Eastern Loop of Uruguay
Explore the off-the beaten path wonders of the eastern region of Uruguay as an independent guided by Néike! Drive on the panoramic Route 109 discovering the secrets and charms of Pueblo Garzon, feel like a local in unexplored places such as Cabo Polonio or Valizas and relax in Jose Ignacio with the peace of mind that Néike! knows all that needs to be known in the area.
DAY 1: MONTEVIDEO
Arrival and transfer to Alma Historica Hotel located in the old town of Montevideo. After checking in, transfer to the lively Port Market to (Mercado del Puerto) and enjoy a typical Uruguayan parrilla at El Palenque Restaurant. After lunch, enjoy our suggested walking tour of the old city, which used to be surrounded by a wall to protect the first settlers of the capital. From the Port Market, we will walk to the Carnival Museum, where you will discover the Spanish tradition and African roots of the Uruguayan Carnival. You will learn about the murgas and candombe and if you are in Uruguay during carnival season, you could even participate in one of the tablados, candombe rehearsals or the Llamadas Parade! (More info below).
The tour continues onto the museum of pre-Columbian art (www.mapi.uy) and then onto the Constitution Square where you will visit the Cathedral and the Cabildo before arriving to the Torres Garcia Art Museum, one of the most renowned art schools in Uruguay. We will stop at the Puro Verso library (one of the oldest buildings in the area) for a quick coffee or fresh drink and then walk along the lovely pedestrian area to the Solis Theatre. After visiting the theatre, we will enjoy a typical uvita drink at Fun Fun, a traditional tanguería where the renowned Uruguayan tango singer Carlos Gardel would sing when he was in town.
The tour ends in the Independence Square where the Old Gate of the Old City is located just across from the statue of our national hero Jose Gervasio Artigas, which guards his mausoleum and where the iconic Palacio Salvo stands. Accommodation at Alma Historica Hotel (or similar). L.
DAY 2: MONTEVIDEO – CASAPUEBLO & PANORAMIC ROUTE 12 – BALCON DEL ABRA
After breakfast, your car will be delivered to your hotel in order to start your driving adventure with Neike! A
LARES representative will assist you and explain thoroughly how Neike works and provide you with your driving kit. Drive to the intriguing Casapueblo, a spectacularly-designed building created by the Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, facing south on a hillside over the Atlantic Ocean. After a visit to the museum, continue along the panoramic Route 12 to Alto de la Ballena winery, a small, family-run winery. The owners, Alvaro Lorenzo and his wife Paula Pivel, decided to turn their love of wine into a business in 1998. After tasting the Uruguayan tannat, continue driving along Route 12 to Pueblo Eden for a delicious traditional lunch. Hugo and Ines Herrero Nuñez, owners of La Posta de Vaimaca, will be your hosts. Enjoy homemade pasta or barbequed lamb underneath the house´s old fig tree. After lunch continue towards the province of Lavalleja. Dinner and accommodation at Estancia Balcon del Abra. B, L, D.
DAY 3: BALCON DEL ABRA
Spend a full day at this estancia dedicated to horse breeding and which is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Lavalleja province. Participate in one of the amazing activities the place has to offer: trekking to the nearby hills, a riding tour in the area or just relax at the natural biotop natural pool. Lunch, dinner and accommodation at Balcon del Abra. B, L, D
DAY 4: BALCON DEL ABRA – PANORAMIC ROUTE 109 – PUNTA DEL DIABLO
After breakfast, drive south-east along the winding and panoramic Route 109 towards the Province of Rocha. Arrival to the coast of Laguna Rocha to enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and canoeing in the lagoon. Enjoy hiking or biking towards La Paloma and La Pedrera and then continue your drive towards Punta del Diablo. Accommodtion at Posada La Viuda del Diablo. B, L.
