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Punta del Este is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Uruguay, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Located on the eastern coast of the country, it is renowned for its elegant resorts, luxury boutiques, and wide range of dining options. Among its main attractions are the iconic *La Mano* sculpture on Brava Beach, the marina, and the tranquil beaches of the Mansa area. Additionally, Punta del Este is a gathering place for international tourists and celebrities, making it a luxury destination that is also accessible, with options for all types of travelers.
Punta del Este
You will board your bus for a tour of the city's residential neighborhoods. This famous resort town in South America is the preferred destination of the international and regional jet set and a world-renowned location for film festivals and international conferences. Often referred to as the "St. Tropez of Uruguay," this area is a popular tourist center with its miles of white sandy beaches. One of the most interesting features of Punta del Este is that visitors can watch the sun rise and set over the same waters, due to its location on a peninsula that extends into the ocean.
The tour will first take you along the magnificent Mansa and Brava beaches, then through the residential neighborhoods of San Rafael, Cantegril, and Beverly Hills, where you can admire beautiful mansions and well-maintained private gardens. The route will also pass by the historic San Rafael Hotel & Casino, a Tudor-style building. We will conclude with a panoramic view of the coast as we head to Punta Ballena, where we will stop to see Casapueblo (interior visit not included), the Moroccan-style atelier that was home to renowned Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. You will have the opportunity to take photographs of the stunning panoramic view. The bus will return to the departure point.
Duration: approx. 3.5 hours
Suggested pick-up time: From 9:00 AM
Casa Pueblo and Private Atelier
Stop at Punta Ballena to enjoy panoramic views of the coastline before concluding your journey at Casapueblo, the home and atelier of the late internationally renowned artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. The stunning white complex, a unique structure with curved walls, is perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean. Páez Vilaró built it by hand in 1958 using only traditional tools.
The narrow steps lead to a maze of rooms spread across different levels, filled with the artist's works. Visit Carlos Páez Vilaró's private atelier, located in the highest dome of Casapueblo, his ultimate architectural creation, overlooking the rocky cliffs of Punta Ballena. For the first time, the atelier of the Uruguayan artist is open exclusively for special groups.
This tour is not available to the general public. On the private terrace facing the sea, known as the "Plácido Domingo Terrace"—named after the Spanish tenor who visited the site with Páez Vilaró—you can enjoy a glass of wine or cava, paired with selected cheeses and cold cuts.
Viña Edén winery
A guided tour of the winery where the history of the company, the philosophy behind the winemaking process, and the production methods are explained. Then, you will walk through the vineyard and visit the main areas of the estate. This will be followed by a tasting among the vines.
You will taste 4 wines from the Viña Edén range, paired with artisanal breads, homemade sauces, and olive oil. The tasting will also include a selection of cheeses, cold cuts, and house water.
Olivos de las Ánimas
You’ll feel as though you've arrived in Tuscany as you travel through vast vineyards and fragrant olive groves. Your destination is Olivos de las Ánimas, located in Pan de Azúcar, a place of rugged beauty strategically situated between Punta del Este and Piriápolis.
Upon arrival, you will take a guided tour of the property and the production facility to learn the secrets behind the making of extra virgin olive oil. The experience culminates with an exclusive tasting of the golden nectar from the plantation, paired with a fine local wine. You will taste 3 different olive oils (produced on-site), accompanied by cheese and homemade bread. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and fabulous flavors of Uruguay with this unique experience.
Included:
Tasting of 3 olive oils with country-style bread.
Lunch with meats, a variety of salads and vegetables, bread, wines, beer, water, and dessert.
Bus transfer with guide service from your hotel in Punta del Este to Olivos de las Ánimas.
Artisanal Cheese Workshop with Farm-to-Table Lunch at La Vigna
In this experience, you will be welcomed at La Vigna for a brief introduction to the world of artisanal cheese: organic and holistic animal management, sustainability, and production processes that respect our planet.
We will begin the day with a visit to the dairy farm, followed by a tour of the cheese-making facility to immerse ourselves fully in the cheese world.
