Carmelo
On the shores of Rio de la Plata, Carmelo is Uruguay's little secret. Carmelo is a relaxed town with bicycles as the…
Often overlooked, Uruguay is a little gem tucked under the arm of Argentina and certainly worth considering for a holiday either as a sole destination or combined with Argentina.
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.
Our classic self-drive route through Uruguay unveils the highlights of this often-overlooked nation. From strolling the old dockside markets of Montevideo to cheese and wine pairing in Carmelo, we can curate a fully-tailored trip bursting with extraordinary experiences.
Navigate between sleepy fishing villages and traditional estancias, roam colonial towns, sip your way around vineyards and stroll along the Atlantic.
Uruguay is one of the smallest countries in South America, with the engaging capital city of Montevideo, the beautiful colonial town of Colonia, a large number of long sandy beaches and beautiful landscapes. We love Punta del Este and José Ignacio, the playgrounds of the rich and famous and for those with their finger on the pulse. We also love the wild coastlines and remote hamlets, providing authentic and unusual travel experiences.
Uruguay has an extremely successful olive oil production, exporting high-grade oils that are receiving international recognition, alongside its increasingly popular wine industry. Wine bodegas and olive oil farms can be found countrywide, offering tastings and farm stays. Along with its wonderful bread and cheeses, Uruguay is a leading gastronomic destination.
Uruguay is also one of the easiest countries to travel in within South America. It is safe, English widely spoken and it’s small size means there’s no need for domestic flights. With this in mind it is not surprising self-drive holidays are a very popular way to explore Uruguay.
The chic sophistication of Punta del Este and José Ignacio is the talking point of Uruguay and these towns are fast becoming South America’s most glamorous beach resorts. Move outside and you find rolling countryside, gauchos, herds of cattle and sheep and some beautiful estancias, some of which accept guests providing some idyllic riding opportunities. Wine production is in full swing and you should try the various varieties including the red wine produced from tannat grapes. Travel to Colinas Garzón, reminiscent of the Tuscan hills, and sample the wonderful olive oils. Finally, do not miss the Spanish colonial heritage epitomised in the UNESCO site of Barrio Historico in 17th century Colonia del Sacramento.
Discover suggested activities to include on your Uruguay holiday
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Bahia Vik is a natural and contemporary retreat located in the sand dunes. With room terraces spilling out to the beach, rolling out of bed and into the Atlantic waves quickly becomes a daily ritual. There…
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…
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…
La Baguala is an estancia from the 1940’s which has been renovated to provide modern comforts whilst preserving the old charm, by keeping original timeless pieces. It is located in the rural area near the city…
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?