Destinations
This road trip takes you on a wonderful journey through the heart of Uruguay. Travelling in an anti-clockwise direction you pass through vineyards and pretty countryside discovering a slower pace of life as you are welcomed by estancia owners and invited to taste the freshest of local produce and the most delicious of local wines. Your holiday ends at the coast with time to relax on the sandy beaches – how perfect! Plus there's an optional start in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city and one which we think is not to be missed. From here you would take the fast ferry across the River Plate to begin your exploration of Uruguay, otherwise you would fly in to Montevideo to begin your trip.
Enjoy a private transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires to Mio for a 2 night stay, followed by a short walking tour on arrival to familiarise yourselves with your local neighbourhood. Mio is a trendy choice in a fantastic location, but there are plenty of other options if preferred. Enjoy a whole day at leisure in the city and a dinner with tango show in the evening (has to be done!).
Take the fast ferry across the river to Uruguay (1 hr). You will be met on arrival at Colonia's port and transferred to your hotel for the night. Enjoy a half day tour of Colonia's cobbled streets with mate tasting. Colonia is regarded as one of Latin America's best preserved colonial towns. Charco is a charming boutique hotel with eight rooms in the heart of Uruguay's UNESCO World Heritage site, Colonia del Sacramento. Charco Hotel is made up of lovingly converted original 1680 Portuguese houses which form the rooms, suites and restaurant.
Having taken delivery of your rental vehicle this morning you will make your way to Carmelo for a two-night stay. Whilst here you can enjoy two wine-tasting tours at wineries in the Carmelo region: Bodega Cordano and Bodega El Legado - both family owned businesses with an asado lunch (a typical Uruguayan bbq) included on one of the days.
A lovely drive to the first of the estancia's on this trip. El Cangue is a very welcoming and peaceful estancia, with superb home-cooking and a stunning garden full of wildlife - a paradise for hummingbirds and iguanas!
Enjoy a morning's drive across the interior of Uruguay. Tonight you will be staying in a comfortable and welcoming hotel, which although a pit stop, will provide you with good food and everything necessary for a comfortable night.
A good drive deeper into the interior today as you head for this traditional estancia where excellent food and fun company abound. A little bit of paradise which you may not want to leave!
Enjoy a day at leisure on this 5th generation estancia. Fishing, riding, hiking are all some of the activities on offer at this historic working farm.
Head to Sacromonte. Enjoy a welcome wine-tasting on top of the hill, overlooking the hills of the 'Sierras de Caracoles'. The Sacromonte Landscape Hotel is a modern retreat for wine lovers. It was designed to disappear into its rugged surroundings thanks to its mirrored façade, which helps the rectangular structures blend into the surrounding landscape, keeping the focus on the rustic scenery. You possibly won't have stayed anywhere like this before!
In the morning you will be collected to go on a tour of the Olive Oil plantations in the nearby area. More wine-tasting to come later as you explore with a specialised guide this region which is known as a 'Uruguayan Tuscany'.
A morning's drive to the final estancia on your trip. Estancia Guardia del Monte is a small working estancia (with just 3 guest rooms) on the shores of Laguna de Castillos, covered in beautiful bougainvillea and full of character. There is an enormous ombú tree in the garden and a forest of ancient (protected) ombú trees nearby. With an open kitchen, a lovely family dining room where you can enjoy a traditional asado - you will receive a fine welcome. Activities here include hiking, birding in the wetlands and riding.
We can also highly recommend a tour of Cabo Polonio Natural Reserve. This is a charming fishing village which can only be reached by foot, on horseback or 4 x 4. It is the largest biosphere reserve in Uruguay with endless white sandy beaches and lots of sea lions. Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch at one of the small restaurants here.
Drive on to Uruguay's boho-chic Jose Ignacio today, where you will be staying for your last 3 nights at Bahia Vik. The relaxed beachfront property of Bahia VIk offers one-of-a-kind art-filled suites and standalone bungalows, four infinity pools and a beach club bar/restaurant for catch-of-the-day, cocktails and incredible sunset views. It’s eco-friendly too. One afternoon, if interested, you could meet up with a local guide for a half day tour to show you around Punta del Este, one of South America's most glamorous resorts. Otherwise you are free to enjoy San Ignacio's beaches at your leisure.
Today you will continue on to Montevideo and meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of the Old City as well as visit two museums and a spot of lunch in the Port Market. For the next 2 nights you will be staying at the Alma Histórica Boutique Hotel, a restored 1920s townhouse turned elegant bed and breakfast, where individually designed rooms pay homage to legendary native artists, writers, athletes and musicians. The Belle Epoque elegance of Montevideo’s Old Town is easily explored from the hotel’s Plaza Zabala setting, or you can gaze down on it from the rooftop hot tub with a glass of Garzón-region tannat wine in your hand.
The next day enjoy a tour of modern Montevideo with its wide and tree-lined streets and impressive architecture. Plus you will have a chance to learn about the secret world of the Uruguayan drums (!) with a visit to the studio of Lobo Nunez.
Drive back to Montevideo airport where you will drop off the vehicle in good time to check in for your flight home. Or take the ferry back to Buenos Aires and fly back from there.
Having a good, quality vehicle is key to every self-drive journey. We work carefully with our local team to source you the best vehicle available for your self-drive journey.
All our itineraries are tailor made, but here are some of our favourite routes and camp combinations.
Simply, because we care. Whether you have travelled in Africa with Safari Drive or whether this is your first journey with us, we will be working hard behind the scenes to support your trip and ensure sure you have a fantastic self drive adventure.
Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. We will create the perfect trip, at your own pace, to your budget.
All our team in Latin America live in-country and have travelled extensively. Their knowledge and input is key to a successful self-drive safari.
We don’t mark up for our services, we only take commissions from the suppliers we use. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive.
All our holidays are 100% financially protected.
