Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A Road Trip Through Uruguay Vineyard Tours and Blissful Beach Days
Argentina - Buenos Aires - Uruguay - Colonia del Sacramento – Carmelo - Montevideo - Pueblo Eden - Jose Ignacio
Pair unhurried Uruguay with adventurous Argentina, as you begin your two-week holiday in Buenos Aires. Glimpse into the past in San Telmo and discover its nearby neighbourhoods before experiencing the capital’s captivating nightlife, where tango takes centre stage.
Then a short, hour-long boat trip across the Rio de la Plata will take you to Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay, where you’ll spend two nights. Follow a private guide around the must-see spots of the UNESCO-listed historic quarter, before your road trip begins.
Pick up your hire car and head north into the rolling vineyards of Carmelo, the lush wine region. Spend a night here, then swing eastward to Montevideo, Uruguay’s inviting capital, where lively market stalls await.
Pueblo Eden’s rustic posadas (country inns) and verdant meadows are next on the agenda, followed by the fishing village of Jose Ignacio, where it’s all about coastal calm. Home to windswept dunes and blissful beaches, this is the ideal spot to slow down, enjoy sunset walks and toast to the end of your adventure.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine, your two-week South American adventure begins today. Head to the airport and whizz through security before boarding your 17-hour flight to Buenos Aires, with a short stopover en route.
When you arrive, you’ll be privately transferred to the historic San Telmo district, where you’ll check in for two nights. Do as the locals do and savour a cortado (a small coffee), then delve into the district’s rich architecture, charming antique shops and lively Sunday market (if you’re there on a Sunday, of course).
Beyond San Telmo, explore La Boca, or venture into the city centre to discover Plaza de Mayo, Calle Florida and Avenida 9 de Julio, the world’s widest avenue, before stopping for medialunas (croissants) at Gran Café Tortoni.
Keen to see the city’s youngest neighbourhood? Then, it’s onwards to Puerto Madero. Or for your creative fix, visit Recoleta and Palermo. And don’t miss a tour of Buenos Aires’ milongas, where people of all ages gather to dance tango.
Spend this evening as you please, dine at the hotel restaurant or head out to Palermo Hollywood to experience the capital’s vibrant nightlife.
Wave goodbye to Argentina this morning as you’re privately transferred to the pier for an hour-long boat trip across the Rio de la Plata to the small town of Colonia del Sacramento, in Uruguay. When you arrive, another private transfer will whisk you into the town centre for a two-night stay.
Check into your centrally located hotel and find your feet in your new surroundings. One of the oldest towns in Uruguay, Colonia del Sacramento, boasts cobbled streets, lined with boutiques, museums and cafes galore.
Come evening, why not ask our in-the-know Concierge for their top restaurant recommendations?
Today’s all about glimpsing into Colonia’s past. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and later contested and occupied by the Spanish, the city’s architecture showcases a fusion of Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial influences. Accompanied by a guide, set off on a private walking tour of the city. With plenty to see, exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site is likely to set new step count records. Visit the 18th-century city gate, Porton de Campo, before heading to the vibrant ‘Street of Sighs’, one of the country’s most photographed streets.
Next, it’s on to the ruins of the Viceroy's House and the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament. Continue to the Azulejo Museum, the Indigenous Museum and the Nacarello House, before heading further afield to the Plaza de Toros, the city’s former bullring.
After all that exploring, you’ll likely have worked up quite an appetite. We’ve reserved a table for you in an excellent restaurant close to the historic centre, where you can sample traditional Uruguayan dishes.
Ready to hit the road? It’s time to pick up your hire car and set off for Carmelo, about an hour away. Tune into our destination-specific playlist for the journey, then check in for the night at a charming posada.
While you’re in the region, why not sip your way through a vineyard or two? The vineyards here were planted by Spanish colonists and have focused on a single grape variety, Moscatel, for a long time, however a new variety – the tannat from Madiran – was introduced by Basque Pascual Harriague in the late 19th century. Today, it’s still one of Uruguay’s main varieties of grape and is thriving thanks to fertile soil and plenty of sunshine.
If you're after more of an adventure, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Hop in a canoe and glide along the Rio de la Plata, explore the surrounding countryside on a horse in true gaucho style, try your hand at polo, or perfect your swing at one of the many golf courses in the area.
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast because you're back on the road this morning. Settle in behind the wheel or nab the passenger seat and admire the unfolding coastal landscapes during the three-and-a-half-hour journey.
When you arrive in the capital, check into your new home for the next two nights. The rest of the day is all yours; unpack, head out and explore your new surroundings, or ask our Concierge for their favourite hidden-gem restaurants for a delicious dinner.
