Nature and wildlife of Uruguay (private transfers)

Day 1 - Bienvenidos a Colonia

Today your Uruguay adventure starts in one of the most charming destinations in the country. Arrive at Colonia port where a private car will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, explore the city, declared World Heritage by the UNESCO. Founded by the Portuguese and disputed for years by the crowns of both Spain and Portugal, Colonia’s magical history remains intact. Walk along the charming cobbled streets guided by your local guide and discover the different sites.

Accommodation at hotel Charco in a standard room with breakfast for 2 nights.

Day 2 - The wines and cheeses of Uruguay

Meet your guide to drive to Bodega El Quinton to enjoy a visit to the vineyards and olive plantations followed by wine and olive oil tasting. Continue onto La Vigna Cheese Farm. Learn about the production of local cheese and taste some of the best cheese varieties in the area guided by the “Cheese Architect”.

Agustin and Lucila, owners of La Vigna, have created a very special place guided by sustainability and organic production. You will taste some of the most delicious and creative cheeses.

Suggested Optional Cheese Tasting lunch at La Vigna (not included).

Day 3 - On your way to Montevideo

Today you will take a private transfer from Colonia to Montevideo (without guide) and you will enjoy lunch at the Port Market.

After lunch meet with your local guide, for a walking tour of Old Montevideo. Get to know the history of the adjacent buildings, including the Independence Square, the historic Palacio Salvo, the President ́s office and the mausoleum of national hero José Gervasio Artigas. Dive into the history of the capital city where you will stroll along Sarandi Pedestrian Street, and the Matriz Square, where the Cathedral of Montevideo and the town ́s Cabildo are located. Visit two museums of your choice.

Accommodation at Alma Historica Boutique Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 4 - Modern Montevideo and Candombe experience

After breakfast you will meet with your local guide to enjoy a tour of Modern Montevideo.

Today you will visit the different neighbourhoods of Montevideo that started developing after the demolition of the Old City Walls on September 1829. Unlike the Old City, La
Ciudad Nueva (the new city), was planned with wide and tree lined streets, with magnificent stores and residences.

During the tour, we will include a very special visit to the studio of Lobo Nuñez, an Afro-Uruguayan drums luthier and percussionist considered a “legend” within the Uruguayan Candombe music genre.

Day 5 - A special stay in a real estancia!

After a relaxing breakfast, you will have a private transfer to the town of Valentines in the Province of Treinta y Tres (245kms / 4 hours).

A very authentic experience awaits you! You will stay at a real estancia with a local family that will include you in their daily countryside routines. Prepare yourself to live the real gaucho life!

Enjoy a Welcome dinner on arrival. The estancia includes daily activities such as horseback riding, cooking demonstrations, “asados” (barbecues), visits to the local town and rural daily activities.

Accommodation at Estancia Los Platanos in superior room for 2 nights with full board.

Day 6 - Enjoy your stay at the estancia

Enjoy a full day taking part in the experiences offered by the estancia.

Make the most of this day to get under the skin of Uruguayan culture. There is no better place than estancia los Platanos for a full immersion in the traditions of this enchanting country.

Day 7 - Brisas de la Pedrera, Rocha

In the morning, a private transfer (no guide) will drive you to Quebrada de los Cuervos National Park (117km, 2 hours) for a trekking adventure!

Meet your local guide at the entrance of the National park and start the 3-hour mini-trekking that will take you down the gorge to where the Olimar and Yerbal Rivers converge. Enjoy a local Picnic lunch specially prepared by your guide. In the afternoon, a private transfer (no guide) will drive you to Brisas de la Pedrera located within the province of Rocha (247km, 4hours).

Accommodation at Brisas de la Pedrera in a bahia suite for 3 nights with daily breakfast.

Day 8 - Day tour of Cabo Polonio sand dunes

The tour begins at the small town of Valizas where we will cross the stream on a local angler’s boat to enjoy a marvelous 4-hour barefoot trekking across the sand dunes to Cabo Polonio.

Enjoy the lovely view of the Ocean from the Buena Vista Hill before getting to the small fishing village. Lunch (included) will be at a seaside restaurant overlooking the ocean. After, climb the lighthouse to watch one of the largest colonies of sea lions of South America. During the afternoon, we will take a 4-wheel-monster-truck out of the village to drive back to your hotel.

Day 9 - Hike from La Coronilla to Santa Teresa National Park

The start our tour is at the small town of La Coronilla, where we will visit the visitors ́ Centre of the local NGO Karumbé (which means “turtle” in the local Guaraní language).  A specialist guide will tell us about the different activities they are carrying out in the area and guide us in our hike to the Green Hill Protected Area.

We will be looking for green turtles and dolphins (November to March). On arrival to the Santa Teresa National Park, we will enjoy a local picnic lunch and discover the Portuguese fortress and local history of the area.

Day 10 - Garzon, Uruguay's Tuscany!

The private tour begins with a visit to the sleepy town of Garzon, where we will stop at the main square, chapel and train station. Continue onto Garzon Winery for a visit with tasting and lunch included.

Built atop a rocky outcrop, the winery offers amazing views of the vineyards perched on the hillside with mineral intense, well-draining soils that create high-quality grapes. After lunch, transfer to your hotel in José Ignacio, where you will spend 3 nights at Hotel Anastasio in a standard suite with daily breakfast.

Day 11 - Tour to Punta del Este

Punta Del Este is definitely one of South America’s most glamorous resorts. You will be able to see many beaches, elegant seaside homes, high-rise apartment buildings, luxury hotels and glitzy restaurants. This private tour will take you through Punta Del Este’s attractions: the Main Avenue, the artisans market, the yacht’s port, the lighthouse, and more.

We will then drive over the undulated bridge to La Barra with its beaches chosen by surfers, colourful houses, many restaurants and a more relaxed atmosphere. We will make a stop in Punta Ballena where you will see Casapueblo, a unique and quirky building constructed by the famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez’ Vilaró (entrance included). Here you will see the most stunning views of the ocean and a spectacular sunset.

Day 12 - Anastasio estancia and lagoon

After breakfast, transfer to Estancia Anastasio for a bike ride along rural trails and past private estancias to the Anastasio Stream. From there we will kayak to the lagoon!

This lagoon has an outlet to the sea during winter months and is a veritable bird paradise with flamingos, swans, herons and storks among others.

We will enjoy a traditional picnic lunch and bike or transfer back to Jose Ignacio.

Day 13 - Departure

Today a private car will drive you to Montevideo airport for your flight back home.

Or if you are going back to Buenos Aires, you will be driven to the port for the ferry back to Argentina’s capital.