Uruguay_Beach_Punta_del_Este

Highlights of Uruguay

Filled with beauty and liveliness, Uruguay is probably the most underestimated country in South America.

Uruguay_Montevideo_city

Montevideo

Uruguay_Vineyard

Uruguay Vineyards

Explore the Unique Highlights of Uruguay

Often overshadowed by its neighbours, Brazil and Argentina, this verdant and sea-fronting country, has more to offer than you might think, especially if you are an admirer of the delicate art of making wine.

From the summery Atlantic beaches to the UNESCO-awarded city of Colonia del Sacramento, or the two-month Carnaval celebration filled with candombe sounds - a type of music and dance that originated from the African slaves in the 19th century - everything in Uruguay goes hand in hand with feelings of freedom and joy.

On this ten-day trip, you will see some of the most prestigious spots in Uruguay while having enough time to savour each one of them carefully. Your Uruguayan adventure starts at Colonia de Sacramento on a city tour.

The Old District is sure to be the highlight of this tour as not much else can beat the incredible beauty of the old city. You will also be spending the day in the countryside. Montevideo will be another treasure; it is a city where historic heritage meets a modern and entrepreneurial spirit. Punta del Este will be the perfect end to your trip, as nothing gives a holiday a more pleasant finish than the warmth of the sun and the fresh breeze of the sea.

Route
Multi-stop Tour

Visit several regions in Uruguay

Bed
7 Nights

Accommodation detailed in itinerary

Compass
5 Excursions

See details in itinerary below

Dining
10 Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 lunch, 1 dinner

Plane
Flights & Transfers

Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

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ATOL Protected

Our holidays are ATOL Protected

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Travel Specialists

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Highlights
  • Discover Portuguese architecture in Colonia
  • Visit wineries in Carmelo
  • Go horseriding or hiking at a countryside lodge
  • Explore culture-rich Montevideo
  • Relax on the beaches at Punta del Este
What's Included
  • International flights
  • 7 nights’ accommodation as detailed
  • 7 breakfasts, 2 lunch, 1 dinner
  • Walking tour in Colonia
  • Wineries tour in Carmelo
  • City tour of Montevideo and Punta del Este
  • Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

Prices from £3,649pp

Excludes:

  • Meals not indicated in your itinerary
  • Local departure taxes payable locally
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
  • Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
  • Camera or video fees at any sites

Quick Itinerary

Highlights of Uruguay
Day Description
Day 1-2 UK - Montevideo - Colonia View
Day 3 Carmelo Wineries View
Day 4 Punta Espinillo View
Day 5-6 Montevideo View
Day 7-8 Punta del Este View
Day 9-10 Montevideo - UK View

Highlights of Uruguay 10-day Itinerary

Days 1-2 UK - Montevideo - Colonia

Today you will depart the UK on your overnight international flight to Montevideo, Uruguay, then transfer to Colonia.

The following day, visit the beautiful city of Colonia where a private transfer will welcome you at the port. After checking in at your hotel, you will have a guided walking tour. The walk will take you through the old district where you will learn why Colonia de Sacramento was recognised as a World Heritage Site in 1995. The Old District was founded in 1680 by the Portuguese on the Rio de Plata and is a beautiful and peaceful area. It is still very well preserved today, allowing visitors to witness the fusion of Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial architectural styles.

Your tour will start at the old city gates towards the famous 'Street of Sighs' (or Calle de los Suspiros), a narrow pedestrianised road paved with wedge stones that date back to 1720. You will stop at the Main Square, followed by the ruins of the San Francisco Church which is the oldest ruin in Uruguay dating back to the 17th century. You will then visit the Lighthouse, the Governor’s House and finally the Sacramento Basilica. Every corner of this city is extra special. Once the tour is over, you are free to continue on your own and keep exploring. 

It is also possible to do this itinerary on a self-drive basis, excluding excursions, so you can explore at your own pace. Driving is easy in Uruguay, with well-paved and generally empty roads meaning you will be able to stop and take in the sights in your own time. Speak to your Travel Specialist for more details.  

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Flight
International Flight
Compass white (1)
Excursion
Old Town Walking Tour
Uruguay_Colonia_del_Sacramento_buildingOld carriage on a cobbledstone street, Colonia
Day 3 Carmelo Wineries

Today you will head west, to the sleepy little town of Carmelo. This is the region’s centre of wine production. Here you’ll get to see some of Uruguay's beautiful countryside and visit three different wineries to learn about the production and how the wines here differ greatly from those on offer in Argentina. You’ll also get to try a few too! Lunch is included in Carmelo. You’ll then journey back to Colonia for the night. 

