Wine, history and beach
Discover "off-the-beaten-track" Uruguay with your own rental car. Drive through rolling, green landscapes, visit small wine farms, colonial towns and authentic estancias. "Unwind" at the most beautiful beaches at bohemian-chic José Ignacio or at the glamorous Punta del Este.
Enjoy a famous "asado" (BBQ) in the port of Montevideo, learn about the mate drinking ritual in Colonio del Sacramento and taste the wine at the small-scale wineries in Carmelo and Maldonado. Stay at atmospheric estancias on the Pampas, go horseback riding with the gauchos and learn more about the work on the farm.
Be amazed by the beautiful nature as you walk through the "crow's ravine" or through the dunes at Cabo Polonio on the coast. Mingle with surfers and artists on the beaches and learn to make local dishes in 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 corner shop, beautiful vineyards and a warm welcome by the owners themselves.
- At Pueblo Eden, also called the Tuscany of Uruguay, you can take a nice 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 you can take a day trip to the flora and fauna rich Santa Teresa National Park - ideal for a nice walk. You will also visit a foundation for the protection of the green turtle and make a stop at a lagoon with a good chance of spotting capybaras.
- Cabo Polonio is a charming fishing village that can only be reached on foot, horse or special 4x4. There are endless white sand beaches with small islands off the coast that are home to 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.
- In addition to Montevideo, you can take the ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento or Punta del Este.
- Specially recommended accommodations: Alma Historica Boutique hotel in Montevideo, Narbona Wine Lodge in Carmelo, top lodge Sacromonte near Pueblo Edén, Casa Zinc in La Barra, Punta del Este and Posada Mosaico in Paraje Garzón (near Jose Ignacio)
