
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spring is in sight, but there is still plenty of snow on the mountains. Newborn lambs can be spotted in the vibrant green fields.
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.
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.
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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