Uruguay Holidays - Diminutive yet wonderfully diverse

Tiny Uruguay has been a well-kept secret for many years, frequented mostly by visitors from the two vast countries to the north and south, Argentina and Brazil, and has been mostly overlooked by tourists from Europe.

However, that has started to change as their currency has weakened, making the country more affordable, despite its reputation as the ‘Switzerland’ of the continent. Uruguay shares a passion for football and gaucho culture with its neighbours. It’s also home to some wonderful stretches of deserted beaches and a burgeoning wine industry, perfect for Uruguay holidays. Combine this with some great sites for wildlife-spotting (especially birds), superb steaks and buzzing nightlife, and this diminutive, urbane nation has a little something for everyone.

Easily accessed across the River Plate from Buenos Aires is the sleek capital Montevideo, whose vibrant urban culture is worthy of a day or two’s stopover. Explore the recently restored old city whilst on your Uruguay holiday, as well as the newly spruced-up Mercado del Puerto, where you can enjoy enormous steaks or a chivito (possibly one of the largest sandwiches you’ll ever see). Colonia del Sacramento is Uruguay’s biggest draw for visitors thanks to its attractive cobbled streets and colonial houses. Despite often being crowded in peak season, it’s worth spending a day or two to explore this cute town on the banks of the river.

Surf and beach lovers can head either to the sophisticated nightlife of Punta del Este, the ‘St Tropez of South America’. For something decidedly more understated, head a couple of hours north to José Ignacio to stay in chic, laid-back beachside B&Bs. Even further north, the glamour gives way to simple fishing villages and deserted stretches of coast, which are a haven for wildlife and birds on Uruguay holidays. However, if its peace and quiet you are after then it is worth avoiding the seasonal influx of visitors to the coast during the main holidays between December and February.

We can offer you a real insight into this often-overlooked small South American country, from unique design hotels along the undeveloped coast north of Punta del Este, to local cattle festivals to celebrate Uruguay’s traditional farming culture, to a wine route taking in some of the country’s newly established producers. We can take you into the wetlands on bird-watching trips or into the interior to ride with the hardy gauchos on the estancias. Whether you want a short break on the coast after a long South American tour or are looking to explore somewhere different, we’ll show you the best that a Uruguay holiday has to offer.

We would love to hear from you. To find out more about tailormade Uruguay holidays, or to obtain inspiration for a holiday, please contact us by phone or e-mail, or complete our online enquiry form.