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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
Brief Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPARTURE FROM HOME
Overnight flight to Argentina’s sophisticated cosmopolitan capital, Buenos AiresDAY 2: BUENOS AIRES
Arrival and sight-seeing in Argentina’s vivacious capital city and enjoy a Tango showDAY 3: TIGRE DELTA / BUENOS AIRES
Unwind with a day excursion north to the Tigre Delta along the Rio de la Plata RiverDAY 4: COLONIA / URUGUAY
International ferry crossing to Uruguay, gourmet lunch and exploration of historic ColoniaDAY 5: FINCA PIEDRA / MONTEVIDEO
Tour an estancia and its ranch activities. Winery visit on the way to Uruguay’s capital cityDAY 6: MONTEVIDEO / JOSE IGNACIO
Get to know the capital before a lavish lunch en route to coastal José Ignacio for sunsetDAY 7: JOSE IGNACIO
Morning horseback ride, picnic and olive plantation. Evening beach loungingDAY 8: PUNTA DEL ESTE / MONTEVIDEO
Farewell lunch and art scene in Punta del Este, drive to airport for overnight flight homeDAY 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.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 $1,500p.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: 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.
Costa Colonia Hotel
The Costa Colonia is well located, facing the Rio de la Plata River and positioned near Colonia del Sacramento’s historic district. It prides itself in offering superior amenities like panoramic river views, an outdoor swimming pool, a wellness spa, and a fitness center. The hotel features 61 contemporary rooms designed with modern architecture and splendid river perspectives.
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.
Testimonials