Wine white
Excursion
Wineries of Carmelo
Uruguay_VineyardUruguay_Ripe black grapes hanging on the vine
Day 4 Punta Espinillo

After breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel and drive to your countryside lodge.

While here, you can choose from a wide range of excursions (some included, others will have an extra cost) including horse-riding, bird watching, trekking, and much more.

Compass white (1)
Activity
Horseriding or Hiking
Uruguay_Horse_FieldSunny day in the countryside of Uruguay
Days 5-6 Montevideo

Today you will have a private transfer to the city of Montevideo. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You could spend some time relaxing at the hotel or start exploring on your own. You could wander around Montevideo's Plaza de la Independencia, once home to a Spanish citadel. The plaza has easy access to Ciudad Vieja ('The Old Town') which features fantastic art deco buildings, colonial homes and other landmarks including the towering Palacio Salvo and the neoclassical performance hall 'Solís Theatre'. To get the most out of your visit bring your camera and your best walking shoes!

The following day, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital and a major city along the Rio de la Plata. Life in the city revolves around the Plaza de la Independencia which is known for its rich culture as well as vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. You can expect to see Montevideo's monuments, gardens and parks, impressive landmark buildings (such as the Parliament Building), the pretty residential district of Carrasco with its early 20th-century architecture and scenic coastal roads.

Compass white (1)
Excursion
Montevideo City Tour
Uruguay_Montevideo_cityUruguay_Montevideo_Rio de la Plata aerial view
Days 7-8 Punta del Este

Today you will take a bus journey to Punta del Este. A fantastic seaside resort town, Punta del Este is Uruguay’s answer to Miami, with lovely, white-sand beaches, high-end hotels and glitzy bars. Your time here is free to explore or relax.

Also known as the ‘St. Tropez of South America’, Punta del Este is famous for being a favourite destination for the regional and international jet-set. On Day 8, you will head out on a private guided tour of the city. You’ll see the fantastic beach areas of Playa Mansa and Playa Brava, beautiful mansions in the residential districts, as well as to Punta Ballena which is a must-see for its panoramic views of the city and coast. You will also stop at Casapueblo, a Moroccan-style atelier once home to the renowned Uruguayan artist, Carlos Páez Vilaró, before heading back to your hotel.

Compass white (1)
Excursion
Tour of Punta del Este
Uruguay_Punta_del_Este_hand_sculptureUruguay_Casa_Pueblo_Punta_del_Este
Days 9-10 Montevideo - UK

A private transfer will take you to the Montevideo Airport where you will catch your flight back home, alternatively, return to Colonia for the ferry to Buenos Aires.

On Day 10, you will land back in the UK from Uruguay

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Flight
International Flight

Why Book Our Highlights of Uruguay Holiday?

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  • Truly individual holidays – every holiday we create is designed around you, the places you want to see and the things that are important to you.
  • Dedicated Travel Specialists – your dedicated Specialist will have firsthand knowledge of the destinations and experiences we offer, enabling us to make perfect recommendations.
  • First-class service – all our excursions and transport partners have been hand-selected to ensure they provide the best quality, experience and value.
  • 100% financial protection – our holidays are ATOL protected and we’re an assured member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO).
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Every holiday we create is designed around you, the places you want to see and the things that are important to you.

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What Our Clients Say About Us

Thank you to Sarah at Latin Routes for creating a seamless itinerary for our trip to North Argentina. Everything was thought of and well planned in advance.

Helen R
Stayed August 2024

Look no further if you are planning to go to South America. The trip to Chile was clockwork. The guides were excellent, and we felt really pampered in the beautiful hotels.

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Stayed August 2024

Our bucket list trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands had been looked forward to for a very long time. We were not disappointed! The highlight of our trip, without a doubt, was our five-day eastern cruise on the beautiful yacht La Pinta.

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Stayed March 2023

This is an excellent company. I worked with Paul, who was very knowledgeable and patient when organising my itinerary. There is no pressure selling. Recommend them for South America trips!

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Stayed March 2024

Speak to a dedicated Uruguay Travel Specialist today

All our Uruguay itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Highlights of Uruguay holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.