Theoretical and Practical Workshop at La Vigna's Cheese Factory
Introduction / milks / tools / management and fermentation + beginning of dairy cheese production.
Depending on the time of year, we may vary the types of cheese being made: Cubic 3L, Petit Brie, Pecorino cheese, sheep's ricotta, Chèvre cheese, acid pasta, molding to *lalouche*, and flavored cheeses with spices, etc.
Next, we will begin the cheese tasting.
With Agustín, "the architect of cheese," you will taste different cheeses to savor and recognize the unique flavors and textures of each: sheep, goat, and cow cheeses.
The Menu:
Asado La Vigna: Lamb pieces (Milchschaf from our flock), free-range poultry, homemade sausages, subtle vegetables, and various meats cooked in a traditional clay oven and on the grill. Creative salads, chutneys, and dressings made from La Vigna’s own production.
The lunch will be paired with national label wines from the best wineries in Uruguay. Mineral water, flavored waters, and wine will also be served.
Dessert: Our desserts vary depending on what nature provides, including custards (the real ones with sheep's milk), homemade flans, brownies with ice cream, fruit tarts, and sweet inventive creations for the occasion.
To wrap up, the afternoon relaxation will be accompanied by our selection of teas, coffees, or homemade liqueurs and limoncellos.
Bike tour Punta del Este
On this tour, you will enjoy a bike ride through flat areas that require a low level of effort. You will be guided along safe paths and visit Playa Mansa, where you can observe sea lions in the harbor. You will also see the city's symbolic lighthouse, which dates back to 1860. The lighthouse is 44 meters tall, and the glass panels that form part of its lighting system were brought from France, while its tower was built with volcanic ash brought from Italy.
Another highlight of the tour is the Church of Our Lady of Candelaria, a beautiful structure in sky blue and white. You will also visit the Point of the Four Seas, Punta Salina, the site of the famous and historic 1939 naval battle of the Río de la Plata between German and British ships; Inglesa Beach, Emir Beach, Punta Vapor (where the first Mass was held in 1516), and the famous monument known as "THE HAND."
Visitors will have the opportunity to stop at each attraction for photographs. The charm of Punta del Este, its nature, well-kept gardens adorned with colorful flowers, and beautiful sandy beaches, along with its clear Atlantic Ocean, make this a perfect spot for a gentle bike ride.
Bikes, helmets, and bottled water will be provided.
Duration: 3 hours.
Punta del Este & Picnic at MACA - Pablo Atchugarry Foundation
After a scenic tour of Punta del Este, this exclusive resort, often referred to as the Saint Tropez of Latin America, you will pass through the residential areas of San Rafael, Cantegrill, and the distinctive undulating bridges of Punta del Este on your way to the first contemporary art museum in Uruguay, created by the renowned Uruguayan sculptor Pablo Atchugarry.
Designed by Carlos Ott and opened in January 2022, the Atchugarry Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) spans 75,000 square feet and houses the Atchugarry family's collection, which includes over five hundred pieces, featuring works by Wifredo Lam, Vik Muniz, Louise Nevelson, Frank Stella, Joaquín Torres-García, and others, with a highlight being Atchugarry’s first marble sculpture, created in 1979. The museum also hosts and showcases long-term loaned works from private collections in Uruguay, Latin America, and Europe; an acquisitions committee will be established following the opening of MACA.
Atchugarry has stated that the museum, which is privately funded and supported through donations, aims to attract international visitors and bring attention to Uruguay's art scene, in contrast to the more traditional museums in the nation’s capital, Montevideo, which tend to attract a mainly local audience.
After touring its various areas and beautiful park, enjoy a picnic that includes coffee or tea, soft drinks, local pastries, sandwiches, and fresh fruits.
Walking: moderate, not extensive, but you will encounter cobblestone streets during the walking tour.
NOTES: The order of visits may change to avoid and/or alleviate traffic. The schedule may be modified due to traffic (+/- 30 minutes). The timing may also be affected by public holidays and/or unforeseen circumstances. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
Duration: approximately 4 hours.
Min-max: 1-100.
