Uruguay, a country of understated charm, invites exploration with its varied landscapes, rich culture, and a pace of life that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Though modest in size, it offers a road trip that reveals its character in layers, rewarding the curious traveller at every turn.
From the timeworn streets of Colonia del Sacramento to the sweeping shores of José Ignacio, this 16-day journey captures the essence of Uruguay —a blend of history, culinary craftsmanship, outdoor adventure, and quiet beauty.
Here’s how to discover the highlights of this remarkable country, with each stop offering its own story and sense of place.
Day 1: Colonia del Sacramento
Stay: Charco Hotel
Begin your journey in Colonia del Sacramento, a riverside town where a rich history lingers in its uneven cobblestones and sun-faded facades. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Colonia is a place of quiet beauty, its streets a patchwork of Portuguese and Spanish legacies. Set out on a walking tour of the Old City, and discover the stories of its layered past through the aged fortress walls, the lighthouse standing sentinel over the river, and the beautifully coloured houses. Cap off the tour with a traditional mate tasting; Uruguay’s beloved ritual of sharing yerba mate, a herbal tea that symbolises interpersonal connection and hospitality. For food lovers, a visit to La Vigna Cheese Farm offers a hands-on experience in artisanal cheesemaking, paired with tastings of farm-fresh produce.
Spend the night at Charco Hotel in one of their White Rooms; thoughtfully designed with exposed stone walls to reflect the towns colonial history, and providing magnificent views of the river.
Days 2–3: Carmelo
Stay: Narbona Wine Lodge
A two-hour drive brings you to Carmelo, a picturesque wine region where vineyards stretch out to meet the horizon. Your stay at Narbona Wine Lodge, a historic winery turned boutique retreat, provides the perfect base from which to explore the area, before returning to a comfortable room and, of course, a warming glass of wine.
Highlights include a visit to the Jesuit Ruins, a window into Uruguay’s colonial and spiritual history, followed by wine tastings at Carmelo’s boutique wineries. Not to be missed are the region’s Tannat wines, Uruguay’s flagship varietal, which offer bold, earthy flavours. In the evening, a sunset cruise along the Río de la Plata provides spectacular views and a moment for pause after a day of exploring, as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Days 4–6: Durazno
Stay: Estancia La Bendición
Heading inland, the landscape transforms into rolling plains dotted with estancias. Your home for the next three days is Estancia La Bendición, a working ranch that epitomises rural Uruguayan life. The property’s trademark is the renovated train wagon rooms, innovatively crafted to provide a rustic yet comfortable experience with their private decks and bar.
Life on the ranch follows its own rhythm. Spend your days horseback riding across open fields and gaining a unique insight into sustainable cattle farming from the ranch’s knowledgeable staff. Meals are centred around the asado, where the owners share not only expertly grilled meat but also their stories and connection to the land. Evenings are reserved for relaxation under star-studded skies, a far cry from the city’s hustle.
Days 7–8: Montevideo
Stay: Hotel Montevideo
Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, balances cosmopolitan edge with a laid-back coastal atmosphere. Your base here is Hotel Montevideo, a boutique retreat offering understated style and an ideal location for exploring the city. Head out on a walking tour of the Old City to unveil its varied architecture, from grand neoclassical facades to weathered colonial houses. The streets pulse with activity; at the lively markets and the iconic Mercado del Puerto, where the smoky aroma of grilled meats fills the air, drawing diners in to jam-packed parrillas.
In the evening, dive into Montevideo’s cultural heartbeat with a Candombe Experience. This Afro-Uruguayan music and dance tradition is as much about storytelling as it is about celebration, with its powerful rhythms and passionate dances. Round off your stay with an intimate visit to a local vineyard to meet the winemaker behind Uruguay’s emerging boutique wine scene, where small-scale producers are crafting exceptional varietals that quietly hold their own on the world stage.
Days 9–10: El Edén
Stay: Sacromonte Landscape Hotel or Pueblo Garzón
Head east to El Edén, where the landscape shifts to gentle hills and a patchwork of vineyards which reflect the region’s agricultural roots. For your stay, choose between the contemporary elegance of Sacromonte Landscape Hotel, seamlessly integrated into its surroundings, or the artistic allure of Pueblo Garzón, a small town gaining recognition as a destination for food and wine connoisseurs.
Start your exploration at Olivos de las Animas, where olive oils are crafted with the same care and precision as fine wines. Follow this with a tasting at Alto de la Ballena, a boutique winery producing expressive varietals that capture the essence of the region. For those inclined toward adventure, a hike from Pueblo Edén to Viña Edén offers more than just exercise. The trail rewards you with sweeping views, and culminates in a tasting that combines delicious wine with a well-earned sense of accomplishment.
No visit here is complete without a trip to Garzón, often likened to Tuscany for its rolling landscapes and culinary reputation. At Bodega Garzón, exceptional dining meets innovative winemaking, offering a perspective not just on the region’s flavours but on its transformation into a hub of modern agriculture and craftsmanship.
Days 11–13: La Pedrera
Stay: Las Brisas
A drive along the Atlantic coast brings you to La Pedrera, a bohemian beach town that moves at its own unhurried pace. At Las Brisas, a charming property overlooking the ocean, mornings start with the sound of crashing waves and salt-kissed breezes.
Adventures here are boundless. Embark on a Cabo Polonio Hiking Tour, exploring untouched dunes and the remote fishing village of Cabo Polonio, where sea lions bask on rocky shores, oblivious to the world around them. Another day might lead you into the Santa Teresa National Park, where trails wind through dense forest alive with birdsong, eventually climbing to Cerro Verde. From its summit, the coastline stretches endlessly in both directions, a reminder of the vastness of this untamed edge of Uruguay.
Days 14–16: José Ignacio
Stay: Ayana
Conclude your journey in José Ignacio, a coastal retreat where laid-back elegance meets the raw beauty of Uruguay’s southern shore. Here, rustic simplicity is elevated to something quietly sophisticated, with Ayana as your base—a boutique sanctuary framed by open skies and unspoiled nature. Don’t miss the hotel’s wonderful art collection, which includes a Skyspace installation by James Turrell.
Dive into the region’s creative side with a visit to MACA (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Atchugarry) and the Atchugarry Foundation, where sculpture gardens and galleries blur the boundaries between art and the surrounding environment. For those still seeking a final hit of action, Anastasio Lagoon offers the perfect playground for a morning of cycling and kayaking, while horseback rides to the beach offer a slower, more contemplative way to take in the landscape.
For an unforgettable finale, head out on the Horseback Ride & Dinner under the Stars, where local dishes are served in an al fresco setting beneath a night sky unmarred by city lights—a fitting end to your Uruguayan journey.
Why Choose Uruguay for Your Next Road Trip?
Uruguay’s modest size makes it a perfect destination for a road trip, where each distance is short enough to enjoy, but long enough to feel the changing rhythm of the landscape. From the cobbled streets of historic towns to the open skies of the pampas; from the tranquillity of vineyard-covered hills and the energy of its capital, and the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast, Uruguay offers a variety that surprises and satisfies in equal measure.
What sets the country apart, however, is not just its scenery, but its sense of hospitality. The locals, with their easy warmth and quiet pride, welcome travellers as if they’ve been expected all along. Meals here are more than sustenance—they are moments of connection, whether it’s over a perfectly grilled asado, a glass of Tannat, or freshly pressed olive oil.
This thoughtfully crafted itinerary isn’t just a road trip; it’s an invitation to experience a country that reveals itself slowly and leaves a lasting impression.
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