DAY 5: GREEN HILL AREA & SANTA TERESA NATIONAL PARK
Drive to the Santa Teresa National Park guided by Neike!, and meet your local guide at the specified meeting point from where you will start a trek along the coast towards the Green Hill Protected Area. We will be looking for green turtles and dolphins (November to March). After a picnic lunch, we will walk over the hanging bridge of La Coronilla and visit the visitors´ centre of the local NGO Karumbé (which means “turtle” in the local Guaraní language), where a specialist will tell us about the different activities they are carrying out in the area. We will then drive to the Santa Teresa National Park to discover the Portuguese fortress and learn about the history of the area. Transfer to Punta del Diablo and accommodation at Posada La Viuda del Diablo. B,L.
DAY 6: THE FICUS FOREST, BLACK LAGOON AND PALM GROVES
Drive to Route 14 where Neike! will take you to the starting point of the adventure. You will meet your guide at the Trail of the Indians, entrance to Establecimiento Don Bosco and where we start to hike towards the Navarro Hill, down the ravine and across the Ficus Forest to the top of Cerro de la Virgen, from where we will appreciate the most amazing view of the massive Palm Groves of Rocha. There are numerous legends regarding the origins of the palm groves. Some 500 palm trees per hectare can be found in this Palm Grove considered the world’s largest and most fascinating one. We will trek down to the shores of the Black Lagoon also known as Laguna de los Difuntos (The Lagoon of the dead) due to its location near the indigenous graveyards or cerritos de indios. After enjoying our picnic lunch next to the lagoon shores, return to the Posada La Viuda del Diablo. B, L
DAY 7: A TRADITIONAL ESTANCIA
We wake up in Guardia Del Monte, a traditional estancia with outstanding landscape beauty and important ecosystems containing a great variety of birds and native trees. We will enjoy 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. We will be able to spot the graceful black-necked swan (largest populations in the world found here), the rare white goose, the pink flamingo (a species of flamingo with very bright pink pigment and quite common in Uruguay) and many ducks and other birds such as the largest bird in South America – the ‘ostrich-like’ ñandú (American rhea). After a typical asado lunch we will enjoy some horseback riding to explore the estancia surroundings. Dinner and accommodation at Guardia del Monte (Please note that depending on the season, we might stay at Guardia del Monte or Charabon Estancia and the available activities will be adapted to the area). B, L, D
DAY 8: TREKKING FROM VALIZAS TO CABO POLONIO, INCREDIBLE SAND DUNES AND SEA LIONS
After breakfast, drive to the entrance of Cabo Polonio where Neike! will guide you to the meeting point with your local guide. After parking the car in the visitors center, your guide will drive you to the small village of Barra de Valizas to start the trek along the coastline and across the incredible shifting sand dunes. After a short walk around the town, we will trek up the Buena Vista Hill from where a fantastic view of the ocean can be appreciated and continue down towards Cabo Polonio (4 hours trek). After a delicious seafood lunch at a local seaside restaurant, we will visit the lighthouse and sea lions reserve (one of the biggest ones in the world!). In the afternoon a 4×4 truck drive towards the main entrance of Cabo Polonio. Continue your drive to the small secret town of Garzon. Dinner and accommodation a Casa Anna. B, L, D
DAY 9: COLINAS DE GARZON, A TALE OF OLIVES AND VINEYARDS, THE “URUGUAYAN TUSCANY”
After breakfast, drive to Colinas de Garzon, where the best olive oil of Uruguay is produced. For those who enjoy the taste of new experiences, spectacular views, top quality wines and olive oils, this will be a wonderful visit. You will be able to learn all the secrets of the extra virgin olive oil and explore the olive plantations and Boutique Production Plant. It is an invitation to discover the origins of this product and its elaboration process. You will then enjoy a tasting of the fine wines and olive oils of Colinas de Garzon, served with selected home-made cheeses. Between the months of March and June, guests can also learn to and participate in the harvest. Drive back to Pueblo Garzon for some quality time to rest and explore the town where time seems to have stood still for some decades. Villagers peacefully drink mate without the hurries of modern life while the neighbour next door feeds her horse and the local grocery store sells gas in canisters. During the evening, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the local wonderful restaurants. Accommodation at Casa Anna. B, L.
