W&E Best of Uruguay

W&E best of Uruguay 

  This 8/ 9 night itinerary in Uruguay provides for entry by ferry from Buenos Aires in Argentina or by flying into Montevideo. Our recommendations include a visit to the beautiful eastern province of Rocha, a land of rolling grassy estancias, groves of wild palm trees, freshwater lagoons, towering sand dunes and wild sandy beaches. The estancias we have selected vary from luxurious to charmingly rustic and we have thrown in for good measure other attractions we feel you will enjoy, such as a visit to the laid back fishing village of Cabo Polonio and a vineyard producing extraordinarily good wines. The holiday ends up at the delightful seaside village of Jose Ignacio, which is a much better bet than the bright lights of crowded Punta del Este. This itinerary is a guide only and can be modified according to your wishes.

Entering from Buenos Aires: 

Day 1: You will be collected from your Buenos Aires hotel and transferred by a W&E guide to the port at Puerto Madero for the 45 minute morning ferry crossing to Uruguay. On arrival at Colonia you will be met by your guide and given a tour of the fascinating old Portuguese part of town, followed by lunch in the tranquil square. For those who wish there is the option to spend the night at one of our selected posadas. Otherwise you will be transferred by road to the charming posada La Vigna for an overnight stay, which lies approximately 2 hours drive east of Colonia. (L,D)

Day 2: This morning to relax at La Vigna, a charming home stay posada where the rooms are tastefully decorated with various antiquities and surrounded by  tranquil gardens,  art and pottery studios, with quiet and leafy alcoves in which to relax. The owners also maintain a flock of cheese producing sheep and an organic vegetable garden. You will depart here mid morning and arrive in Montevideo in time for a late parrilla or barbeque lunch at the bustling port market. This afternoon there is the opportunity to enjoy a private tour of this historical city or simply relax at the sumptuous Belmont hotel (our recommendation, we have a wide selection to chose from according to budget and taste) where the facilities include tropical gardens and a swimming pool. (B,L) 

Entering from Montevideo: 

On arrival you will be transferred to the Belmont hotel (our recommendation, we have a wide selection to chose from according to budget and taste), after which you will enjoy a parrilla or barbeque lunch at the bustling port market. This afternoon there is the opportunity to enjoy a private tour of this historical city or simply relax at the sumptuous Belmont hotel where the facilities include tropical gardens and a swimming pool. (B,L) 

Day 2/3: After a leisurely morning you will be transferred by road to the Juanico vineyard 38 kms east of Montevideo for a fascinating tour and the opportunity to taste several fine wines in the bodega’s huge air conditioned barn and enjoy a light lunch. This afternoon you will be driven to the charming estancia Balcon del Abra, which is sublimely located at the foot of rolling hills. There may be time for an afternoon ride or walk to explore the surrounding countryside after which a delicious home prepared  dinner will served in the family dining room. (B,L,D)

Day 3/4: This morning you will wake to sunlight streaming through the spacious bedroom windows, and after breakfast can choose between a morning walking, riding or simply chilling out in the privacy of this lovely estancia. After lunch you will be driven to estancia El Charabon for a 2 night stay. (B,L,D)

Day 4/5: During your stay at El Charabon you may visit Guardia del Monte for lunch and afternoon exploration on foot or by horse. This estancia is located at the end of a long drive that turns into a grassy track overlooking the Castillas lagoon, and offers rustic but charming accommodation with original tiled floors, wooden window shutters and a shady courtyard dripping with vines. For those who wish there is the option to extend or modify the itinerary by spending a night at Guardia del Monte, where the simple facilities are old fashioned but authentic. Otherwise return to El Charabon. . (B,L,D)

Day 5/6: After a ride, walk or simply a lie in, you will be transferred to Cabo Polonio for a seafood lunch at La Perla, located right on the beach, followed by a swim in the warm south Atlantic and a visit to the resident colony of sea lions that are to be found basking on a rocky promontory beneath the lighthouse. For those who wish there is the option to spend the night at one of our selected hostelries in this unusual village which has no mains electricity and is accessible only by boat, on horse, foot or 4 wheel drive vehicle. After an afternoon relaxing on the several miles long sandy beach you will be transferred to one the best kept secret on the Uruguayan coast – the delightful village of Jose Ignacio, which is less than an hour’s drive west from Cabo Polonio. Overnight Posada del Faro. (B,L)

Day 6/7: Today can be spent relaxing and exploring Jose Ignacio from the stylish base of Posada del Faro, which offers quirky pastel coloured rooms, leafy gardens and a swimming pool. (B)

Day 7/8: We thoroughly recommend a second day to soak up the sun, relax, swim and explore. We can arrange excursions to nearby estancias or a visit to the bright lights of nearby Punta del Este for some shopping and sightseeing followed by lunch at one of the resort’s many fine restaurants. (B)

Day 8/9: This morning or afternoon (depending on your onward travel arrangements) you will be transferred back to Montevideo for your flight back home to the UK. It is also possible to catch the ferry back to Buenos Aires from Montevideo, although the voyage from there takes 3 hours. (B)

Please note this itinerary is a sample itinerary only and can be modified and refined according to client's requirements.  The price of this itinerary is based on double accommodation on bed and breakfast rate except where otherwise described as shown on the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch and D = Dinner) and is inclusive of all activities and transfers described. The price does not include items of a personal nature, gratuities, etc. 

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic's terms and conditions, a copy of which is enclosed with your booking form.