Uruguay

LAIDBACK, PROGRESSIVE, QUIETLY CHIC, STABLE AND PROSPEROUS

20 C CURRENT TEMP

03:14 CURRENT TIME

A LUXURY VACATION TO URUGUAY

Laidback, progressive, quietly chic, stable and prosperous, there’s a lot to love about Uruguay.

WHY VISIT URUGUAY?

Many visitors are so enamoured of its rhythms and charms they end up buying property here.

Vintage cars cruise bucolic country lanes; young beachgoers thumb lifts; rockstar chefs set up restaurants in tumbleweed villages; and gauchos tend cattle under open skies. For three heady months of the year, the beach resorts of Jose Ignacio and Punta del Este play host to some of the world’s most glamorous characters.

We usually recommend hiring a car and exploring at your own pace. There are ranches, a magnificent coastline, vineyards, olive groves and sleepy colonial villages. Colonia del Sacramento is one of our favourites, and a quick ferry ride over the River Plate from Buenos Aires. The old town and bustling port of Montevideo is worth a visit, and we’ll steer you to the best of its boutiques and restaurants. Those happy to beach hop along the Atlantic, will find plenty of variety, from stylish Jose Ignacio to the increasingly bohemian La Pedrera, Punta del Diablo and Cabo Polonio.

Those drawn to places where time stands still can head inland to the rarely-visited interior for a taste of local estancia life and jineteada (gaucho rodeos).

URUGUAY INSPIRATION

Select a Sense

The beef in Uruguay, is outstanding, as is much of the seafood. Don’t miss trying national staple, the chivito, a superior sandwich of sliced beef, mozzarella, ham, tomatoes, mayonnaise and black or green olives, often with bacon and a fried egg.

In Uruguay, it’s all about Candombe, with its rhythmic drumming and vibrant street parades, and the romance and melancholy of Tango.

LISTEN IN

Mate gourds and bombillas; leather goods; alpargatas shoes; wine and dulce de leche. All heaven.

Check out our bespoke reading list courtesy of the great John Sandoe.

Get in touch to start planning your journey.

ENQUIRE NOW

Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017

PLACES TO VISIT IN URUGUAY

Discover more of our favourite locations in Uruguay…

Colonia del Sacramento & Carmelo

Punta del Este & Jose Ignacio

Rocha

All Destinations

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Road Trip Uruguay

Compact but packing a diverse punch, a road trip through Uruguay promises rolling landscapes, sprawling beaches, and historic town visits. Begin in Montevideo, the old-world capital, home to a Spanish citadel, art deco buildings, and colonial homes. Hit the chic beachfront of Punta del Este and discover the bohemian spirit of José Ignacio, a seaside hamlet famed for its lighthouse and laid-back atmosphere. Inland, Uruguay is less trodden, yet its vineyards, gaucho culture, and hot springs are definitely worth the visit.

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Watch the Jineteada Gaucha

Jineteada Gaucha, a rodeo event native to Uruguay, captures the raw essence of gaucho culture. Superior horsemanship takes precedence over bucking dramatics as spectators gather in anticipation for gauchos, dressed in traditional attire, to demonstrate their bond with their horse. Placing trust over domination, the event demonstrates the passion, skill, and tradition of local riders.

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

EsteArte Art Fair

ESTE ARTE is an art fair rooted in the belief of art as knowledge, blending international taste with deep regional connections. The event celebrates renowned and emerging artists, spotlighting talent from diverse backgrounds and encouraging galleries to do the same. The mission is to connect galleries with new and existing collectors while fostering dialogue between artists, curators, and supporters.

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Wine Tasting

Often overshadowed by its neighbours, Uruguay is a wine destination in its own right. Anchored by its Tannat grape, it offers a distinct viticultural experience. Bodega Garzón, near Punta del Este, combines modern winemaking with fantastic views. Further inland, the boutique Artesana impresses with its Tannat-Zinfandel blends. In Canelones, one of the country’s oldest wineries welcomes guests with an intriguing history.

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Feria Gastronómica

The Feria Gastronómica is a culinary extravaganza celebrating the nation’s rich food heritage. Held annually in the fishing village of Jose Ignacio, the event attracts foodies and chefs eager to showcase and sample both traditional and contemporary dishes. The fair offers a journey through Uruguay’s cultural landscape with live music, cooking demonstrations, and artisanal product stalls.

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Carnaval Llamadas Parade

Held during the annual carnival season in Montevideo, the Carnaval Llamadas Parade celebrates Uruguay’s rich African heritage. Las Llamadas (meaning “the calls”) traces back to 18th-century slave traditions and the few days slaves could celebrate, using their drums to communicate. Rows of drummers, called “candomberos”, set the beat, while dancers in elaborate costumes twirl and move to the sounds. The event offers an insight into Uruguay’s cultural blend of African and European influences.

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

A Culinary Journey with Francis Mallmann | Uruguay

Argentine master-chef Mallmann shares his secrets to wild cooking over an open fire on his treasured private Patagonian island. Begin and end your adventure with a night at Jardin Escondido, formerly owned by Francis Ford Coppola, this boutique hotel is one of Buenos Aires’ hidden treasures. Next, a flight to Comodoro Rivadavia, where you’ll drive 5-6 hours through fields of roaming cattle to Lago La Plata. From here, it’s an hour’s boat ride to arrive at the island. La Isla is nothing if not remote.

VIEW EXPERIENCE

FEATURED ACCOMMODATION

Estancia Vik

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CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“A very quick but heartfelt thank you for such an amazing time. You arranged everything so beautifully for us. Uruguay shall be my new passion, what a wonderful place you have chosen to make your own.”

FEATURED JOURNAL

Field Notes