Uruguay Tours & Holidays

Bookended by Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is one of South America’s smallest countries, but packs just as many highlights into its unspoilt wild spaces and charming colonial-era towns. From the cobbled streets of Colonia del Sacramento, its major port town on the banks of the Río de la Plata, to the sprawling vineyards of its popular wine regions, there’s a lot to love about this lesser-known Latin American nation.  

Among the country’s most memorable spots, colourful Montevideo often tops visitors’ travel wish-lists. Here, the city’s colonial roots are contrasted with an eclectic blend of Neoclassical landmarks, towering Art Deco skyscrapers and colourful modern neighbourhoods. The Ciudad Vieja (old town) is a particular highlight and is home to the grand Solís Theatre, one of the country’s most famous buildings, while the Metropolitan Cathedral of Montevideo is another impressive sight. No tour of the Uruguayan capital would be complete without a visit to the Mercado del Puerto, which features a wide range of traditional asado (barbecue) vendors and local food stalls.  

In the countryside, the winemaking town of Carmelo introduces a quieter side to Uruguay, with its sprawling collection of estancias (ranches) and vineyards. It’s here that the country’s gaucho (cowboy) culture is kept alive, and catching an equestrian show at the nearby estancias is highly recommended. For a taste of the local produce, there aren’t many better options than a stop at one of the region’s family-run wineries, and many offer visitors private Tannat wine tastings and mate brewing sessions.  

For relaxation, look no further than the country’s coastal hotspots, with Colonia and elegant Punta del Este providing the ideal setting for a few moments unwinding by the sea. Punta, affectionately nicknamed the ‘Saint-Tropez of South America’, is a good choice for a more glamorous experience, while Colonia features all the hallmarks of imperial Spanish rule in its fascinating historic quarter.