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Route:
Technical Characteristics:
Route Profile: Easy. Bicycle tours are not technically challenging but riders must have previous cycling experience for the undulation of the terrain. Hiking tours are set to the pace of the group with some slight terrain challenges.
Distance: Biking: 6 hours
Hiking: 12 hours
Travel Season: Departures on request January 2 to December 20, 2023
Blackout Dates: January 1 – January 8; February 17 – February 21; April 6 – April 8; December 8 – December 10 and December 27 – December 31
*Group rates available for this tour. As this is a guided tour, the pricing improves with more people participating. Please ask us for details
Accommodation:
Variety of 3* and 4* hotels all with private facilities
Uruguay is one of South America’s best kept secrets! Counting 600 kilometers of coastline with beautiful untouched sandy beaches as well as stunning landscapes in the interior of the country along with Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and British influences make Uruguay a small country with a lot to offer. While the people in the bigger cities on the coast of the River Plate mostly live a modern life style you can still find real “gauchos”, the South American “cowboys”, leading a more traditional country life in the interior of Uruguay. Uruguayans are a kind and welcoming people with a great love for “mate”, a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink, “asado” (BBQ), carnival and of course football. When you first arrive in Uruguay you will be surprised to see people walking in the streets or waiting on the bus with their “mate” in their hand and thermos flask tightly tucked under their arm.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Montevideo
Montevideo – Uruguay’s capital is a city of contrasts with its well conserved historical buildings on the one side and a lot of modern buildings on the other. The capital’s Rambla (waterfront promenade), providing access to over 30 kilometers of coastline, is one of the main attributes of Montevideo and an unforgettable stroll for its inhabitants who frequently go there to drink ‘mate’. You will be picked up at the airport or at the pier in Montevideo and taken to your hotel in the very green and lively Punta Carretas neighborhood. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2
Montevideo City Tour by bike 3 hours
After a security briefing, pack your water bottle and get on your bike to explore Montevideo. Enjoy a fun and unique way to explore the historical city of Montevideo. At Plaza Zabala, see the statue of Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, the city’s founder. Cycle through the maze of shadowed streets and arrive at the “Plaza de Constitución”, the city’s oldest square. Pause to admire the beautiful colonial architecture that includes the former City Hall and the Metropolitan Cathedral that is considered the mother church of South America. Continue your bike ride along the coast towards the Palermo district. Here, pause to photograph the Pittamiglio House, Humberto Pittamiglio’s former home that has an interesting and unconventional exterior. Cycle back to the downtown area and stop at the Punta Carretas Lighthouse to take some photos. End your tour at the Independence Square and see a bronze statue honoring José Gervasio Artigas, a national hero. Also, see historical landmarks like the old citadel gate, the former Presidential Palace, the Salvo Palace, and the Solis Theatre.
Day 3
Tour to Estancia Finca Piedra 8 hours
Today you drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Estancia Finca Piedra. Upon arrival you will be guided through the historic Estancia. Afterwards you can either go for a horse ride or a carriage ride through the immediate surroundings of the Estancia. After the ride you will be introduced to the mate culture: already in Montevideo you will have seen many Uruguayos with their mate cup in their hands and their thermos under their arms – drinking mate is a very social tradition of the country. Afterwards you enjoy a typical barbecue lunch (no drinks included except filtered water). After lunch, enjoy the atmosphere of the Estancia and relax a little. Estancia Finca Piedra is located in San José located at 125 km from Montevideo and at the foot of the Sierras of Mahoma. This wonderful Estancia has stone floors, soft breezes, and clear streams. It is an ideal place to combine relaxation, fine dining, and horseback riding through the mountains and a unique selection of wines from its own cellar. You will enjoy horse riding, exploring the surroundings and the native cuisine brought to your table directly from the garden of the establishment. Arrive to the Estancia and check in. Lunch and dinner will be served. La Parrilla is the preferred choice among guests, with its fresh and tasty Uruguayan beef.
Day 4
Montevideo - Punta del Este
Today you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the bus terminal of Montevideo. Public bus ride to Punta del Este, approximately a two hour drive. Pick-up at the bus terminal of Punta del Este and transfer to your hotel.
Punta del Este is located on the Atlantic coast and is often referred to as “The Pearl of the Atlantic”. The seaside resort boats many beaches, homes, yachts, harbors, high-rise apartment buildings, and fancy restaurants, bars, and clubs. It is definitely one of South America’s most glamorous places and fills up with international visitors during the summer. After the safety briefing, put your helmet on and hop on your bike to discover Punta del Este and its highlights. Take a scenic ride in the resort town. Stop for photos at the old lighthouse, with crystal panels that radiate light from the top of the lighthouse’s 150 stairs. Ride by the Candelaria Church and the beautiful neighborhood of San Rafael. Stop at the stunning Brava Beach and see the unique sculpture: The Hand. Made by Mario Irarrázabal, the iconic fingertips spur out from the soft sand and make the division between the “Río de la Plata” River and the Atlantic Ocean. Continue your ride and appreciate the coastal views of other famous beaches like “Los Ingleses”, “El Emir”, and “Mansa”.
Day 5
Punta del Este Free Day
Optional: Visit of the Ralli Museum and Casapueblo three hours including English speaking guide. Enjoy a scenic drive through Punta del Estes most fashionable and impressive neighborhoods. Pass through the residential areas of Cantegril, San Rafael, Parque Golf and La Barra de Maldonado, known for its unique undulating bridges. Make a stop at Ralli Museum of Contemporary Art with its fine collection of paintings and sculptures by noted Latin American artists, and several pieces by Salvador Dali on permanent display. The attractive modern building is located in the Beverly Hills district. Your drive will next take you past some of Punta’s natural wonders – its beaches. Stop at Punta Ballena for sweeping views up and down the coast, before ending your drive at Casapueblo, the home and atelier of internationally renowned artist, Carlos Paez Vilaró. The dazzling white complex, resembling Spanish-Moroccan architecture, is situated on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. Vilaró built it in 1958 with his own hands, using only traditional tools. Narrow steps lead to a maze of rooms scattered on different levels and filled with the artist’s works. Return to the port along the picturesque coastal road.
Day 6
Punta del Este Visit Valizas and Cabo Polonio with Trekking 12 hours
Early morning drive to the small Village of Valizas where your trekking to Cabo Polonio will start! Trek across the amazing sand dunes, to this small village where one of the largest colonies of sea lions of South America can be found. Completely isolated from the nearby towns by a big strip of Sand dunes, Cabo Polonio remains loyal to its charm and spirit! This marvelous four hour trekking will take you from the middle of the dessert to experience breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Time for relax and for lunch. After lunch, you will be taken to the lighthouse from where you will make a short ride in 4WD vehicles. Return to Punta del Este.
Day 7
Punta del Este – Montevideo
At the given time, you will be brought to the bus terminal in Punta del Este, where you will board the public bus to Montevideo. Upon arrival in Montevideo, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy Montevideo before taking your flight back home on the next day.
Day 8
Departure from Montevideo
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Prices
Included:
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- Meals according to program (7 x breakfast and 2 x lunch)
- All services
- Taxes
- Entrance fees
- Tax and service charge at the hotels as well as the mandatory luggage handling fees
Not Included:
- Optional tours
- Airport taxes
- Personal expenses
- Extras at the hotels
- Drinks during meals if not otherwise mentioned
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