Wine, history and beach
Discover "off-the-beaten-track" Uruguay with your own rental car. Drive through rolling, green landscapes, visit small wineries, colonial towns, and authentic estancias. "Unwind" on the most beautiful beaches at bohemian-chic José Ignacio or just at glamorous Punta del Este.
Enjoy a famous "asado" (BBQ) in Montevideo Harbor, learn about the ritual of drinking in Colonio del Sacramento, and let the wine taste at the small-scale wineries in Carmelo and Maldonado. Stay at atmospheric estancias on the Pampas, go horseback riding with the gauchos and learn about farm work.
Marvel at the beautiful nature as you stroll through the "crow ravishing" or through the dunes at Cabo Polonio on the coast. Mingle with the surfers and artists at the beaches and learn to make local dishes at the chef's home. A varied journey full of experience in this relatively small and unknown country.
Tips & Tops:
- Highly recommended; Carmelo Bodega Cordano located in the wine region and with an antique convenience store, beautiful vineyards and a warm reception by the owners themselves.
- At Pueblo Eden also called the Tuscany of Uruguay, you can take a fun bike tour along olive trees and vineyards; you start at the olive oil plantations of Lote 8 where you can learn more about the production of the oil and also taste it.
- Via the panoramic route 12 you will drive to Viña Eden where you will taste some excellent wines.
- From La Pedrera in Rocha, take a day trip to the flora and fauna-rich Santa Teresa National Park - ideal for a scenic walk. You will also visit a foundation to protect the green turtle and make a stop at a lagoon with a great chance to spot capybaras.
- Cabo Polonio is a charming fishing village that can only be reached on foot, horse or special 4x4. There are endless white sandy beaches with small islands off the coast that house several sea lion colonies.
- During the Culinary Experience you will learn more about local products such as Butia (fruit), Dulce de Leche, olive oil and meat.
- The ferry will take you from Buenos Aires in addition to Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento or Punta del Este.
- Specially recommended accommodations: Alma Historica Boutique hotel in Montevideo, Narbona Wine Lodge in Carmelo, toplodge Sacromonte near Pueblo Edén, Casa Zinc in La Barra, Punta del Este and Posada Mosaico in Paraje Garzón (near Jose Ignacio)
