If you would like to plan future programs in Uruguay or any of our other countries, we are always happy to assist! In view of the current COVID-19 crisis we believe that the best possible support we can offer you and your passengers is to show maximum flexibility in terms of cancellation conditions for upcoming bookings.

We have therefore decided for all countries we operate to waive the fees for cancellations realized until 30 days prior to the date of arrival. This applies to new bookings made between July 1st and December 31st 2020, and is valid for the travel period November 2020 till September 2021.

Kindly note that certain products and services, including but not limited to local airfares, cruises, Galapagos packages, programs involving Patagonia and Atacama Desert in Chile or specific Lodges, may have more restrictive cancellation fees.

Also, we strongly encourage you to suggest your guests to re-book to a later date, rather than cancelling. We will make sure to grant very special conditions in case of a re-booking.

Pasta frola consists of a rich buttery crust filled with quince paste. Though opinions differ when it comes to the question whether pasta frola is a cake or a pie, one thing is for sure: It's delicious! But don't just take our word for it, try our recipe and see for yourself!

Montevideo, Uruguay's capital, is a compelling fusion of metropolis and colonial town. First-time visitors are often surprised by how modern the city is while at the same time conserving its authentic charm. Thanks to its location at the estuary of La Plata River, it boasts more than 30km (19mi.) of coast with numerous beaches. Montevideo is famous for its beautiful historical center, including the Independence Square, the elaborate Teatro Solís and the Mercado del Puerto. This former market hall at the waterfront now houses several grill restaurants and there is no better place to try a delicious local BBQ or grab an empanada as a snack. Don't miss a visit to the Congress Building which is often described as the pride of Uruguay. The neo-classic building was constructed between 1908 and 1925 and boasts different kinds of marble in 52 colors, all extracted from local quarries.
If you are looking to immerse yourself in Uruguayan cuisine, Montevideo is your one-stop shop. The city has a bustling and diverse culinary scene that features high-end gourmet restaurants, simple eateries and everything in between.
Probably the city's strangest landmark is Castillo Pittamiglio, the "Alchemist’s House". It was built by the Italian engineer and architect Humberto Pittamiglio as a representation of the constant search in alchemy. It has 54 rooms as well as 33 doors and stairs, many of which lead nowhere. The castle is a genuine labyrinth of 1300 square meters that represents the successive transformations of man in his passage through the earthly life. Constructions began in 1911 and ended with Pittamiglio's death in 1966.

Montevideo is perfect for explorations by bike, a really fun way to discover the city! You can start at the pier and cruise through the historical center from there. As you cycle through the maze of shady streets, you will find yourself at Constitution Square, the oldest plaza in Montevideo and home to the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral. The perfect place for a brief pause to soak up the history surrounding this place and admire the amazing architecture! From there, you can ride along the beautiful promenade to the Punta Carretas Lighthouse before heading to the previously mentioned "Alchemist's House". On your way back, stop at one of the many small restaurants and cafes for a snack!
If you are looking to escape the city, head towards the Santa Lucía wetlands. They cover an area of approx. 20,000 hectares (49,400 acres) and are home to more than 140 bird species, including herons, woodpeckers and the Pampa finch. There are also several species of amphibians, reptiles and mammals, like foxes and otters. You can explore the wetlands on foot, boat or with a jeep.
Find out about more options here!

Colonia del Sacramento is located approx. 2.5h by land from Montevideo. The city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and is renowned for keeping the marvelous magic of its history alive even today. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680, Spain and Portugal fought over the city for decades resulting in an exciting mixture of architectural styles. The historic center is a perfect representation of the city's colonial past, including cobble-stone streets, Portuguese-style stone houses and Spanish-style brick buildings. The famous “Calle de los Suspiros“ (Street of Sighs) has inspired countless artworks and is a favorite scenery for photo shoots, commercials, TV series and movies. The beautifully preserved "Portón de Campo", a city gate with wooden drawbridge, and the old lighthouse are also a must when visiting the city. The lighthouse provides a great 360° view of the historic quarter as well as the Rio de la Plata.
A somewhat unusual feature is the presence of vintage cars that decorate the streets, many of which have been repurposed as planters. The picturesque vehicles are also available to explore the city!
Colonia is famous for its local art and handicraft scene. There are lovely art shops all over the city and if you are looking for unique souvenirs, this is the perfect place to shop around.
To complete your stay, you have your choice of authentic restaurants that offer delicious local food for everybody from gourmets to street food lovers.

The surroundings of Colonia offer great possibilities for day excursions, one of them being a visit to local wineries and olive oil plantations.

