9 Days • 8 Nights
Argentina & Uruguay: Buenos Aires, Colonia & Punta del Este
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Tango and elegance in Buenos Aires
- A stylish ferry across the Rio de la Plata
- Colonial Colonia del Sacramento
- Relaxed, belle-epoque Montevideo
- Glamorous Punta del Este and its beaches
- Two countries linked by an easy river crossing
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the elegant Argentine capital, with a welcome dinner of steak and Malbec.
A guided tour of the 'Paris of South America', Plaza de Mayo, La Boca, San Telmo and the Recoleta cemetery.
A free day to explore the city, followed by an evening of tango with a show and dinner in a historic milonga.
You cross the Rio de la Plata by stylish ferry to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, a beautifully preserved colonial town. Wander its cobbled streets and watch a golden sunset over the river.
A morning in charming Colonia before travelling to Montevideo, Uruguay's relaxed capital, exploring its old town, rambla and port market.
A guided tour of Montevideo, its belle-epoque architecture, markets and beach districts, with an authentic asado barbecue lunch.
You travel east along the coast to glamorous Punta del Este. Settle in and see the iconic sculpted hand rising from the beach at sunset.
A day exploring Punta del Este and the bohemian-chic village of Jose Ignacio, its beaches, marina and Casapueblo, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, having experienced two great Rio de la Plata neighbours.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a tango show dinner and an asado lunch
- Airport and internal transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert English-speaking guides
- Ground transport or ferry as specified
- Entrance and winery fees as per itinerary
- a Buenos Aires tour, the ferry crossing, and Colonia, Montevideo and Punta del Este touring
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities, including UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian passport holders, do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. We confirm details for your nationality
- Currency: The currency is the Uruguayan Peso; cards are widely accepted, and helpfully, tourists can often receive a tax refund on card payments for accommodation and restaurant meals. US Dollars are accepted in some tourist areas
- Seasons reversed: Uruguay is in the southern hemisphere, so summer (December to March) is warm and the peak beach season, especially in Punta del Este, while winter (June to August) is mild and quiet, ideal for the cities and wine country
- Getting around: Uruguay is small and easy to travel, with short drives linking Montevideo, Colonia, the wine country and the coast; a stylish ferry from Buenos Aires makes it an easy add-on to Argentina
- Beaches & Punta del Este: The glamorous resort of Punta del Este and the chic village of Jose Ignacio are liveliest and busiest in the December-to-February summer; outside this, the coast is peaceful and prices are lower
- Wine & food: Uruguay is a rising wine star, famous for its Tannat reds, and a land of superb beef and asado barbecue; wineries around Canelones and Carmelo welcome visitors for tastings and long lunches
- Safety & pace: Uruguay is one of South America's safest, most relaxed and progressive countries; the pace is unhurried, the people warm, and normal sensible precautions are all that is needed
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, and tap water is generally safe in cities. Tipping around ten percent is customary. Power is 220V with type C, F and L plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ferry crossing work?
A comfortable, stylish fast ferry links Buenos Aires with Colonia (around one hour) or Montevideo (around two to three hours) across the Rio de la Plata, which we arrange and include. It is an easy, scenic way to travel between the two countries.
Which airports do I use?
This 'open-jaw' itinerary flies into Buenos Aires and out of Punta del Este or Montevideo, avoiding backtracking, which we arrange with your flights. You will need the correct entry documents for both countries, which we confirm.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner, a winery lunch or an asado barbecue. Uruguay's beef, wine and seafood are a highlight, so most other meals are left free with our recommendations.
Is Uruguay easy to combine with Argentina?
Very — a stylish ferry links Buenos Aires with Colonia and Montevideo in around one to three hours, making Uruguay a wonderful and easy add-on to an Argentina trip. We can seamlessly combine the two.
Do I need a visa for Uruguay?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism and receive up to 90 days on arrival with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the requirement for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Uruguay?
Summer (December to March) is warm and the peak beach season, especially in Punta del Este, while spring and autumn are lovely and quieter for the cities and wine country. Winter is mild and peaceful. We advise on timing for your interests.
Is Uruguay safe?
Uruguay is one of South America's safest, most relaxed and progressive countries, with a warm, welcoming culture and an unhurried pace. Normal sensible precautions are all that is needed, and most visitors find it wonderfully easy and friendly.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of city, colonial towns, wine country and beach, add a Buenos Aires combination, change the pace and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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