Country Day at a Traditional Estancia
The day begins with a visit to Estancia La Soleada, a traditional estancia where Rebeca's family works the land and raises cattle and horses. We will take a walk through the hills, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the region. Enjoy a traditional lunch of empanadas, parrillada (beef, sausage, blood sausage, and other specialties), and fresh vegetables. After a family musical performance, try Rebeca's homemade pies and experience local country life.
Includes: round-trip transfers from the hotel in La Barra or José Ignacio, guide, lunch at the estancia, and activities.
Duration: 4-6 hours.
Start/End point: Hotel in Punta del Este, La Barra, or José Ignacio.
Full-Day Tour to Pueblo Garzón with Visit to Bodega Garzón, including Tasting and Lunch
Today you will visit a hidden gem nestled among the hills of the Maldonado province, just a short drive from José Ignacio: Bodega Garzón. Founded in 2009 by Argentine entrepreneur Alejandro Bulgheroni and Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini, Bodega Garzón is one of the most important wineries in Uruguay. Its wines have won numerous international awards and are exported to over 50 countries.
The winery boasts a 220-hectare vineyard, where grape varieties such as Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are cultivated. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wines are aged in French oak barrels for a period of 12 to 24 months. Bodega Garzón produces a variety of red, white, and rosé wines. The red wines are known for their body and structure, while the white wines are fresh and aromatic.
The winery also features a restaurant, a wine bar, and a museum. The restaurant offers a range of Uruguayan and international dishes, while the wine bar serves a selection of the winery’s own wines. The museum showcases the history of the winery and the winemaking process.
During this visit, you will enjoy a guided tour of the winery and a stroll through its vineyards. Later, you will enjoy a sophisticated menu paired with the winery’s wines. After lunch, you can visit the shop, where you can purchase both their wines and their famous olive oils.
Approximately 6 hours
Minimum: 2 / Maximum: 80.
Cooking Class at a Local Chef's House
Join one of our local chefs for a culinary experience held in a private format (reservation required), designed for those interested in getting a glimpse of local cuisine. The experience takes place in an informal setting, accompanied by a glass of fine wine. Learn about Uruguay's local products, how to cook them, and the traditions of our country! Participants will have the opportunity to prepare the main dish or a full menu (which is pre-selected by our chef based on dietary restrictions and personal preferences).
Includes: all ingredients, equipment, and guidance from our local chef.
Duration: 3-4 hours.
Min-max: 2 - 15.
Full-Day Tour to Cabo Polonio with Lunch Included
Cabo Polonio, located approximately 2.5 hours from Punta del Este and 2 hours from José Ignacio, is a unique place to visit in Uruguay. Situated in the Rocha department, the visit begins with a boat crossing of the Valizas Stream to the "Cerro de la Buena Vista," a hill made of granite and sand, from where you'll walk along the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean until you reach Cabo Polonio. A specialized guide will accompany you throughout the journey, starting at the Valizas Stream, along with a local guide.
18th-century legends fuel the idea of a mysterious land that resisted penetration and needed to be protected: its geography was dangerous for sailors, as it’s a cape stuck in a rough sea that emerges on large rocks, unknown at the time. The shipwreck of Joseph Polloni gave the cape its name: "Polonio." Today, Cabo Polonio is an exclusive and difficult-to-reach place unless on foot, horseback, or by 4x4 vehicles. With white sandy beaches on both sides, small white houses, colorful ranches, and a lighthouse at the end, it exudes tranquility in a unique and energetic setting.
At the rocky Cabo Polonio, you’ll find the lighthouse, which can be visited during the day and offers a wonderful view of the area and the islet where the sea lions live. Enjoy the return journey to the entrance of Cabo Polonio with a panoramic ride surrounded by dunes and forests in 4x4 "monster" trucks.
The van will be waiting for passengers at the end of the tour to take them back to the hotel in Punta del Este/José Ignacio.
NOTE: If you are unable or unwilling to walk from the Cerro de la Buena Vista to Cabo Polonio (approximately 1.5 - 2 hours of walking), you can take the 4x4 "monster" truck to reach Cabo Polonio and then enjoy the group.