A lovely option just 30km (19mi.) from Colonia is Los Cerros de San Juan. The winery is located on a beautiful historic property complete with old colonial buildings. Notably, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in the country and was even declared a Historic Monument and Heritage of the Nation in 2004. The visit includes a tour of the historic buildings and offers the possibility to taste their wines.
The winery Viñedos y Olivares del Quintón offers visitors a glimpse into the world of not only wine but also olive oil production. It is located approx. 1h from Colonia in a stunning landscape of rocks, lush vegetation, small lakes, and native flora and fauna that represents a unique ecosystem in the region. The tour includes a visit to the on-site oil mill as well as the winery followed by a tasting of their products. 
Contact us for details and further ideas!

Carmelo is a small town located at the mouth of the river Las Vacas, 236km (146mi.) from Montevideo. It is a favored resort destination for both locals and tourists thanks to its beautiful riverfront beaches, the many outdoor opportunities in the surrounding nature and its wine region. Golf fans come to Carmelo to play a few holes on one of Uruguay's most exclusive greens at the Carmelo Resort & Spa.

The town was founded in 1816 and has preserved many of its historic landmarks, including a rotating bridge over the Las Vacas River from 1912 which is the only one of its kind in the country and operated by hand. The streets are lined with quaint houses and local parrillas (steak houses) and the town exudes an overall relaxing atmosphere.

Once you head to the countryside, you can chose between a variety of activities, like horseback riding, cycling, fishing or paddling.

Wine fans should make time to visit one of the amazing wineries in the area, like Finca Narbona. They produce not only quality wines in a small facility but also offer homemade jams, cheeses and liqueurs. Another possibility is Bodega Irurtia. The family business was founded in 1913 and today owns one of Uruguay's largest wineries with 350 hectares of vineyards.
Picture credit: Carmelo Resort & Spa

Uruguay's east coast features one of the most varied and beautiful sceneries in the country. Besides the coast line, there are woodlands and hills, rivers and lagoons. The best-known city in the area is Punta del Este which is often referred to as “The Pearl of the Atlantic”. The seaside resort boasts many beaches, yacht harbors, high-rise apartment buildings, as well as fancy restaurants, bars, and clubs. It is also where Casapueblo can be found, the home and atelier of internationally renowned artist Carlos Paez Vilaró who built it himself in 1958. Located on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean, it resembles Spanish-Moroccan architecture.
The town of José Ignacio, once a small fishing village, has by now become a trendy jet-setter destination. Despite its rapid development, José Ignacio has retained its original charm. Located 40km (24mi.) from Punta del Este, it offers beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants and stunning boutique hotels. A photo with the lighthouse of José Ignacio in the background is a must for every visitor!
Before Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio made a name for themselves, Piriápolis had long been known as one of the most beautiful holiday destinations on the coast. The city was founded in 1893 with the declared intention of creating a tourist resort, featuring a 25km long beach. Nowadays, it is a great destination for those who are looking for a tranquil beach stay away from the lively Punta del Este. Piriápolis lies at the foot of Cerro de San Antonio; the 130m high mountain can be reached by chairlift and offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city.
If you are interested in environmental topics, we suggest a visit to Punta Colorada, home of the local NGO "SOS Fauna Marina Rescue Centre" whose main task is to save the marine fauna, rehabilitate it and return it to its natural habitat. The Visitor Centre provides education, awareness raising and advice on environmental protection. 

The "Laguna de Garzón" is located on the border between the departments of Maldonado and Rocha and is an extensive lagoon system. Due to its connection to the Atlantic Ocean, the area offers a mosaic of unique environments of great scenic and cultural value in a small area and a great variety of flora and fauna. There are several walking paths through native forest and the area is ideal for bird watching and wildlife observation. Besides numerous species of birds, including Olrug's gulls, black-necked swans and Chilean flamingoes, you can spot Darwin's frogs, Brazilian free-tailed bats and Black spine-neck swamp turtles. During the breeding season, you can also see southern right whales.
Please contact us for more travel ideas on the East Coast!

Uruguay's northern coast is characterized by quaint coastal villages and lush nature. Small beach resorts like Valizas or La Paloma offer beautiful natural beaches without mass tourism and are the perfect place to experience the typical cozy way of life of the Uruguayans. Valizas also has a great selection of cozy restaurants and a small handicraft market whereas La Paloma is becoming increasingly famous as a surf spot.
When travelling as a family, the seaside resort La Pedrera is just the place. Its tranquil beaches allow for both relaxation and recreation, such as fishing or various water sports. The town also hosts a handicraft fair and offers shopping opportunities in several unique boutiques.
A big part of the region has been transformed into the Cabo Polonio National Park, an area of scenic beauty that still preserves typical features of the original Uruguayan Atlantic coast. You can marvel at sandy beaches, dunes, coastal forests, small swamps and little islands. The dune system of Cabo Polonio is actually the largest remnant of a strip of sand that once stretched along the entire coast. It is one of the few areas in the region with shifting sand dunes which can reach a height of over 20m. Almost half of the populations of two sea lion species are found on the islands near Cabo Polonio, where their rutting and breeding grounds are located. The rocky area of the park is home to the only continental settlement of fur seals in the country and offers a unique opportunity to observe these animals at close range.

