ANYWHERE
Uruguay
Uruguay: Carmelo and Colonia
A quaint city in the southwest of Uruguay that faces Buenos Aires along the Río de la Plata, Colonia del Sacramento was founded in 1680 by Portugal’s Manuel de Lobo, and soon became a focus of struggle between the Spanish and the Portuguese until it was declared the joint territory of both Montevideo and Buenos Aires in 1777. With colorful houses and winding streets, Colonia is reminiscent of Old Lisbon. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, as it boasts some of the oldest buildings in Uruguay, dating back to the 1600’s.
DAY ONE
You’ll be picked up this morning and driven two hours from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento, after which you will check into your charming posada. Located in the old part of town, it offers quaint rooms, cozy common areas, and a garden surrounding a small outdoor pool. You will have the remainder of the day in which to explore the area, visiting the museums, antique shops, and galleries that line the cobblestone streets of the city. Visit the 1857 lighthouse perched along the river and the Puerta de Campo, a drawbridge built in 1745 to safeguard the walled city, which marks the entrance to the old section of town today.
For dinner tonight, we will provide you with a list of nearby restaurant recommendations serving traditional Uruguayan comfort food in a cozy environment.
DAY TWO
After a breakfast of ham, cheese, fresh pastries, and homemade breads, you will have a full day to spend at your leisure at a nearby golf and spa resort. The resort boasts a large spa with 17 treatment rooms and a wide range of unique therapies. Enjoy the vast golf course, situated amongst the trees and lakes of the Uruguayan countryside, and offering fabulous views at sunset.
DAY THREE
This morning, you’ll drive from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo, where you’ll check into one of Uruguay’s most beautiful hotels. Nestled among pine trees along the Río de la Plata, the hotel offers 20 cozy bungalows with hand-finished floors and private terraces.
You’ll have the remainder of the day to enjoy the hotel, visit the attractive spa, play golf, or bike around the area. We suggest you dine tonight at one of Uruguay’s oldest farms and wineries, where you’ll savor unique wines, sharp cheeses, homemade cognac, and local meats.
DAY FOUR
Following a hearty breakfast of local market products, your final day will be spent at your leisure around the hotel. You might learn how to prepare traditional South American yerba mate, and visit the on-site farm, La Estancia, which grows peaches, lemons, berries, and figs, and raises chickens, geese, and ducks. A typical Uruguayan asado (barbeque) can be arranged at La Estancia for either lunch or dinner today.
DAY FIVE
Transfer to the airport in Montevideo for your departure flight following breakfast this morning.
This is just the beginning.
Get in touch to design your dream trip.