The South Coast in 8 days of self-drive
A coastal ribbon between Rio de la Plata and the Atlantic, from fishing villages to gaucho estancias.
Duration
8 days
From
€1,300/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Uruguay's southern coastline has much to offer: colonial towns, dream beaches, bucolic vineyards, natural reserves… Get behind the wheel and discover this overlooked country where life is so good!
From Colonia del Sacramento to Montevideo, passing through coastal villages and wine estates, this itinerary alternates between heritage, nature and gastronomy. Thanks to the freedom offered by self-drive touring, you take time to enjoy each stop, between seaside strolls, wine tastings and discovering local traditions.
The route also allows you to discover the natural reserves of the coastline, observe varied wildlife, particularly many bird species, and enjoy the long Atlantic beaches. Between historic towns, seaside resorts and the Uruguayan countryside, this trip offers a complete overview of the main attractions of the south of the country.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
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 neighborhood.
We immediately set out on a guided city tour (with English-speaking guide; duration: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes), during which we discover the landmarks of the Uruguayan capital:
its old town (Constitution Square, cathedral, Independence Square, …)
the "18 de Julio" avenue, the main thoroughfare of the city which notably leads to the Parliament and Senate building
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 for meals. A glass of Medio y Medio (the traditional drink of the place) accompanied by a succulent Brasero (huge local barbecue), and we find ourselves immersed in the joyful Uruguayan atmosphere of the street!
Montevideo is of course inseparable from the Rio de la Plata, this immense estuary forming a triangular indentation on the Atlantic coast. We continue our exploration through the neighborhoods 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.
Colonia del Sacramento
Montevideo → Colonia del Sacramento
This morning we take possession of our rental vehicle at our hotel.
Without further delay, we set off for Colonia del Sacramento. This colonial town 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 town changed hands several times between the Portuguese and Spanish and conceals architectural treasures, such as the Calle de los Suspiros, the Church of the Holy Sacrament, the San Pedro bastion, the port and the lighthouse from which the panorama of the city is superb. How pleasant it is to stroll through these small cobbled streets! The visit of the historic center is done in the company of an English-speaking private guide.
We settle for the night in a Posada (a typical inn/guesthouse) located in the center of the town.
Rural immersion in an estancia
Today, a change of scenery and heading to the interior for a discovery of Uruguayan rural life through a stay with full board in an estancia, the Latin American equivalent of the North American ranch. Ours is a vast agricultural operation of 1000 hectares where we have ample opportunity to discover the agricultural traditions of the country while enjoying excellent quality comfort.
Among the possible activities:
horseback rides or carriage rides through the countryside, vineyards or the Sierras, in the company of a gaucho
hiking
outdoor swimming pool
games room, tennis, ping-pong, volleyball, …
Colonia del Sacramento → San José
Free explorations around Minas, Piriapolis and Punta del Este
San José → Minas
The Minas region, located northeast of Montevideo and approximately 1 hour from the coast, is a hilly area that will delight nature lovers and those seeking fresh air and ideal for beautiful walks.
Optional: visit to a Bodega and wine tasting
Visit a vineyard in the midst of beautiful rolling countryside and then taste 5 wines, including 2 premium ones, with the Maldonado mountains as a backdrop. Artisanal cheeses accompany this feast.
(€45/person)
Minas → Piriápolis
The small seaside resort of Piriápolis is located about a hundred kilometers east of Montevideo on the shores of the bay of the same name. Lined with superb beaches dominated by green hills, the city exudes a quaint charm and offers magnificent views.
About forty kilometers to the east, Punta del Este is the country's most famous seaside resort. The "Saint-Tropez of Latin America" boasts a particularly picturesque coastline and beaches, some suited to families (calm waters), 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 colonial architecture of the city, though nestled among modern buildings, will delight enthusiasts.
Night in a beautiful hotel on the Punta del Este peninsula, close to the beaches.
Cabo Polonio Ecological Reserve
We dedicate our day to a free visit to the Cabo Polonio ecological reserve, a small corner of paradise forgotten by tourists. Home to South America's largest colony of sea lions, its vast deserted beaches and its few typical dwellings scattered throughout and accessible only on foot or by 4x4 through the dunes, contribute to the timeless atmosphere that emanates from the place.
At the end of our wanderings, we take the road to the seaside resort of La Paloma where we settle into our magnificent hotel located right in the center and close to the beach.
Relaxation in Punta del Diablo
We continue eastward and reach the fishing village of Punta del Diablo. The serenity of the place captivates us and the immense, almost deserted beaches are a paradise for nature lovers and surf enthusiasts.
Our hotel could not be more perfect for enjoying these idyllic surroundings! Located right on the beach with extraordinary ocean views from our terrace, we will have an embarrassment of riches choosing between answering the call of the sea or splashing about in the hotel's beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
Walk to Santa Teresa National Park
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 3000 hectares border the Atlantic Ocean and are home to native wildlife, stunning beaches, a magnificent botanical garden and a historic fortress from which the view over the bay is exceptional.
Night in the same hotel.
Welcome back!
Our road trip is coming to an end and it's time to head back to Montevideo. Return of our vehicle at the airport.
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
- tips and personal expenses
- beverages
- everything not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- accommodations with breakfasts (1 night in a 4-star hotel in Montevideo, 1 night in a posada in Colonia, 1 full board stay in an estancia in San Jose, 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Punta del Este, 1 night in a 4-star hotel in La Paloma, 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Punta del Diablo)
- assistance from our team 24/7 before, during and after your trip
- private airport transfer Montevideo - hotel with English-speaking guide
- the private tour of Montevideo with English-speaking guide (3h30)
- lunch at Mercado del Puerto
- 7 days of vehicle rental (unlimited mileage)
- the walking tour of Colonia with English-speaking guide
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