DAY 10: THE ATCHUGARRY FOUNDATION AND AGUA VERDE WINERY & SPA
Early in the morning, Neike! will guide you to the Atchugarry Foundation located in Manantiales, a nonprofit institution created in 2007 by the sculptor Pablo Atchugarry with the intention of promoting the arts and to create a meeting place for artists of all disciplines, a place that combine nature and art. After the visit, continue driving to Agua Verde winery. Here is where the vineyards seem to flow from the main house and pool. You will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the landscape. You will be enchanted by the surroundings with many streams and hills of different shades. In Agua Verde the grapes are grown and harvested 100% by hand during the night when the temperatures are cooler and it is also when the sugar levels in the grapes are more stable, the quality and acid levels are better. Enjoy a unique farm to table style brunch under the trees and overlooking the vineyards. The chef will prepare a special meal using the freshest locally farmed ingredients. The pleasure of using free range and organic produce allows one to experience what these products are really meant to taste like. After a wine tasting, continue driving towards the towns of La Barra and Manantiales, two charming jewels of the Uruguayan coast. Neike! will guide you around if you wish to visit small stores and boutiques or enjoy a coffee at one of the local bakeries and bars. Drive to the town of Jose Ignacio. Accommodation at Posada del Faro. B, L.
DAY 11: JOSE IGNACIO
Enjoy a day at leisure to relax in this amazing small town. Neike! will give you all the tips on the area! Accommodation at Posada del Faro. B
Alma Historica – Montevideo, Day 1
Estancia Balcon del Abra – Lavalleja, Day 2-3
Posada Viuda del Diablo – Rocha, Day 4-6
Estancia Guardia del Monte – Rocha, Day 7
Casa Anna – Garzon, Day 8-9
Posada del Faro – Jose Ignacio, Day 10-11
Estancias Self Drive Tour
This trip is the perfect option for those wishing to explore Uruguay in their own vehicle, with most of it being self-driven. Start the trip in Colonia Del Sacramento, discover the old town of Montevideo, hike in the National Park of Quebrada de los Cuervos (Crows’ Ravine), stay at typical estancias, trek to the Natural Reserve of Cabo Polonio to visit one of the biggest reserves of sea lions in the world and combine the whole trip with characteristic accommodations!
DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES – COLONIA – FINCA PIEDRA (SAN JOSE PROVINCE)
Arrival to Colonia Del Sacramento where a LARES guide will assist you with the car rental pick-up (Cat E – Hyundai Accent or similar). A complete map of Uruguay will be provided together with the necessary directions to arrive to each one of the estancias haciendas included in the itinerary. Self-drive to Finca Piedra Farm located in the region of San José (80 min. drive) where guests will be expected with a delicious lunch and will spend a first day in the Uruguayan countryside. The Estancia invites to hike, discover the own vineyards, take a bike ride across the fields, relax at the pool or enjoy an afternoon riding. Dinner and accommodation at Estancia Finca Piedra. L, D
DAY 2: FINCA PIEDRA – MONTEVIDEO
Continue your trip to Montevideo (1.5hs drive) where you will be expected for lunch at the lively Port Market. During an afternoon walking city tour, you can discover the highlights of the ancient city center of Montevideo. You will visit several art museums and the famous Solis theatre. Accommodation at My Suites Hotel w/ breakfast included. B,L
DAY 3: MONTEVIDEO – PROVINCE OF TREINTA Y TRES
Drive to the department of Treinta y Tres where guests will stay at Estancia Pinos de la Quebrada or Estancia Los Platanos. Lunch and afternoon rural activities; you will be able to participate in the daily activities of the rural life and learn about the gaucho culture, the countryside style of life and its traditions. Dinner and accommodation at the estancia with full board included. B, L, D
DAY 4: THE LIFE OF A WORKING ESTANCIA
Enjoy the simple things of the everyday rural life by participating in the daily activities of the estancia working alongside the gauchos and their trusty dogs. The work varies depending on the time of the year, but the wonderful, friendly gauchos with their berets, bombachas (riding trousers) and their knives tucked into their colorful belts, always welcome a bit of help checking and moving the stock or putting animals in the pens. They seem to have been born on a horse and it is a delight to ride with them! Full board included. Accommodation at the estancia. B, L, D.
