8 Days • 7 Nights
Uruguay Highlights: Montevideo, Colonia & Punta del Este
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Relaxed, belle-epoque Montevideo
- The riverside rambla and markets
- Colonial Colonia del Sacramento
- Cobbled streets and river sunsets
- Glamorous Punta del Este and its beaches
- The iconic sculpted hand and Jose Ignacio
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Welcome to Uruguay. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in relaxed Montevideo. The evening is free to stroll the riverside rambla, with a welcome dinner of Uruguayan beef and Tannat wine.
A guided tour of Montevideo, the old town and Plaza Independencia, the belle-epoque architecture, the bustling Mercado del Puerto for a taste of asado, and the leafy Pocitos beach district.
You travel west along the river to Colonia del Sacramento, a beautifully preserved colonial smuggling town and UNESCO site. Wander its cobbled streets and watch a golden sunset over the Rio de la Plata.
A day exploring Colonia's charming historic quarter, its lighthouse, plazas, colonial houses and riverside, one of the loveliest and most romantic towns in South America, at a wonderfully unhurried pace.
You travel east across the country to Punta del Este, the glamorous 'Monaco of South America'. Settle in and see the iconic sculpted hand rising from the beach at sunset.
A day exploring Punta del Este, its chic beaches, marina and Casapueblo, the whitewashed artist's villa, and the bohemian-chic village of Jose Ignacio with its lighthouse and beaches.
A free day to enjoy Punta del Este, its beaches, restaurants and coastal glamour, or an optional trip to a nearby winery or the sea-lion island, with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight, full of Uruguay's relaxed charm.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome 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 Montevideo tour, a Colonia old town tour and a Punta del Este excursion, plus transfers
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
When is the best time for Punta del Este?
Punta del Este is liveliest and most glamorous in the southern summer (December to February), when the beaches, restaurants and nightlife are in full swing. Outside this, it is peaceful and lovely with lower prices; we advise on timing for your preferred atmosphere.
Can this be combined with Buenos Aires?
Absolutely — a stylish ferry links Buenos Aires with Colonia and Montevideo in one to three hours, making Uruguay a wonderful add-on to Argentina. We can seamlessly combine the two into a longer journey.
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.
More Cultural Journeys
Cultural
Customizable
Uruguay Wine & Gastronomy
Uruguay Wine & Gastronomy
Uruguay
Cultural
Customizable
Argentina & Uruguay: Buenos Aires, Colonia & Punta del Este
Argentina & Uruguay: Buenos Aires, Colonia & Punta del Este
Uruguay
Cultural
Customizable
Grand Uruguay: Cities, Colonial Towns, Wine & Coast
Grand Uruguay: Cities, Colonial Towns, Wine & Coast
Uruguay