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Don’t miss out on the magic of Uruguay. Often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbours, Uruguay has plenty of beauty to discover, should you venture north across the River Plate from Buenos Aires.

Why travel to Uruguay

It might be one of South America’s smallest nations, but this unexpected gem is home to fabulous beaches, relaxed cities and some fascinating wines. Most entering the country from Argentina’s capital will arrive in the sleepy town of Colonia de Sacramento; with its cobbled streets and vintage cars, you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a time warp.
However, it’s the laid back and gentle pace of life here that so perfectly reflects the differences between Uruguay and much of the rest of Latin America. For many visitors, a day trip to Colonia is as far as they will get here, but the rewards for travelling further are well worth it.
Capital city, Montevideo, overlooks the entrance to the River Plate and is dotted with grandiose buildings befitting of its history as a major port. It’s a wonderful place to explore for a day or two, but a visit to Uruguay’s Atlantic coast and atmospheric interior is where the real magic is to be found. The famous beaches of Punta del Este are a huge draw, while José Ignacio to the north has a more exclusive feel to it and even further still, the rustic town of Cabo Polonio offers a different charm.
As you head inland, you’ll find estancias where you can ride with the gauchos or relax in the beautiful countryside. There are wineries too, producing some of the finest Tannat in the world, the champion of all Uruguayan varietals. As bespoke luxury travel planners we can tailor your time in Uruguay to best suit your interests.
All this combines to make Uruguay the sort of underrated destination we cannot help but love. After all, this is a country where the president from 2010 to 2015 chose to decline the trappings that came with the job and remained on his farm, driving his ancient VW Beetle instead of a state limousine. If there’s anything sums up this fabulous destination better than that, let us know.
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KEY FACTS
CURRENCY

Uruguayan Peso

LANGUAGE

Spanish

TIME ZONE

GMT -03:00

TIPPING

10%

PEAK TIME

November - February

USEFUL PHRASES

Hello – Hola See you later – Hasta luego Nice to meet you – Encantada/o de conocerte Thank you so much – Muchas gracias Please – Por favor Excuse me – Disculpe I’m sorry – Lo siento

COLDEST MONTH

July
10°C on average

HOTTEST MONTH

January
23°C on average

SUSTAINABILITY

We believe travel is precious

The world has transformed dramatically since cazenove+loyd was founded in 1993. On every trip we take, we wonder how that destination will look in another 30 years. We are passionate about our destinations and understand that it has become more important than ever to conserve their wildlife, habitats and communities for future generations.

Uruguay

Our Destination Expert’s top tip

For wine lovers, be sure to try the local tannat which is considered to be the best in the world.

Karen Chapman

Specialises in

Central + South America, Polar regions and The Caribbean
Did you know

José “Pepe” Mujica, President of Uruguay between 2010 and 2015, donates 90% of his income to charity, a habit that earned him the moniker ‘the world’s poorest president’.

Cultural insight

The traditional drink of Uruguay is called mate. Mate is an infusion (tea) made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant and hot water. It’s often seen as a social activity, to drink some mate with your mates! Since mate is a stimulant, containing caffeine, football players would often drink it before a match to give them energy as well.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Uruguay

Nothing but the best. Browse our handpicked, tried-and-tested luxury Uruguay hotels.

Sacromonte Hotel, Pueblo Eden

Sacromonte Hotel is a charming escape in the Uruguayan countryside. Nestled within a vineyard and olive grove, the hotel enjoys a relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking views.

With just seven suites, it ensures personalised attention and a tranquil experience, plus a design that seamlessly blends rustic elegance with modern comforts. Guests can indulge in wine tasting, explore the surrounding natural beauty and enjoy locally-inspired cuisine for a harmonious retreat that captures the essence of Uruguay's idyllic landscape.

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Charco Hotel, Colonia del Sacramento

Charco Hotel is a unique waterfront retreat located in the heart of Colonia del Sacramento and a fabulous base from which guests can immerse themselves in the colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and vibrant culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

With a distinctive design that fuses modern style with historic charm, Its 16 rooms provide comfort and relaxation, while the rooftop terrace boasts stunning panoramic views of the city and the Rio de la Plata.

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Estancia Vik, Jose Ignacio

Estancia Vik is a luxurious countryside estate that seamlessly blends art, architecture and natural beauty.

Set amidst the rolling hills of José Ignacio, the property features unique design elements, a stunning art collection and just 12 individually designed suites, so guests can be sure of individual attention. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings via activities such as horseback riding, exploring the art gallery and relaxing by the pool.

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INSPIRATION

Explore our latest stories

Celebrating New Years Eve in Uruguay

Celebrating New Years Eve in Uruguay
Reflections on Uruguay

Reflections on Uruguay
Riding with Gauchos in Uruguay

Riding with Gauchos in Uruguay
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Let us plan your perfect trip

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What our clients say

It was all fabulous! Thank you for organising and reassuring us. The houses were all great and all the people charming – we will be in touch to book something again soon.

What our clients say

From start to finish, everything was taken care of for our recent family trip to Morocco. Each detail was handled precisely, and itinerary planning was easy and thoughtful. Will definitely use cazenove+loyd again.

What our clients say

So thank you, I loved it, it was a memorable holiday. You provided me with an experience that would have been difficult to achieve on a personal tour. I’d definitely think about doing another one and it was lovely to meet you.

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Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch and one of our luxury travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream tailor-made holiday.

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UK: +44 207 384 2332
US: +1 800 409 4233
Karen Chapman
Caroline Maber
Adam Fry

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