The northern coast presents the unique opportunity of visiting several ecosystems in a relatively small area and a rental car is all you need to explore them! Here are some of our favorites:
The San Miguel National Park covers an area of 1,500 hectares and is located at the extreme eastern tip of Uruguay, near the Brazilian border. Shallow lagoons alternate with rocky hills and a large part of the park is covered by native bushes and a vegetation of grasses. A great variety of plant species can be found in the park and the marshes are important areas for the nesting, feeding and breeding of numerous bird species. Mammals, amphibians and reptiles are also abundant. 
Then there is the Santa Teresa National Park which even comes with its own fortress! The fortress was built in 1762 and has been kept in good condition. Around the fort, a 1000 hectare park has been created, where numerous native and exotic animal and plant species can be found. The park's beaches are beautiful and suitable for both swimming and fishing. Numerous paths have been created to explore the park and its buildings. 
A totally different experience awaits you in the Bosque de Ombues (Ombu forest), where centuries-old Ombu trees stand in harmony with the local flora and fauna. This 20 square kilometre forest is unique, as Ombu trees usually only grow individually. Hundreds of bird species, foxes, wild cats, skunks, wild boars and rodents live among the giants.
For program suggestions and itineraries, please contact us!

A lot of visitors tend to focus their explorations on the coastal region of Uruguay and thereby miss out on the spectacular possibilities the inland has to offer. It is home to countless estancias where gaucho culture remains an important and active part of the everday life. Many estancias welcome visitors to be part of this life by joining the work on the pastures and fields. You will also find some of the best and most authentic food Uruguay has to offer in the inland, farm to table style!
Did you know that milk and cheese products are an integral part of Uruguayan cuisine? The industry has a long history and is firmly embedded in Uruguay's culture. On the "ruta de la leche" (milk road), you not only get to visit dairy farms, cheese dairies and themed museums, you can also taste the different products during the various production stages. 

The stunning landscape changes between endless plains and rolling hills, riverlandscapes and swamps, lagoons and rocky areas. This is what makes the inland perfect for all kinds of outdoor adventures, including hiking, mountainbiking, horseback riding and paddling.
And let's not forget about the different people you will encounter. Uruguayans in general but especially in the countryside are welcoming, open and very hospitable. When paired with good food and delicious wine, these encounters will be the ones you will never forget!

A stay at a local estancia can be exciting and provides an insight into Uruguayan culture that you wouldn't get anywhere else.
The rustic Finca Piedra for example offers great options to put you into high gear: tango and cooking classes, wine tastings, carriage rides, horseback riding, walking tours, fishing and paragliding are just some of the options! The estancia is located in the district of San José, nestled between beautiful river areas and grasslands. Their 13 traditional bungalows, each of them with an individual design, are comfortable and perfect to relax after a busy day.
If you prefer a more tranquil approach to the country life, Estancia San Pedro de Timote is for you. It used to be one of Uruguay's biggest cattle farms and nowadays focuses on creating unique experiences. Their goal is to make you step away from your hectic life and take time to rediscover yourself. You can learn about the estancia's interesting history and join several activites, like horseback riding or fishing. Their 13 suites are located in the historic residential building of the estancia owners. All of them are very spacious, have their own chimney and offer a wonderful view of the gardens surrounding the Estancia. 21 more rooms are located in the guest house nearby.
There are many more options, learn about them here!

Uruguay is the perfect destination to explore in a rental car: the infrastructure is well developed, roads are well maintained and there isn't a lot of traffic, especially outside the cities. We want to present one option that will take you through the whole country in a little over 2 weeks!
After picking up your rental car in Montevideo, you make your way to Colonia del Sacramento to explore this lovely colonial town. The picturesque Posada Plaza Mayor is a great starting point for walks around the historic center! Then the roads leads you further west up the coast to Carmelo. While you are there, we suggest a visit to Finca Narbona! Your next stop is Fray Bentos, home of the historically relevant industrial complex Anglo (meatpacking plant) which was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2015 and makes for a fascinating visit. From here, you cross the country towards the Brazilian border until you reach Tranqueras. Along the route, you can visit the protected area of Esteros de Farrapos and the Uruguay River Islands National Park. Tranqueras is the gateway to the nature reserve Valle del Lunarejo. The valley is part of an ecosystem called "Cuchilla de Haedo", a biological passage that allows subtropical animals and plants the entry from South Brazil to Uruguay. You make your way eastwards to the Lagoon Merín which stretches into southern Brazil. The town Lago Merín with its small cottages
surrounded by light woods makes for a unique and pleasantly quiet stay. Then it is time to head for the coast once again, namely La Coronilla. Waiting there is Estancia Guardia del Monte, nestled at the borders of Laguna de Castillos and a perfect place for nature lovers. You spend your last nights on the road in Punta del Este, before arriving back in Montevideo.
Contact us for self-drive sample tours and tailor-made programs!