Welcome to Uruguay! Upon arrival in Montevideo, transfer to your hotel in Colonia del Sacramento. From the hotel, your guide will take you on a walking city tour along the cobbled streets of Old Town. This walking tour will feature visits to Spanish and Portuguese Museums in this Old Portuguese City with artwork dating back to the XVII century – which has been declared Patrimony of Mankind by the UNESCO. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional “Mate” tasting to learn why nearly every local drinks this locally-popular beverage. If time allows, end the day with a bike ride along the riverside Rambla to witness the landscapes of rural colonia full of vineyards, olive plantations and lemon trees and finish at Finca La Primavera with an olive oil tasting.

After breakfast, private transfer to the bus terminal of Colonia to board a bus to the capital city of Montevideo. Upon arrival, meet your English-speaking guide and driver for a ride to your hotel with a stop at the lively port market for lunch. After you’ve settled into your hotel room, return to the lobby for a private walking tour of Old City featuring stops at the Carnival Museum to learn about the “murgas” and “candombe.” Although, if you’re in Uruguay during Carnvial season from late Feb to early March, you can participate in a rehearsal or parade! Continue to other sites such as the Cathedral and Cabildo, Columbian Art Museum, and Soils Theater before returning to your hotel.

Enjoy a morning bike ride of Modern Montevideo including an exclusive invitation to the studio of highly respected drummer Lobo Núñez, who specializes in Candombe, a form of drumming made popular in the 18th century by the descendants of African slaves. It has since become a defining feature of Uruguay’s national identity and Lobo has found special acclaim since being visited by Mick Jagger in 2016. Onward to Estancia Guardia del Monte near Rocha, Castillos where you will spend the next two evenings.

Rise and shine at Estancia Guardia del Monte, a traditional Uruguayan Estancia for a day of exploration and wonder. Visit the local Ombu Forest and some quality birdwatching along the large area of marshlands and wetlands both of which are teeming with bird life (more than 400 species in this area), otters, coypus and capybaras. After a typical “asado lunch”, enjoy some horseback riding to explore the Estancia surroundings. Dinner and accommodation at Guardia del Monte.

Enjoy one last morning at the beautiful Estancia Guardia. After breakfast meet your local, English-speaking guide who will take you to the small village of Barra de Valzas. Begin a barefoot trek along the coastline and the incredible shifting sand dunes. Climb the “Buena Vista Hill” and appreciate the gorgeous view of the ocean before continuing to Cabo Polonio (3 hours trek). After a delicious lunch at a local seaside restaurant, visit the sea lions reserve (one of the biggest ones in South America!). Afternoon 4×4 truck-drive to the main entrance of Cabo Polonio where you will take a transfer to your hotel in the small town of La Paloma.

Today your guide takes you to the lighthouse of La Paloma via private transfer. Upon arrival, begin by biking to the Rocha Lagoon, a semi-freshwater lagoon of 72 km2 (28 sq mi) that happens to be a bird paradise during the winter months. This unique protected natural area is part of the “eastern Biosphere Reserve” which is internationally recognized within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere (MAP) of UNESCO since 1976. After the biking tour of La Rocha, cross the lagoon on kayak or boat for a picnic lunch on the shores of the other side and continue via private transfer to your hotel in La Barra.

Morning tour of Punta del Este to visit Casapueblo and the most important historical and cultural attractions. Afterwards, a picnic lunch will be served followed by the choice of kayaking, horseback riding, or biking for the rest of the day.

Depending on the location of your departing international or domestic flight, private transfer to the airport for your return home, or onward to your next destination.