DAY 5: QUEBRADA DE LOS CUERVOS NATIONAL PARK
Early drive to the National Park of Quebrada de los Cuervos where guests will spend the day trekking down the amazing gorge that is formed at the junction of the Yerbal Stream and the Olimar River (a local guide can be coordinated with anticipation and extra cost). A great variety of wildlife can be seen in the area which is also great for bird watching! The estancia will prepare a nice picnic for guests so they can spend the day exploring. Afternoon drive down Route 8 towards Mariscala, where guests will enjoy dinner and relax at posada Balcon del Abra. B, L,D.
DAY 6: ESTANCIA BALCON DEL ABRA
Today, guests will spend a full day at this estancia dedicated to the breeding of horses and which is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Lavalleja Department. Guests can organize some trekking to the nearby hills, a riding tour to the nearby estancia (extra cost) or just relax at the natural BIOTOP pool. Dinner and accommodation at Balcon del Abra. B, L, D
DAY 7: BALCON DEL ABRA – ESTANCIA GUARDIA DEL MONTE
After breakfast, drive south-east along the winding and panoramic Route 109 towards the Department of Rocha. Guests will enjoy a wonderful landscape! Arrival to Estancia Guardia del Monte where a delicious lunch will be waiting! Guardia del Monte is a traditional estancia with outstanding landscape beauty and important ecosystems containing a great variety of birds and native scrublands. We will enjoy some quality bird watching 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.
We will be able to spot the graceful black-necked swan (largest populations in the world found here), the rare white goose, the pink flamingo (a species of flamingo with very bright pink pigment and quite common in Uruguay), many ducks and other birds. You will be able to see the largest bird in South America – the ostrich-like ñandú (American rhea). Dinner and accommodation at Estancia Guardia del Monte. B, L, D.
DAY 8: TREKKING EXPEDITION FROM VALIZAS TO CABO POLONIO ACREOSS SHIFTING SAND DUNES
After breakfast, drive to Valizas town where a local guide will be waiting to start an unforgettable tour to the village of Cabo Polonio. After a short walk around the town, we will start the trekking along the coastline that will take us towards the incredible shifting sand dunes (one of the biggest ones in the world). We will trek up the Buena Vista Hill from where a fantastic view of the ocean can be appreciated, and we will continue down towards Cabo Polonio (4 hours trek). After a delicious seafood lunch at a local seaside restaurant, we will visit the lighthouse and sea lions reserve. In the afternoon a 4×4 truck will drive you towards the main entrance of Cabo Polonio where a private transfer will drive guests back to Valizas to pick up their car. Drive back to Estancia Guardia del Monte for dinner and accommodation. B, L, D.
DAY 9: RETURN
After breakfast, drive back to Montevideo Airport.
On day 9, famous beach resorts Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio can easily be visited on the way back to Montevideo or a beach extension in the Punta del Este/Jose Ignacio area or Rocha Province for several nights can perfectly be added!
Most recommended travel time: October to March
Finca Piedra – San Jose (Day 1)
Hotel My Suites – Montevideo (Day 2)
Estancia Pinos de la Quebrada – Treinta y Tres (Day 3-4)
Estancia Balcon del Abra – Lavalleja (Day 5-6)
Estancia Guardia del Monte – Rocha (Day 7-8)
Western Loop of Uruguay
Explore the beautiful and traditional west of Uruguay which blends the country life traditions, the history of the battles of the Rio de la Plata and the western vineyards. Néike! will guide you around this unexplored region and tell you all the secrets of the area!
