Buenos Aires & Coastal Uruguay

Hip Cities, Historic Colonia and Chic Punta del Este

Type of Trip: Cultural Length: 9 days Season: November-April Rating: Grade I

Uruguay is the smallest Spanish-speaking country in South America, yet it has allure and sophistication to match its larger neighbor Argentina. Find out why jetsetters from around the world (not to mention the glamorous city-dwellers of Buenos Aires) choose Uruguay as a refreshing summer getaway.

Its population of only 3.5 million people enjoy a relatively high quality of life in South America. In fact, it ranks as a top ethical travel destination due to its progress in education, environmental protection and social welfare.

For lovers of the finer things in life — food, wine, art, urban culture, local traditions, and beach sunsets — this nine-day itinerary is a relaxed epicurean adventure in South America.

Trip Highlights:

Feel the energy of South America’s most cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires
Experience life on a river delta in the waterfront community of Tigre
Compare Uruguay’s quaint historic Colonia with hip, modern Montevideo
Sip your way through some of Uruguay’s top wineries
Ride goucho-style on horseback along scenic beaches and dunes
Lounge on the sandy beaches of chic bohemian resort town José Ignacio
Take in the art and glamour of Punta del Este, Uruguay’s coastal hot spot

Buenos Aires & Coastal Uruguay

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPARTURE FROM HOME
Overnight flight to Argentina’s sophisticated cosmopolitan capital, Buenos Aires

DAY 2: BUENOS AIRES
Arrival and sight-seeing in Argentina’s vivacious capital city and enjoy a Tango show

DAY 3: TIGRE DELTA / BUENOS AIRES
Unwind with a day excursion north to the Tigre Delta along the Rio de la Plata River

DAY 4: COLONIA / URUGUAY
International ferry crossing to Uruguay, gourmet lunch and exploration of historic Colonia

DAY 5: FINCA PIEDRA / MONTEVIDEO
Tour an estancia and its ranch activities. Winery visit on the way to Uruguay’s capital city

DAY 6: MONTEVIDEO / JOSE IGNACIO
Get to know the capital before a lavish lunch en route to coastal José Ignacio for sunset

DAY 7: JOSE IGNACIO
Morning horseback ride, picnic and olive plantation. Evening beach lounging

DAY 8: PUNTA DEL ESTE / MONTEVIDEO
Farewell lunch and art scene in Punta del Este, drive to airport for overnight flight home

DAY 9: ARRIVE HOME
Arrive back in your gateway city this morning and make onward connections home.

All Southwind itineraries are fully customizable to your personal interests and travel dates. Please contact us for firsthand knowledge and help with your travel plans.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF for the 2024/25 season)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.

Buenos Aires & Coastal Uruguay

Dates & Rates

Departures

On request for a minimum of 4 participants any week during the season (November through April)

2024/2025 Land Cost

4-5 participants: from $7,000 p.p.d.
6-9 participants: from $6,500 p.p.d.
10-12 participants: from $6,100 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $1,500

p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF for the 2024/25 season)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.

Buenos Aires & Coastal Uruguay

Accommodations

BUENOS AIRES: EMPERADOR HOTEL — The modern architecture, classic details, and natural lighting of the Emperador Hotel make it one of Buenos Aires’ finest properties. Situated in the chic Recoleta neighborhood, the 5-star hotel’s well-appointed rooms feature views of the city, river or hotel garden.

COLONIA: RADISSON HOTEL — The Radisson Colonia is supremely located, facing the Rio de la Plata River and also within several blocks of the old town area. It prides itself in its offering of superior amenities like panoramic river views, a casino, a fine restaurant and a fitness center. The hotel features 60 contemporary rooms designed with upscale furnishings and gracious details.

MONTEVIDEO: CALA DI VOLPE — Cala di Volpe is the first Boutique Hotel in Montevideo. A true haven, it is superbly located on the waterfront on the most beautiful stretch of the Rambla Mahatma Gandhi avenue in Montevideo, which guests can ride along on bicycles provided by the hotel, free of charge. The oversized windows overlook the sea, and exquisite touches of art add color and romance.

JOSE IGNACIO: CASA SUAYA — This boutique property is set in an ideal location very close the beach. This secluded property has the feel of an exclusive private estate, with amenities like an outdoor pool, outdoor massage hut, gardens, the Sal y Pimienta restaurant (specializing in lamb, fish, seafood or beef cooked in wood-fired ovens, a distinctive local tradition) and a highly attentive staff.

Buenos Aires & Coastal Uruguay

Extensions

BARILOCHE & THE LAKE DISTRICT
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights
Season: Mid-October – Mid-April
A lovely region of rolling hills, glacier-clad peaks and sparkling lakes, the Lake District is a natural gem of Argentina. Travel through spectacular landscapes, including a visit of Los Arrayanes National Park and a hike to Cerro Otto.

IGUAZÚ FALLS
Length: 3 days/2 nights from Buenos Aires
Season: Year-round
Iguazú Falls, one of the world’s most famed waterfalls, is located in a dense tropical forest, along the Brazilian border in northern Argentina. At 230 feet in height and a-mile-and-a-half-wide, the falls are higher and wider than Niagara!

MENDOZA WINE REGION
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Buenos Aires
Season: October – April
Refine your connoisseur palette in Mendoza, South America’s premiere wine region famous for its varieties of Malbec. During this 4-day cultural and gourmet experience, you’ll visit several top wineries and also walk, hike, horseback ride or bike in the beautiful countryside.

SALTA AND CAYAFATE
Length: 4 Days/3 Nights from Buenos Aires
Season: April – November
The colonial city of Salta, called Salta la Linda or “Salta the beautiful”, is home to Argentina’s best-preserved colonial architecture. This is the place to enjoy nature, learn about the local Spanish and Gaucho culture, and taste delicious wines and traditional dishes.