Countryside, Sea and Well-being, in Semi-Freedom
Between family vineyards, wild dunes and century-old estancias, Uruguay reveals its secrets at your own pace.
Duration
11 days
From
€2,095/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
This discovery circuit of southern Uruguay highlights immersions in the countryside (winery visits, stays in rural estancias, natural reserves), seaside relaxation (at Cabo Colonio and Punta del Diablo) and culinary delights (gourmet meals and wine tastings).
You travel at your own pace, without a guide, but you don't have to worry about anything: all transportation is arranged, sometimes by private vehicle and sometimes by bus, for optimal comfort and travel peace of mind.
This itinerary also allows you to discover the historic cities of Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo, the wild beaches of the Atlantic coast as well as the rural traditions that define the country's identity. An ideal formula to enjoy the main attractions of southern Uruguay, between heritage, nature and gastronomy.
This trip offers a balance between cultural discoveries, local experiences and moments of relaxation, while favoring a pleasant travel pace.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Montevideo!
We land at Montevideo international airport, where we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel, located in the Punta Carretas neighborhood.
Wine tasting and gourmet lunch
Today we discover one of the most renowned vineyards in Uruguay, with numerous international awards. It is a family-sized structure where special emphasis is placed on meticulous control and verification of the entire manufacturing process. The tasting includes 4 wines and various accompaniments: cheeses, cold cuts, country pâtés, fresh bread, …
Gourmet lunch on site.
Private transfer included - Approximately 30 minutes' drive from Montevideo
Return to Montevideo. We have the rest of the day to freely visit the city, admire its superb colonial architecture or stroll along its legendary beaches. Among the sites of interest in the Uruguayan capital, we can mention its Old Town (Constitution Square, cathedral, Independence Square, …), the "18 de Julio" avenue, the city's main thoroughfare which leads in particular to the seat of Parliament and Senate, or the Centenario stadium, the pride of the city where the national football team became world champions in 1930.
Full is towards Cabo Colonio
This morning we are driven by private car to the bus station in Montevideo, where we take a regular bus to Cabo Colonio.
We settle into our lovely posada (Uruguayan inn) on the beachfront. Our hosts have renovated this former thatched cottage into a very beautiful inn where great attention is paid to details, service, visitor comfort and food quality.
The Ecological Reserve of Cabo Colonio
We dedicate our day to a free visit of the Cabo Polonio ecological reserve, a small corner of paradise forgotten by tourists. The largest refuge of sea lions in South America, its vast deserted beaches and a few typical dwellings scattered and accessible only on foot or by 4x4 through the dunes, contribute to the timeless atmosphere that emanates from this place.
Night in the same hotel.
Punta del Diablo
Cabo Polonio → Pointe Du Diablo
A regular bus takes us today to the fishing village of Punta del Diablo. We are immediately charmed by the serenity of the place and the immense almost deserted beaches, a paradise for nature lovers and surfing enthusiasts.
Our magnificent hotel is located on the Viuda beach. On our terrace, feet in the sand, between the dunes and a small fishing village, … what more could we soon dream of? A panoramic jacuzzi facing the vastness of the sea? It's here, in our suite!
Santa Teresa National Park
A few kilometers from Punta del Diablo lies one of the jewels of Uruguay : the Santa Teresa National Park. The park's 3000 hectares border the Atlantic Ocean and are home to native fauna, superb beaches, a magnificent botanical garden and a historic fortress offering exceptional views over the bay. We have the day to enjoy the sites and the vast white sand beaches.
(Transfers included)
Rural stay in an estancia
Punta del Diablo → Laguna de Castillos
Today, a change of scenery and direction towards the shores of the Laguna de Castillos (by private vehicle) for an immersion into Uruguayan rural life through a stay on a full board basis in an estancia, the Latin American equivalent of the North American ranch.
Ours is an antique house on the edge of a lagoon, offering excellent quality comfort and an old-fashioned atmosphere with its large lounges with fireplaces.
We are on full board.
On the program: relaxation, nature walks and many other activities offered by the estancia.
Full day at the estancia
Full day at our estancia to fully enjoy the surrounding nature, the calm, the charm of the place and the activities offered.
Full board.
Punta del Este with driver and guide
Laguna de Castillos → Punta del Este
This morning a driver takes us to Punta del Este, which we will visit accompanied by a guide.
Punta del Este is the most famous seaside resort in the country. The "Saint-Tropez of Latin America" boasts a particularly picturesque coast and beaches, some suited to families (calm sea), others to surfers. Art lovers are equally well served with the famous Casa Pueblo by artist Carlos Paez Vilaró and the Parque de Esculturas by the Fundation Pablo Atchugarry. The city's colonial architecture, though nestled among modern buildings, will delight enthusiasts.
At the end of the day our driver drops us off 35 km east, in the village of José Ignacio. We settle into our magnificent 4-star posada just a few meters from the beach. The inn features a private beach and an outdoor swimming pool and offers stunning ocean views.
Free day in José Ignacio
Full day to rest, enjoy our inn and stroll around. José Ignacio is a fashionable seaside resort that retains the charm of a fishing village. Among the various seafood specialties, we can taste the emblematic dish of the place, the seaweed omelet. Early risers will be able to watch fishermen return from fishing. Let's not miss climbing the lighthouse to admire the superb views of the coastline.
Welcome back!
It is already time to leave our corner of paradise and this morning we are transferred by private vehicle to the Punta del Este bus station.
It is aboard a regular bus that we conclude our trip and arrive at Montevideo airport for our return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- international flights and related taxes
- insurance
- entrance to Cabo Polonio (USD 10)
- tips and personal expenses
- the drinks
- everything that is not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- Accommodations with breakfasts included (2 nights in a 5-star hotel in Montevideo, 2 nights in a lodge at Pueblo Edén, 1 night in a house/suite in La Paloma, 2 nights in a 5-star boutique hotel in Punta del Diablo, 1 night in a rural estancia in Rocha)
- full board at the rural estancia
- assistance from our team 24/7 before, during and after your trip
- private airport-hotel and hotel-airport transfers in Montevideo
- the private tour of Montevideo with English-speaking guide (3h30)
- 7 days vehicle rental with unlimited mileage (Cat I. Renault Fluence, Duster (4x2) or similar)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Uruguay for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Uruguay, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. However, it is strongly advised that it remains valid for at least six months after your date of entry and contains at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada are exempt from visa requirements for tourist stays in Uruguay.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days from the date of entry. An extension can generally be requested from the Uruguayan immigration authorities (Dirección Nacional de Migración).
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return or connecting flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in Uruguay.
Health and vaccinations
No mandatory vaccination is required to enter Uruguay for travelers coming from countries without yellow fever risk. However, if you are arriving in transit from a country with yellow fever risk, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required upon arrival.
It is also recommended to ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, etc.) and to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the country may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence. Uruguayan authorities may also request documents attesting to the family relationship or parental authorization.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Uruguayan embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have coverage for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the full policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for following the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter Uruguay, a valid passport is required. Uruguay is one of the easiest countries to access in South America. Before booking, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Uruguayan consulate or embassy.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 170 and 280 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (1,000-1,400 euros return) are additional. Uruguay is often combined with Argentina (Buenos Aires-Colonia by ferry).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Montevideo Surroundings
Refined Uruguayan Getaway Creator, based in Montevideo
Uruguay doesn't seek to impress. It's a country to discover slowly, through its atmosphere, its encounters and that elegant simplicity that makes it so endearing.
— Pierre