Includes: English-speaking guide, boat ride from Valizas to Cerro de la Buena Vista, 4x4 "monster" trucks out of town. Visit to the lighthouse and sea lion reserve. 3-course lunch with mineral water and soft drinks included.
Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
Full day tour Cabo Polonio - trekking
Pick up from the hotel by the local guide. Departure from the hotel to Cabo Polonio, located approximately 2.5 hours from Punta del Este and 2 hours from José Ignacio. Cabo Polonio is a unique place to visit in Uruguay. Located in the Rocha department, the visit begins with a boat ride across the Valizas Stream to the "Cerro de la Buena Vista," a hill made of granite and sand, from where you will walk along the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean until you reach Cabo Polonio. A specialized guide will accompany you throughout the entire journey, starting at Valizas Stream, along with the local guide.
18th-century legends fuel the idea of a mysterious land that resisted penetration and needed protection: its geography was dangerous for sailors, as it is a cape stuck in a rough sea that emerges on large rocks, unknown at the time. The shipwreck of Joseph Polloni gave the cape its name: "Polonio." Today, Cabo Polonio is an exclusive place with difficult access unless on foot, horseback, or by 4x4 trucks. With white sandy beaches on both sides, small white houses, colorful ranches, and a lighthouse at the end, the area exudes tranquility in a unique and energetic environment. On the rocky Cabo Polonio, you will find the lighthouse, which can be visited during the day. From there, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the whole area and the islet where the sea lions live.
Enjoy the return trip to the entrance of Cabo Polonio with a panoramic ride surrounded by dunes and forests in 4x4 "monster" trucks.
The van will be waiting for passengers at the end of the tour to take them back to the hotel in Punta del Este.
NOTE: If you are unable or prefer not to walk to the Cerro de la Buena Vista to Cabo Polonio (approximately 1.5 - 2 hours of walking), you can take the 4x4 "monster" truck to reach Cabo Polonio and then enjoy the group.
Includes: English-speaking guide, boat ride from Valizas to Cerro de la Buena Vista, 4x4 "monster" trucks out of town. Visit to the lighthouse and sea lion reserve. 3-course lunch with mineral water and soft drinks included.
Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
Highlights: Cerro de la Buena Vista, Cabo Polonio lighthouse, Valizas Stream.
Full Day Tour to José Ignacio and Punta del Este with a Visit to Casapueblo Museum
This day will begin with a visit to José Ignacio. Originally a small fishing village, it has gradually become one of the most sought-after destinations by vacationers from all over the world, due to the privacy it offers. Many foreigners have built private summer homes here and come to spend a few weeks away from the world. José Ignacio also has some luxury hotels, inviting guests to relax by the sea. On this tour, you will visit the village, as well as the lighthouse and its residential area.
Our next stop will be La Barra and its unique hanging bridges. The buildings, painted in cheerful colors, and the camelback-shaped concrete bridge create a festive atmosphere and are a sight to behold. The tour will then continue to Punta del Este; a highly acclaimed destination in Uruguay, often sought by jet setters looking for a short getaway to white sandy beaches and a luxurious lifestyle. Discover Punta and a few other coastal communities on this excursion. Although the colonial architecture of the resort has largely been replaced by high-rise hotels and apartments, its residential areas are still adorned with elegant homes and mansions by the sea, surrounded by tall pine trees lining the coast.
You will drive towards the town center, where you will have the option to choose from the wide variety of dining options (lunch not included). If there is free time, you will have 30 minutes to explore on your own.
After a panoramic tour of Punta del Este, often referred to as the "Saint-Tropez of Latin America," passing through the residential areas of San Rafael, Cantegrill, and the unique undulating bridges of Punta del Este, you will continue your tour to Punta Ballena for stunning panoramic views before heading to Casapueblo.
Located on a high rocky peninsula, Casapueblo, a sculptural museum, is often referred to as the "Santorini of Latin America." It was built by the famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró (1923-2014). Páez Vilaró, an abstract artist, was friends with Pablo Picasso and Brigitte Bardot. What was initially built as a small summer house is now a thirteen-story building, often called a "habitable sculpture," designed in the style of the hornero, a native bird that builds its nests in cave-like shapes out of clay.
