Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Uruguay in Style Capital Scenes, Vineyard Stays and Coastal Chill
Uruguay – Montevideo – Colonia del Sacramento – Carmelo – Pueblo Eden – Jose Ignacio
Hit the ground running in the capital, Montevideo, where eccentric architecture mingles with buzzing markets and effortlessly cool boutiques. Then, bundle into a hire car and set your sights on Colonia del Sacramento, the oldest city in the country and another surefire charmer.
Next up: wine country. Carmelo is home to some beautiful vineyards, as well as rolling hills, tree-lined paths and plenty of top-tier terroirs. Pretty hard to top that one, but a second vineyard stay should do the trick – enter Puerto Eden.
End your Uruguayan escape on the sandy shores of Jose Ignacio, a fishing village turned refined resort town. Two and a half hours from Montevideo, this coveted corner is frequented by locals in the know and well-heeled visitors from neighbouring countries. Spend your days here bathing in the ocean, sinking your toes into sun-warmed sand and watching the sunset ripple over the horizon – dreamy.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine – Uruguay awaits. Head to the airport, breeze through security and nip to the lounge for some complimentary fizz before departure. Flights to Montevideo, the capital, connect through Spain and take 16 and a half hours, so you’ll spend the night on board and arrive the following day.
After landing, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your centrally located hotel. Check in for two nights and indulge in some downtime before joining forces with a friendly local for a city tour this afternoon.
Start at the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, then peruse some paintings at Museo Torres Garcia and Museo Gurvich. Swap art for architecture next at the Gateway of the Citadel, the only remaining part of Montevideo’s 18th-century fortifications, and Constitution Plaza, the oldest square in the capital.
Afterwards, refuel with a hearty dinner in the city. If you need some inspiration for where to go, just reach out to our local Concierge.
Leap out of bed this morning to make the most of your first full day in the capital. Be sure to bite into a buttery bizcocho (Uruguayan for pastry) at breakfast before hitting the streets.
For a gentle start to the day, stroll along the Port of Montevideo, a major economic hub. After this, delve into the hubbub at Plaza Independencia, the main public square, and Avenida 18 de Julio, the main street. Nearby, the eccentric Palacio Salvo looms overhead, while more military vestiges can be seen at Fortaleza del Cerro, a former military fort. Finally, for a break from urban life, slip away to the botanical garden in Prado Park.
After another culturally rich day in Montevideo, return to your hotel for some well-earned R&R before dinner. If you haven’t already, order capeletis a la Caruso – a traditional pasta dish featuring meat-stuffed tortellini, cream and mushrooms.
Heed the call of adventure this morning by collecting your hire car and embarking on the journey to Colonia del Sacramento, two hours and 30 minutes away. The route skirts the Rio de la Plata, a broad estuary dividing Uruguay and Argentina, so be sure to glance out the window every now and then (within reason).
When you arrive, check in for two nights in a characterful hotel and drop your bags. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please, whether that means relaxing by the pool or cracking open your holiday read.
However you round out the day, just be sure to factor in a delicious dinner and a moment watching the sun set over the horizon.
The name of the game today: discovering Colonia del Sacramento. The oldest city in the country, it boasts a rich heritage and a UNESCO-listed historic quarter, which you’ll discover on a private guided tour after breakfast.
Kick off at the port, where the city’s initial purpose as a fort town is still visible. Then, head to the centre along the boulevard that borders the historic quarter, rubbing shoulders with the locals and hearing fascinating facts along the way.
Quench your thirst afterwards with an introduction to Uruguay’s national drink: mate (yes, really). Mate, pronounced ‘mah-teh’, is an integral part of daily life and is often offered when welcoming newcomers. Learn about local production techniques and the drink’s cultural significance before tasting it yourself.
Then, step out this evening to dine in a restored 1920s building. Here, you can enjoy a twist on traditional Uruguayan cuisine, prepared with ingredients from the property’s own vegetable garden.
Tuck into a tasty breakfast this morning to fuel up for the one-hour drive to Carmelo, a little way up the coast. If your road trip tunes need a refresh along the way, dial up the cultural immersion with our destination-specific playlist.
Pull up to your next hotel around midday and settle in for a two-night stay in the heart of a luxurious wine estate. Divvy up the sides of the bed and stretch out any post-car-journey stiffness before scoping out your suave new digs – after all, the rest of the day is yours to play with.
Come evening, reap the rewards of your boozy surroundings by pairing your meal with some top-tier wines (it would be rude not to). Then, sink into a plush stack of pillows and rest up for the adventures of tomorrow.
Today is all about soaking up the sunshine in Carmelo, so lather on the SPF, don your sunnies and step out to explore this wine-rich region at your own pace.