Enjoy a relaxed morning as you settle into the rhythm of Montevideo. This is the perfect place to explore on foot, so lace up your shoes and head out with your guide. Tick off some of the capital's main sights, from the Cathedral and the Torres Garcia Museum to the Gurvich Museum, the Gateway of the Citadel and the Constitution Square (the city’s oldest square).
Don’t forget to visit the Port Market too. A former goods warehouse, it’s been lined with parrillas (grill restaurants), art galleries and craft shops since 1960. The meat here is often cooked right in front of you, before being served at the counters. Stomach already rumbling? We’ve organised an optional lunch in one of the market’s traditional restaurants, so you can sample some local specialities.
Keen to continue exploring? Why not admire the rose garden in Prado Park? If you time it right (between October and April), you’ll see the garden in full bloom. Or pay homage to the Centenario stadium, which hosted the first football World Cup in 1930
Before leaving the capital, why not tap into your musical side and meet a drum maker who specialises in candombe drums? You’ll learn about the role of these instruments in traditional festivals and street parades.
Or, if you’d rather hit the road early, hop back into your hire car and set off for the two-hour drive to Pueblo Eden. For lunch with a view, we can point you in the direction of a charming restaurant en route that overlooks the Salto del Penitente waterfall.
When you arrive, settle in for two nights at an authentic horse farm tucked away in the heart of this stunning wine region. Enjoy the views from the terrace of your bungalow, hopefully with a class of local wine in hand.
Your stay in this rural village promises a return to simple pleasures: think horse rides, gentle walks in nature, losing yourself in a good book or taking refreshing dips in the pool. And when it comes to cuisine, the on-site restaurant won’t disappoint, with a delicious farm-to-table menu.
Another day, another road trip. Wave goodbye to Pueblo Eden and drive an hour south-east to Jose Ignacio, where you’ll be staying in a centrally located hotel for the next three nights, just a few steps from the beach.
Find your feet with a wander around your new surroundings, take a dip in the pool or simply relax on a lounger beneath the leafy shade. Then make the most of your direct access to Playa Brava, Jose Ignacio’s windswept beach, known for its powerful waves and picturesque views.
The next couple of days are all about exploring this small fishing village. Popular among nature-lovers, its wild beaches are sure to have you reaching for your camera. There are plenty of ways to make the most of your serene surroundings, whether that’s unwinding on a seaside stroll, visiting the famous lighthouse or heading out on a guided tour. And you won’t want to miss the seriously cute seal colonies, found basking in the sun on the rocky outcrops.
For even more vitamin sea, venture to the nearby resorts of La Pedrera, La Aguada and La Paloma. Or if you’re after vast natural landscapes, visit the Cabo Polonio National Park. Just under a two-hour drive from Jose Ignacio, it’s home to jagged rocks, pristine stretches of sand and rolling dunes.
In the evenings, dine at one of Jose Ignacio’s excellent restaurants. Perched on a dune overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is the kind of place where you’ll want to soak up the views.
All good things must come to an end, and it’s time to bid farewell to Jose Ignacio, and Uruguay, today.
Settle back behind the wheel for the two-hour-and-15-minute drive to Montevideo airport. Return your hire car before boarding your overnight flight home. The journey will take between 15 and 17 hours, touching down in the UK the following day.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
LUNCH AT MONTEVIDEO’S MERCADO DEL PUERTO
Immerse yourself in Uruguayan culture with a delicious lunch at the Mercado del Puerto. This buzzing local market serves up everything from grilled beef to traditional desserts. Do as the locals do and watch your food being cooked right in front of you, before tucking in at the counter.MEET A CANDOMBE DRUM MAKER
Embrace your creative side and dive into the world of candombe, Uruguay’s musical tradition. Meet a local drum maker and learn about his craft and experiences. They’ll share why this music is so important to Uruguayans and you could even combine your visit with a tour of the Carnival Museum and the southern district to gain a deeper understanding of the roots of Uruguayan Carnival.BEACH STROLLS IN JOSE IGNACIO
Dubbed the Saint-Tropez of South America, discover this seaside resort on a leisurely stroll. Admire its scenic beaches before visiting the Atchugarry Foundation, a cultural centre and park founded by Pablo Atchugarry to promote art in all its forms. Along the way, soak up the picturesque lighthouse and colourful fishing boats, which are sure to make for some photo-worthy views.VENTURE TO ARGENTINA’S TIGRE
Not quite ready to return home? Extend your stay by a day or two and discover Tigre, an enchanting riverside town home to thousands of streams and canals. Watch as boats glide lazily along the water, connecting the traditional stilted houses. This peaceful getaway offers a stark contrast to bustling Buenos Aires. Spend some time exploring the small town before embarking on a cruise through the Delta towards the Rio de la Plata.
Why visit Uruguay with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Uruguay
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption