Uruguay Express
Montevideo & Colonia 4 days classique

Uruguay Express

Between Rio de la Plata and beach resorts, a concentrated taste of Uruguay in just three days.

From€550per person
26 years of local expertise4.83/5 (28 reviews including 24 Google)

Duration

4 days

From

€550/pers.

Ideal seasons

Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

classique

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends, senior

The spirit of travel

Uruguay has so much to offer but you only have a few days ? This express tour is perfect for you! In 4 days it will give you a first glimpse of this small little-known yet so rich country: history, city, beach and wine tasting, there's no doubt you'll only want one thing at the end of your journey: to come back as soon as possible!

On the program, discover the historic district of Colonia del Sacramento, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the renowned vineyards of the region, the beaches of the Uruguayan coast and the atmosphere of Montevideo. This short stay allows you to discover the main assets of the country, between heritage, gastronomy, nature and art of living.

The itinerary alternates cultural visits, tastings of local products, seaside walks and discovery of Uruguayan traditions. An ideal getaway to discover Uruguay through its emblematic sites, its local specialties and the warm welcome of its inhabitants.

The stages of your journey

D1
MontevideoHôtel 4 étoiles
D2
PiriápolisHôtel 4 étoiles
D3
MontevideoHôtel 4 étoiles
D4
Colonia del Sacramento

Highlights

Montevideo and Colonial Heritage
Punta del Este golden coast
Boutique bodega tasting
Colonia del Sacramento UNESCO
Authentic Mercado del Puerto
Rio de la Plata panoramas

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome to Montevideo!

We land at Montevideo International Airport, where we are welcomed by an English-speaking guide and transferred to our hotel, located in the Punta Carretas district.

We set off without further delay for a guided city tour (with English-speaking guide; duration: approximately 3h30), during which we explore the landmark sites of the Uruguayan capital:

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

  • the "18 de Julio" avenue, the city's main thoroughfare leading notably to the Parliament and Senate headquarters

  • the Centenario Stadium, the city's pride where the national football team became world champions in 1930

For lunch we head to an institution of the old town: the Mercado del Puerto, a former train station housing a multitude of small shops (called boliches here) where city residents like to gather to eat. A glass of Medio y Medio (the traditional drink of the place) accompanied by a succulent Brasero (immense local barbecue), and we are immersed in the joyful Uruguayan atmosphere of the street!

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 4 étoiles
Jour 2
D2

Piriápolis and Punta del Este

MontevideoPiriápolis

1h40100 km

Today we take part in a full-day bus excursion (guided tours in Spanish, English and Portuguese). Our first stop is the small seaside resort of Piriápolis, located about a hundred kilometers east of Montevideo on the bay of the same name. Bordered by beautiful beaches dominated by green hills, the town exudes a charming vintage appeal and offers magnificent viewpoints.

About forty kilometers to the east, Punta del Este is the country's most famous beach resort. The "Saint-Tropez of Latin America" boasts a particularly picturesque coastline and beaches, some suited to families (calm sea), others to surfers. Art lovers are not left out with the famous Casa Pueblo by artist Carlos Paez Vilaró and the Parque de Esculturas of the Fundation Pablo Atchugarry. The colonial architecture of the city, though hidden among modern buildings, will delight enthusiasts.

At the end of the day, return to Montevideo.

Hôtel 4 étoiles
Jour 3
D3

Montevideo

Free day in Montevideo.

Optional: wine tasting visit in a Boutique Bodega. Discover one of Uruguay's most renowned vineyards, with numerous international awards. The tasting includes 4 wines and various accompaniments: cheeses, charcuterie, country pâtés, fresh bread, etc. Possibility to have lunch on site. Price: €140/person

Hôtel 4 étoilesBreakfast
Jour 4
D4

We check out of our hotel rooms this morning before taking part in a bus excursion to Colonia del Sacramento (guided tour in Spanish, English and Portuguese). This colonial city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site is the oldest in the country, founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, on the banks of the estuary opposite Buenos Aires. The city changed hands several times between the Portuguese and Spanish and conceals architectural treasures, such as the Calle de los Suspiros, the Holy Sacrament Church, the San Pedro bastion, the port or even the lighthouse from which the panoramic view of the city is superb. How lovely it is to stroll through these small paved streets!

After our visits, we are transferred to the Colonia port.

Breakfast

Price per person

2 pers.€600/pers.
4 pers.€550/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
  • tips and personal expenses
  • the drinks
  • everything that is not mentioned in the inclusions

Included

  • accommodation with breakfast included (3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Montevideo in a double room)
  • assistance from our team 24/7 before, during and after your trip
  • the private transfer from Montevideo airport to hotel with English-speaking guide
  • the private tour of Montevideo with English-speaking guide (3h30)
  • Lunch at Mercado del Puerto
  • the regular bus excursion from your hotel to Piriápolis and Punta del Este
  • the regular bus excursion from your hotel to Colonia del Sacramento
  • the transfer to the port of Colonia

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