Lovingly dubbed the ‘Uruguayan Tuscany’, Carmelo is the perfect base for visiting bodegas and learning about local wines. Having long been confined to a single grape variety (Moscatel), the area now produces Tannat, which originated in France and remains Uruguay’s main speciality. Feel free to visit two – or three – vineyards today to truly appreciate the flavours of the country’s renowned wines.
Fancy a different brand of adventure? Climb in a canoe to cruise down the Rio de la Plata, or giddy up on a horse to ride through the countryside, gaucho (traditional skilled horseman) style. You could even take it one step further with an introduction to polo. Today, the world – by which we mean Carmelo – is your oyster.
Double down on the vineyard visits today by checking out, loading up the car and driving to Pueblo Eden, five hours east of Carmelo. This is the longest drive of the trip, so be sure to stock up on road trip snacks before setting off.
Park up in front of your next hotel this afternoon and check in for a two-night stay in the heart of a 618-acre vineyard. Then, stretch your legs with a stroll around the property, followed by a celebratory drink and a mouth-watering meal – you've earned it after today’s drive.
The rest of your time here can be spent indulging in more generous pours and hearty bites (you are on holiday, after all). Pueblo Eden is also full of rural roads rarely frequented by cars, making them great for walking and hiking. So, if you can pry yourselves away from the vineyard, don’t hesitate to stroll further afield.
The plan today: sun, sand and sea. Wake up bright and early to embark on the 50-minute drive to Jose Ignacio, a fishing village turned upscale resort on Uruguay’s southeastern coast.
Arrive, check in for three nights and unpack your bags before heading out to sink your toes into the golden sand just a few steps away. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to bask in the sun on the beach, plunge into the hotel pool or crack open your holiday read.
This evening, seafood lovers can have their kicks thanks to the array of fantastic fish dishes on offer. And, though the vineyards are out of sight, they won’t be out of mind, since more winning wines are bound to crop up on the menus.
Relaxation takes centre stage over the next couple of days, with nothing left to do but unravel the many charms of Jose Ignacio. Characterised by rugged streets, a picturesque lighthouse and colourful boats, the town flaunts a lovely, laid-back atmosphere, ideal for relishing the final stretch of your Uruguayan escape.
Between stints on a sun lounger (enviable tan incoming), stroll along the waterfront, peruse local stores, dine overlooking the sunset and wade into the inviting, blue sea. There’s a handful of cultural highlights here, too, such as the Atchugarry Foundation, created by a sculptor to promote art in all its forms.
For a day outside the town, you could also venture into the surrounding countryside, letting curiosity lead the way. Or, stay close to home and spend an afternoon on foot, admiring the facades of local houses while fighting the urge to cancel that return flight and stay forever. Who could blame you?
Like all great escapes, your time in Uruguay sadly comes to an end today. Dine on a leisurely breakfast this morning while saving the coastal panorama to memory before packing your bags and checking out.
The drive back to Montevideo airport takes two hours and 15 minutes, after which you’ll return your hire car and hop on an international flight home. Once again, the route connects through Spain and takes 15 and a half hours, so you’ll arrive the following day, ready to regale friends and family with tales of your sun-soaked sojourn.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
MONTEVIDEO – LUNCH AT MERCADO DEL PUERTO
Sink your teeth into Uruguayan culture with lunch at the Mercado del Puerto. Weave through the vibrant food stalls to sample a series of flavourful morsels, keeping your eyes peeled for traditional parrillada (cooked meats), melted cheeses, grilled beef and desserts. Dishes are usually cooked right in front of you and can be enjoyed directly at the counter, perched between the locals.MONTEVIDEO – DINNER AND A SHOW
After tucking into a decadent dinner, keep the fun going and attend a show that uses music and dance to highlight elements of traditional Uruguayan culture. Let the evening unfold to the rhythm of tango in an intimate setting reminiscent of cabarets – you’ll be tapping your toes in no time.CARMELO – THE WINE ROUTE
Carmelo is the wine region in Uruguay. Discover it in depth with a local guide, starting with La Calera de las Huerfanas, where the first Jesuits settled in the 18th century. Then, savour the fruits – well, grapes – of the region by visiting two family bodegas (wineries), including one of the oldest in the country.JOSE IGNACIO – DAY TRIP TO CABO POLONIO NATIONAL PARK
Less than two hours from Jose Ignacio, the Cabo Polonio National Park is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Uruguay, boasting extraordinary landscapes and a string of wild beaches away from the crowds. After admiring the scenery, scale the park’s lighthouse to admire the view and observe the sprawl of sea lions below before continuing to the nearby resorts of La Pedrera, La Aguada and La Paloma. There’s also a traditional estancia (rural estate) full of beautiful birds to visit for more animal encounters.
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