The complex is unlike anything else in South America, with its winding cave-like corridors filled with various artifacts, paintings, and sculptures by Páez Vilaró, along with terraces that offer the best views of Punta del Este.
NOTES: The order of the visits may change to avoid and alleviate congestion at the destination. Timings may vary slightly (+/- 30 minutes) depending on traffic. Schedules may also be affected by public holidays and/or unforeseen circumstances.
José Ignacio
Punta del Este
Casapueblo
Full day tour Cabo Polonio
Pick-up at the hotel by the local guide. Depart from the hotel towards Cabo Polonio, located approximately 2.5 hours from Punta del Este. Cabo Polonio is a unique place to visit in Uruguay. Located in the Rocha department, the visit begins with a scenic tour surrounded by dunes and forests in 4x4 vehicles, traveling along the path toward the Atlantic Ocean beaches.
18th-century legends fuel the idea of a mysterious land that resisted penetration and had to be protected. Its geography was dangerous for sailors, as it’s a cape jutting into a stormy sea, emerging on large rocks, whose existence was unknown at the time. The shipwreck of Joseph Polloni would later name the cape "Polonio." Today, Cabo Polonio is an exclusive and hard-to-reach place unless on foot, horseback, or by 4x4 vehicles. With white sandy beaches on both sides, white houses, colorful cottages, and a lighthouse at the end, tranquility and energy fill the atmosphere. At the rocky Cabo Polonio, you’ll find the lighthouse, which can be visited during the day, offering a wonderful view of the area and the islet where sea lions live. After this visit, you’ll have free time to have lunch at one of the local restaurants overlooking the sea. Finally, you will return to the entrance of Cabo Polonio by 4x4 vehicles, and then head back to your hotel.
NOTE: If you are unable or unwilling to walk to the Cerro de la Buena Vista (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours of walking), you can take the 4x4 "monster" vehicle to reach Cabo Polonio and then enjoy the group.
Includes: English-speaking guide, boat from Valizas to Cerro de la Buena Vista, 4x4 vehicles out of the city. Visit to the lighthouse and sea lion reserve. 3-course lunch with mineral water and soft drinks included.
Duration: Approx. 8 hours.
Horseback Ride through the Countryside and the Lagoon
Enjoy a horseback ride along the shores of Rocha's lagoon and the surrounding countryside. We will ride through the meadows of private estates on local trails that wind through native forests, taking us around the lagoon and across the fields, where we may spot rheas, armadillos, capybaras, local deer, and a wide variety of birds.
ADDITIONAL OPTION: For the more adventurous spirits, we can dismount by the lakeshore and experience the incredible sensation of swimming with the horses bareback. This experience can be adapted to each rider's level of expertise. Available only in summer!
Includes: guide, horse, and helmet.
Start/End point: Estancia Anastasio or La Marquesa (José Ignacio Rural).
Minimum: 2 / Maximum: 8.
Duration: 1 hour (1.5 hours with additional option).
Bike Tour around the Rocha Lagoon
The tour begins with a visit to the Ocean Museum, located in the old train station of La Paloma, where we will meet a local representative from the OCC (Organization for the Conservation of Cetaceans). We will learn about the conservation of whales and oceans in Uruguay and then continue on to the La Paloma lighthouse, where we will begin our walk or bike ride toward the Rocha Lagoon, a semi-freshwater lagoon of 72 km². The lagoon has an outlet to the sea during the winter months and is a paradise for birds, with 220 species recorded, such as migratory shorebirds, flamingos, swans, herons, and ducks, among others. This unique protected natural area is part of what we call the "Eastern Biosphere Reserve," internationally recognized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program since 1976. Upon reaching the local fishing village, enjoy a boat ride on the lagoon, followed by lunch (not included) at "Cocina de la Barra," managed by the wives of local fishermen.
Tour duration: approximately 8 - 9 hours.
Highlights: Santa María Lighthouse, main street of La Pedrera, Solari Avenue, Cabo Polonio Lighthouse.
