Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Uruguay Holidays

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.

Jose Ignacio, Uruguay
Jose Ignacio, Uruguay

A Taste of Uruguay

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.

11 days

from £4,545 pp

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Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Self-Drive Journey in Uruguay

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.

11 days

from £3,050 pp

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Mountains,Punta Ballena, Uruguay
Punta Ballena, Uraguay

Why we like Uruguay

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.

Vines, Carmelo, Uruguay
Vines, Carmelo, Uruguay

Food and Wine

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.

Punta del Este, Uruguay
Uruguay

Uruguay: What to Expect

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.

Explore Uruguay

  • Carmelo
  • Colonia del Sacramento
  • Jose Ignacio
  • Montevideo
  • Punta del Este

Experiences

Discover suggested activities to include on your Uruguay holiday

Gaucho Festival, Argentina
Uruguay

Gaucho Experience

Ride out with the gauchos and explore the rich countryside.

Suggested Holiday Idea

City of Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay

Montevideo

Explore several colonial cities, including the French/ Italian inspired cosmopolitan capital Montevideo.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Punta del Este Beach, Uruguay
Uruguay

Punta del Este Beaches

Relax on the golden beaches around the bohemian centre of Punta del Este.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Vineyard, Punta del Este, Uruguay
Uruguay

Wine Tasting

Visit some wine estates and olive oil farms and sample the excellent produce on offer.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Montevideo Central Market, Uruguay
Uruguay

Food and Wine Festival

Take part in Uruguay’s summer food and wine festival, attended by celebrity chefs from across South America.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Bahia Vik £££££

  • Uruguay

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 are eleven beach bungalows tucked in among the sand dunes which provide the screens which separate the bungalows from one another. Each bungalow is individually designed and offers two, three or four-bedroom suites. Each suite has its own living room and master bathroom. The main house accommodates a further 10 suites all with private terrace and sweeping views of the dunes, beach and ocean.

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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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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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La Baguala £££££

  • Uruguay

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 of Montevideo, on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, with wonderful views of the sea and the countryside. The hotel is surrounded by exquisite landscaped parks and gardens. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, white sandy beaches, tennis court, driving range, fitness centre and the possibility to take part in activities such as biking, horse riding and trekking.

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Playa Vik £££££

  • Uruguay

Playa Vik is a striking avant-garde beachfront hotel in the stylish and bohemian village of Jose Ignacio. One man’s design and the dream of another, Playa Vik is a piece of art in itself. The vast fifty-five-foot facade of the main house features a magnificent sliding wall of glass giving way to majestic views of the coastline. The main house is flanked by six small casas, each comprising of two or three bedrooms and private gardens. Each house features a fireplace and has a distinctly unique design, typical of the Vik Group. Facilities include a forty-foot wine cellar, a playroom, gym and two treatment rooms.

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Oliva Luxury Hotel £££££

  • Uruguay

Situated in one of Montevideo’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, Oliva Luxury Hotel has just 30 rooms including eight suites. The cool and contemporary character of the rooms is given a Uruguayan touch with a selection of artworks by local artists. Many rooms boast large windows that look out onto the hotel’s beautiful internal garden. Rooms are comfortable, spacious and well-appointed and come with numerous features and amenities. Hotel facilities include a spa, swimming pool, dry sauna and gym.

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