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DAY 1: MONTEVIDEO
Arrival and transfer to Alma Historica hotel, located in the old part of Montevideo. (No other services are included assumed you may have booked the Eastern Loop first. A walking tour and lunch at the port market could be easily added to this day). Accommodation at Alma Historica hotel (or similar).
DAY 2: MONTEVIDEO – ESTANCIA SANTA MODESTA
Your car will be delivered to your hotel. After breakfast you are ready to start you driving adventure with Néike!
A Lares representative will assist you, thoroughly explaining you how Néike! works and give you your driving kit. Drive to Guichón, in the province of Paysandú to visit the traditional estancia Santa Modesta. Lunch at the estancia and afternoon at leisure to relax, go horseback riding, or learn about the country life daily work tasks. B, L, D.
DAY 3: MONTEVIDEO – PROVINCE OF TREINTA Y TRES
Enjoy your day in the area by joining a place to place horseback riding tour across the Cerros Chatos (Flat Hills), a canoeing journey along the Queguay River or a full day of relax at the Almiron Salt Hot Springs with massages included. Dinner and accommodation included at Santa Modesta. B, D.
DAY 4: ESTEROS DE FARRAPOS
After breakfast, Néike! will guide you to the town of San Javier from where you will take a small boat to visit the protected islands of Esteros de Farrapos. This is a little-birded site but may turn out to be one of the most diverse spots for birds in the country since it has been recognized under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Significance with 174.96 km² including 24 islands. It is known to be the only protected area where Maned Wolf has been spotted and has over 200 species of birds. After the visit, continue driving to the town of Dolores. Accommodation at Hostal del Espinillo. B, L.
DAY 5: FRAY BENTOS
After breakfast, follow Néike!’s directions in the area to discover the cultural highlights of the area. The first stop is Mercedes, one of the oldest cities in Uruguay where we visit the coastal Rambla of the Rio Negro, the nice squares, the cathedral and the Maua Castle. Located just a few kilometers outside of Mercedes, it was built in the midst of the 19th century as an Estancia and nowadays houses a paleontological museum and the Maua winery. Continue driving to Fray Bentos for a visit to the Museum of the Industrial Revolution, located on the grounds of the slaughterhouse and meat processing plant El Anglo which produced the famous Fray Bentos Corned Beef. After visiting the area, follow Néike!’s directions to Carmelo. Accommodation at Finca Narbona Wine Lodge. B.
DAY 6: CARMELO WINERIES AND VINEYARDS
Discover the wine region guided by Néike! Visit the Calera de las Huerfanas Jesuit Ruins where the history of wine began and where we can see vineyards in the same location where the first vines were planted. Continue driving to El Legado winery, for a visit and tasting and then to Cordano family ran winery to enjoy lunch and tasting. Accommodation at Finca Narbona Wine Lodge. B, L.
DAY 7: COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO
After a picnic brunch in the vineyards, follow Néike! ´s directions to Colonia del Sacramento where you will meet your local guide to enjoy a walking city tour along the cobbled streets of the old town of Colonia del Sacramento including the old buildings, old forts, Spanish and Portuguese Museums and the most important tourist spots of this Old Portuguese City form the XVII century that has been declared Patrimony of Mankind by UNESCO.
Accommodation at Charco Hotel. B.
DAY 8: RETURN
After breakfast, drive back to Montevideo and follow Néike!’s directions to the Airport or port and drop off the car.
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Alma Historica – Montevideo, Day 1
Estancia Santa Modesta – Paysandú, Day 2-3
Hostal del Espinillo – Soriano, Day 4
Finca Narbona Wine Lodge – Carmelo, Day 5-6
Charco Hotel – Colonia del Sacramento, Day 7