Santa Teresa Park and Cerro Verde with a visit to the Karumbé NGO
Pickup from the hotel by the local guide. The tour begins in the small village of La Coronilla, where we will visit the Karumbé NGO, dedicated to the preservation of turtles in Uruguay (Karumbé means turtle in the native Guaraní language). It is important to note that the visit is subject to weekdays. After a one-hour walk, we will reach Cerro Verde (Cerro Verde Protected Area), where we will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the Islas de la Coronilla. Continue towards Santa Teresa National Park, with a total area of 3,000 hectares that include countless native and exotic species of flora, including over 2 million trees and four beaches: La Moza, Las Achiras, Playa del Barco, and Playa Grande. We will visit the fort built by the Portuguese in 1762 and then continue to the small village of Punta del Diablo, where we will enjoy lunch (not included).
Duration: Approximately 8 - 9 hours.
Rocha Lagoon Tour
The tour begins with a visit to the Sea Museum, located in the old train station of La Paloma, where we will meet with a local representative from OCC (Organization for the Conservation of Cetaceans). We will learn about the conservation of whales and oceans in Uruguay before heading to the La Paloma lighthouse to begin our walk or bike tour towards Laguna Rocha, a semi-sweetwater lagoon covering 72 km² (28 square miles). The lagoon has an outlet to the sea during the winter months and is a bird paradise, home to 220 species, including migratory shorebirds, flamingos, swans, herons, and ducks, among others. This unique protected natural area is part of what we call the "Eastern Biosphere Reserve," internationally recognized by UNESCO under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program since 1976. Upon arrival at the local fishermen's village, enjoy a boat tour of the lagoon, followed by lunch (not included) at "La Cocina de la Barra," a local restaurant managed by the fishermen's wives. Afterward, transfer back to your hotel.
Duration: Approximately 8 - 9 hours.
Wildlife and Heritage Trail: From La Coronilla to Santa Teresa
Hiking from La Coronilla to Santa Teresa National Park (Full Day)
We will begin our journey in the small village of La Coronilla, where we will visit the Visitor Center of the local NGO Karumbé (which means "turtle" in the Guaraní language). A specialist will talk to us about the various activities they are carrying out in the area and will guide us on our hike to the Green Hill Protected Area. We will be looking for green turtles and dolphins (from November to March). Upon reaching Santa Teresa National Park, we will enjoy a local picnic lunch and explore the Portuguese fortress and the area's local history.
Duration: 8 hours
Min-Max: 2 - 8
The Coastal Gems of Rocha: Highlights of La Paloma, La Pedrera, and Santa Teresa
Enjoy a full-day tour of the highlights of the Rocha province: La Paloma, La Pedrera, and Santa Teresa National Park. The tour begins in La Paloma, passing through the main avenue: Avenida Solari. Then, you'll make a stop at the Santa María Lighthouse, which was built in 1874 and was the reason for the town's growth. It is said that the cape, feared by sailors, resembled a dove due to the combination of rock and sea foam. You will continue by passing some of the main beaches in La Paloma: "La Bahía" and "La Aguada." Later, you'll head to La Pedrera, where you will walk along the main street, filled with restaurants and local shops, reaching the Rambla de La Pedrera, where you can enjoy views of "El Desplayado," one of the most important beaches. If you continue westward, you will see the famous "El Barco" beach, named after a shipwreck in the 1970s involving a Chinese vessel.
Next, you will continue your journey to Santa Teresa National Park, where you can visit the greenhouse and the glass domes for growing tropical species; a shaded area built with granite columns and a roof and walls made of eucalyptus poles to cultivate subtropical species; a rose garden with more than 300 rose species; and take a stroll through the wildlife and flora of the reserve. Finally, you will visit the Santa Teresa Fortress, built in 1762 when the Portuguese, anticipating a new conflict with Spain, decided to fortify the point, which was then called Castillos Chicos. In 1825, it passed into the hands of the Orientals and remained abandoned for a long time until it was rediscovered by historian Horacio Arredondo, who began efforts to reconstruct it in 1928.
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