URUGUAY
The food and wine culture in Uruguay is some of the best on the continent and the people producing it would prefer you came to see for yourself rather than read about it. The beaches at José Ignacio attract an international crowd yet still it has remained a well-kept secret. The countryside outside Garzón — the so-called Uruguayan Tuscany — produces olive oil, wine, and chefs working at a Michelin level. Montevideo is the beautiful laid-back capital city you've dreamt of.
A Taste of What's Possible
Open-fire cooking lesson with a world-renowned chef
Bike ride through vineyards sampling local wines along the way
Art tour with an art specialist to private artists’ studios and world-class museums
Where You'll Stay
We spend a lot of time obsessing over the perfect accommodations. Our favorites tend to be smaller, boutique properties with a unique sense of style and fantastic service.
Here are just a few of our favorites...
Three of Our Favorite Spots
Colonia del Sacramento
01
The oldest town in Uruguay is a UNESCO-listed colonial port that the Portuguese built, the Spanish took, and the Uruguayans have kept beautiful for the better part of three centuries. Cobblestone streets, jacaranda trees in bloom for half the year, and a pace of life that'll make you ditch your smart watch.
José Ignacio
02
The most sophisticated beach town in South America has managed the rare trick of being chic and laid-back at the same time. Long Atlantic beaches, crisp white wine, and restaurants run by chefs who could be working anywhere and chose here.
Garzón
03
The "Uruguayan Tuscany" is a tiny countryside town that has somehow assembled one of the most serious culinary scenes on the continent, anchored by a chef who left the spotlight to cook over an open fire. Places this cool and undiscovered don't stay cool and undiscovered for long.
“Uruguay has been described as a country where people make love to poetry at the bus stop.”
Juan Carlos Onetti (1960) // Uruguayan novelist and author
Sample Itinerary
Montevideo to the Coast: South America's Best-Kept Secret
Day 1: Morning arrival into Montevideo, and private transfer to your accommodations in Colonia del Sacramento. Guided evening stroll through the charming cobblestoned streets of this UNESCO World Heritage town before settling in for the evening.
Day 2: Experience a traditional Uruguayan mate tasting and indulge in local culinary heritage through visits to small vineyards, olive plantations and local cheese producers, sampling their fresh products along the way.
Day 3: Private transfer to Carmelo, a relaxed riverside wine region. Settle into the slow pace of life with a sunset cruise on a traditional boat along Rio de la Plata.
Day 4: Visit a couple of Carmelo’s wonderful family-run wineries that use uniquely Uruguayan techniques, and enjoy an on-site homemade lunch and wine pairing.
Day 5: Private transfer to the laid-back capital city, Montevideo, and head out on a walking tour of the historic Old City. Enjoy asado lunch at Port Market’s bustling market hall before perhaps taking in some of the city’s wonderful museums.
Day 6: Today is for exploring more modern neighborhoods of Montevideo, as well as a special visit to the studio of an Afro-Uruguayan percussionist considered a legend in the Candombe music scene.
Day 7: Travel onward to the outskirts of Pueblo Edén, a quiet hillside village surrounded by nature and rolling landscapes, stopping along the way to take in the picturesque foothills and olive groves of Cerro de las Ánimas.
Day 8: Explore Pueblo Edén, and hike along a trail used by locals to access ranches in the area, crossing various porteras (countryside gates), native trees, prairies and streams along the way. End the hike with a delicious lunch overlooking vineyards.
Day 9: Before reaching your next destination, the coastal town of José Ignacio, explore glamorous Punta del Este, including lively La Barra, as well as visits to exceptional art sites such as MACA Museum of Contemporary Art.
Days 10-12: Enjoy three full days in “laid-back chic” José Ignacio. Highlights might include a day trip to the sleepy culinary town of Garzón, horseback riding on the beach, trekking sand dunes to visit a sea lion colony, or in the summer, simply time to soak up the sun and scene on the beach.
Day 13: Private transfer back to Montevideo Airport for departure.
