Cobbled Streets
Spend time in the quaint UNESCO World Heritage town of Colonia del Sacramento.
Our classic self-drive route through Uruguay unveils the highlights of this often-overlooked nation. From strolling the old dockside markets of Montevideo to cheese and wine pairing in Carmelo, we can curate a fully-tailored trip bursting with extraordinary experiences.
Navigate between sleepy fishing villages and traditional estancias, roam colonial towns, sip your way around vineyards and stroll along the Atlantic.
Spend time in the quaint UNESCO World Heritage town of Colonia del Sacramento.
Ride out with local Uruguayan gauchos and stay on their traditional estancias.
Feel the fresh ocean breeze during a stay on the beaches of Jose Ignacio.
Make the most of the many opportunities to sample Uruguay’s distinct wine.
Unveiling some of the most visually stunning landscapes in Uruguay, this trip journeys from golden beaches to local Jesuit ruins. Encompassing stand up paddle boarding, the opportunity to join a private cooking workshop with a professional chef and time spent riding traditionally bred Uruguayan horses with local gauchos, this customisable itinerary is designed to give a comprehensive introduction to the country known for delicious food and great wines. Befitting culture enthusiasts, the route beautifully combines ambles through UNESCO villages with afternoons spent dunking breads into homegrown olive oils.
Day 1
Montevideo
Day 2
Montevideo - Colonia del Sacramento
Day 3
Colonia del Sacramento - Carmelo
Day 4
Carmelo
Day 5
Carmelo - Paysandu
Day 6
Paysandu
Day 7
Paysandu - Montevideo
Day 8
Montevideo - Jose Ignacio
Days 9-10
Jose Ignacio
Day 11
Jose Ignacio - Montevideo
Day 1
Montevideo
Experience Montevideo’s rich architecture and distinctive flair for Art Deco and grand neoclassical designs
Day 2
Montevideo - Colonia del Sacramento
Day 3
Colonia del Sacramento - Carmelo
Day 4
Carmelo
Travel to Carmelo with the option to visit Jesuit ruins and the wineries en route.
Day 5
Carmelo - Paysandu
Day 6
Paysandu
Spend several days at the family-run Estancia Santa Modesta.
Day 7
Paysandu - Montevideo
Day 8
Montevideo - Jose Ignacio
Days 9-10
Jose Ignacio
Relax on the glamorous beaches of Jose Ignacio, perhaps trying canoeing or stand-up-paddle boarding.
Day 11
Jose Ignacio - Montevideo
Travel to Carmelo, detouring to visit Jesuit ruins and local wineries en route. Carmelo is one of Uruguay’s best kept secrets and is renowned for its golden riverfront beaches and a swing bridge that has long been considered a masterpiece of modern engineering. Hop on a bicycle to ride alongside the little boats that ply the town’s waterways, and stop for leisurely lunches at a local parrillada restaurant.
Spend several days at the family-run Estancia Santa Modesta that dates back to 1870 and combines the charm of an authentic colonial farm with the wells and courtyards that recall the time of its construction. Gauchos sport berets and bombachas, followed closely by their friendly dogs, and guests are welcomed to pitch in with the work when not visiting the local hot springs and the interesting town of Frey Bentos.
Journey to Uruguay’s striking south-eastern coast, which rose to fame when Rolling Stones’ guitarist Ronnie Wood was photographed strolling the boardwalks of its beaches. Ever since, its appeal has yet to wane. Stay in a sought after property and dine amongst the dunes in world-class restaurants such as La Huella. During downtime, join a cooking workshop, try a spot of canoeing, go horseback riding, attempt stand up paddle boarding or simply lounge on the beach.
Tour the historic centre and old dockside markets of Montevideo to discover its rich French and Italian-inspired architecture, as well as its distinctive flair for Art Deco and grand neoclassical designs. Also journey to Colonia del Sacramento, known for its cobblestone streets and painted houses fronted by sycamore trees, to join a privately guided walking tour of its old forts and Portuguese heritage.
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Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
January and February are the warmest months to visit Uruguay, with temperatures peaking at over 30°C in some inland areas. It is the busiest time of year for both local and foreigners to travel in the country, so be sure to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation.
January and February are the warmest months to visit Uruguay, with temperatures peaking at over 30°C in some inland areas. It is the busiest time of year for both local and foreigners to travel in the country, so be sure to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation.
March is a great time to visit Uruguay, with the locals having gone back to work. This leaves the country’s beautiful beaches quiet, but with warm air and sea temperatures. Carnival and other festivals are in full swing, so there is still plenty going on.
April and May bring autumn across the country, although the sea is at it’s warmest. This makes it a great time to explore the beaches or dip in hot springs along the Rio Uruguay.
April and May bring autumn across the country, although the sea is at it’s warmest. This makes it a great time to explore the beaches or dip in hot springs along the Rio Uruguay.
June to August is winter in Uruguay, and is the quietest time of year for travel. Winters here are mild and can be quite dry, so it can be a good time for a cultural trip, exploring Montevideo and the quaint smaller towns. On the coast, southern right whales can be spotted as they come to breed.
June to August is winter in Uruguay, and is the quietest time of year for travel. Winters here are mild and can be quite dry, so it can be a good time for a cultural trip, exploring Montevideo and the quaint smaller towns. On the coast, southern right whales can be spotted as they come to breed.
June to August is winter in Uruguay, and is the quietest time of year for travel. Winters here are mild and can be quite dry, so it can be a good time for a cultural trip, exploring Montevideo and the quaint smaller towns. On the coast, southern right whales can be spotted as they come to breed.
Spring is in sight, but there is still plenty of snow on the mountains. Newborn lambs can be spotted in the vibrant green fields.
Spring arrives in late September and October, with temperatures rising quickly into the 20s. Hotels and restaurant start to re-open, although the beaches remain quiet.
November and December is a beautiful time of year to visit Uruguay, with long, pleasantly warm days but before peak season. If you are planning to visit towards the end of December over Christmas and New Year, you should secure your accommodation well in advance.
November and December is a beautiful time of year to visit Uruguay, with long, pleasantly warm days but before peak season. If you are planning to visit towards the end of December over Christmas and New Year, you should secure your accommodation well in advance.
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