Luxury and nature in Uruguay
Rolling hills & open pampas 9 days Charm & Character

Luxury and nature in Uruguay

Between secret estancias and wild beaches, Uruguay reveals its treasures in a setting of authentic luxury.

From€1,490per person
26 years of local expertise4.83/5 (28 reviews including 24 Google)

Duration

9 days

From

€1,490/pers.

Ideal seasons

Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec

Style

Self-drive tour

Comfort

Charm & Character

Travelers

Couple, Solo, senior, Honeymoon

The spirit of travel

Luxury hotels by the sea, charming guesthouses in the heart of nature, and what if you set out to discover the riches of Uruguay while enjoying all the comfort and hospitality that the country has to offer!

Behind the wheel of your rental vehicle, take the time to explore at your own pace this small, little-known but so charming Latin American country brimming with cultural and natural sites of great beauty.

This self-drive formula offers you great freedom while benefiting from carefully selected accommodations. Between heritage, natural spaces, gastronomy and local traditions, each stop allows you to discover Uruguay in privileged conditions, at your own pace.

A journey that combines comfort, independence and diversity of experiences, to discover the different facets of Uruguay with complete peace of mind.

The stages of your journey

D1
MontevideoHôtel 5 étoiles
D2–3
Pueblo EdénLoge
D4
La PalomaMaison d'hôtes
D5–6
Punta del DiabloHôtel 5 étoiles
D7
Laguna de CastillosEstancia (exploitation agricole)
D8–9
MontevideoHôtel 5 étoiles

Highlights

Luxury stud farm at Pueblo Edén
Cabo Polonio Reserve
Atlantic deserted beaches
Traditional Estancia
Wild sea lions
Parque Santa Teresa

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome to Montevideo!

We land at Montevideo international airport, where we are welcomed and transferred to our magnificent hotel, ideally located on the waterfront a few steps from Pocitos beach.

We immediately set out on an English-speaking guided tour of the city (duration: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes), during which we cover the landmark sites of the Uruguayan capital:

  • its old town (Constitution Square, cathedral, Independence Square, …)

  • the "18 de Julio" avenue, the main artery of the city which notably leads to the seat of Parliament and Senate

  • the Centenario stadium, the pride of the city where the national football team became world champions in 1930

Montevideo is obviously inseparable from the Rio de la Plata, this immense estuary forming a triangular indentation on the Atlantic coast. We continue our explorations through the districts bordering its shores, starting with Punta Carretas at the southern tip of the city, then heading east and successively crossing Pocitos with its lovely beach and marina, Malvin bordered by several beautiful beaches and finally Carrasco and its famous casino.

Hôtel 5 étoiles
Jour 2
D2

On the way to the countryside

This morning we pick up our rental vehicle at our hotel.

We head towards the Maldonado department, east of Montevideo. Our destination is the rural area of Pueblo Eden, a paradise for nature lovers with its hills, woods, waterfalls and fields.

We settle in for a 2-day, 2-night stay in a magnificent Haras in the middle of this enchanting setting. We can enjoy long horseback rides, on purebred Arabians (experience necessary). Our cottage in the middle of the meadows, our terrace overlooking the rolling countryside, the silence and the starry sky… an idyllic stay ahead of us!

LogeBreakfast
Jour 3
D3

Full day at the lodge

Full day at the lodge to enjoy the facilities, nature and walks and other activities offered.
LogeBreakfast
Jour 4
D4

Towards the coast

Pueblo EdénLa Paloma

1h40130 km

We head back east towards the beach resort of La Paloma where we settle into our magnificent house/suite located in the heart of nature close to the Laguna de Rocha Natural Park, in a rare and privileged natural setting. The beach is a 5-minute walk away.

La Paloma is a relaxation destination appreciated for its beautiful deserted beaches and numerous natural sites such as the Ombúes forest. Surfers will find what they're looking for, nature lovers too, and with a bit of luck at the end of the austral winter you can spot whales during migration.

Maison d'hôtesBreakfast
Jour 5
D5

The Ecological Reserve of Cabo Polonio

La PalomaCabo Polonio

50min50 km

We dedicate our day to a free visit of the ecological reserve of Cabo Polonio, a small corner of paradise forgotten by tourists. Home to the largest refuge of sea lions in South America, its vast deserted beaches and its few typical dwellings scattered and accessible only on foot or by 4x4 through the dunes, contribute to the timeless atmosphere that emanates from the place.

Cabo PolonioPointe Du Diablo

1h60 km

After our visits we head towards Punta del Diablo and settle into our magnificent hotel located on the Viuda beach. On our terrace, feet in the sand, between the dunes and a small fishing village, … what more could we dream of? A panoramic hot tub overlooking the vastness of the sea? It's right there, in our suite!

Hôtel 5 étoilesBreakfast
Jour 6
D6

Punta del Diablo and Santa Teresa National Park

The fishing village of Punta del Diablo charms us with the serenity of the place and the immense nearly deserted beaches, a paradise for nature lovers and surf enthusiasts.

A few kilometers from our hotel, accessible on foot or by bike from the beach, lies one of the jewels of Uruguay: the Santa Teresa national park. The park's 3,000 hectares border the Atlantic Ocean and are home to native wildlife, superb beaches, a magnificent botanical garden and a historic fortress from which the view over the bay is exceptional.

Hôtel 5 étoilesBreakfast
Jour 7
D7

Rural stay in an estancia

Pointe Du DiabloLaguna de Castillos

40min50 km

Today, a change of scenery and direction towards the shores of the Laguna de Castillos for a new immersion into rural Uruguayan life through a stay with full board in an estancia, the Latin American equivalent of the North American ranch.

Ours is an antique house offering excellent quality comfort and an old-world atmosphere with its large rooms with fireplaces.

We are on full board.

On the program: relaxation, nature walks and many other activities offered by the estancia.

Estancia (exploitation agricole)BreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 8
D8

Return to Montevideo

Today we take the road back to Montevideo.

We have the rest of the day to freely explore the city, admire its magnificent colonial architecture or stroll along its legendary beaches. But perhaps we will simply prefer to enjoy our extraordinary hotel, one of the most luxurious in the city, blending old-world charm and French elegance. An unforgettable place to end our stay in style!

Return of our rental vehicle at the hotel.

Hôtel 5 étoilesBreakfast
Jour 9
D9

Welcome back!

Start of the day free until the time of transfer to the airport for our international flight.
Breakfast

Price per person

2 pers.€1,680/pers.
4 pers.€1,490/pers.

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
  • entry 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 in 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 English-speaking 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 of unlimited mileage vehicle rental (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 partner

Travel 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 insurance

Frequently 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.

Pierre, Refined Uruguayan Getaway Creator
26years of expertise

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

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.83/5