Overview & Highlights
Self-drive in friendly Uruguay, a peaceful little country wedged between Brazil and Argentina. The well-paved, empty roads are a pleasure to drive and you stop off along its unspoilt coast and inland at welcoming ranches and wine lodges.
Uruguay, wedged between the behemoths of Brazil and Argentina, is a holiday destination offering a real sense of breathing space. It’s the size of England but with a population of just 3.5 million, not much greater than that of Wales. The gently rolling countryside is dreamily bucolic – the famous beef cattle graze nonchalantly accompanied by a multitude of birds, whose song at sunrise is as enchanting as the unspoilt little towns and increasingly chic range of hotels and restaurants.
Getting around is most satisfyingly achieved with the freedom of your own hire car. Our self-drive holiday explores the UNESCO jewel of Colonia, Carmelo’s vineyards, Montevideo’s art-deco streets, the little-visited interior of Uruguay and the beaches of José Ignacio. There’s about 850km of driving over nine days and you’ll have the support of pre-booked accommodation allowing you to explore at your leisure.
- Buenos Aires: Walking tour of Montserrat and San Telmo
- Colonia: Guided walking tour with traditional cheese and wine tasting
- Montevideo: Guided walking tour with market barbecue lunch
- Countryside ranch: Self-guided walks
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires, transfer to your hotel in Recoleta.
Day 2
Guided walking tour in central Buenos Aires.
Day 3
Ferry across the River Plate to Colonia in Uruguay.
Day 4
Collect your hire car, drive to Carmelo at the head of the estuary.
Day 5
Day at leisure at a wine lodge near Carmelo.
Day 6
Drive to Montevideo, Uruguay’s waterfront capital.
Day 7
Guided walking tour of Montevideo.
Day 8
Drive to a traditional rural inn of Uruguay's interior
Day 9
At leisure in the countryside
Day 10
To the coast: Drive to the small and upscale beach resort José Ignacio.
Days 11, 12
At leisure in José Ignacio.
Day 13
Drive back to Montevideo airport to drop off your car and take your international flight.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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Inspired by this trip
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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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