Argentina, Chile & Uruguay have softened their entry requirements

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Argentina, Chile & Uruguay have softened their entry requirements

Traveling around South America will be easier and smoother

Travel updates per country:

Argentina

  • Covid tests are no longer required to enter the country.
  • Furthermore, vaccination is highly recommended but not mandatory.
  • International travellers only need to submit a sworn statement 48 hours prior to arriving in Argentina. You can find it here.
  • Medical travel insurance that includes/covers hospitalisation, quarantine, and transportation in case of Covid-19 for those who test positive, are suspected of Covid-19 infection or are in contact with a confirmed case.
  • All land borders between Argentina & Chile will open on May 1st.

Chile

  • Covid tests are no longer required to enter the country.
  • Full vaccination is mandatory and needs to be validated on gob.clbefore entering Chile (we recommend doing it 7 to 10 days minimum prior to departure).
  • Have health insurance with a minimum coverage of $30,000 US dollars that includes coverage for any expenses arising from Covid-19. 
  • A PCR or antigen test can be randomly done at the point of entry into Chile.
  • All land borders throughout the national territory will open again on May 1st; reconnecting with countries such as Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia. It’s a great opportunity to make multi-country trips and get to know all the South American attractions!

Uruguay

  • Covid tests are no longer required to enter the country for people fully vaccinated or who have had the disease between 10 and 90 days prior to arrival in Uruguay. In case of having contracted Covid-19, the positive test result must be presented between a maximum of 90 days and up to 10 days prior to boarding or arrival in the country.
  • You must have health insurance with a specific Covid-19 coverage plan.
  • Unvaccinated people can enter the country but will need to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding.
  • A sworn statement must be completed prior to arriving in Uruguay. You can find it here.

Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are waiting for you. It’s time to book your trip!

Contact our local travel experts and they will help you plan your trip effortlessly and they will work on an unforgettable experience in South America.

The Best 10 Things to do in Punta del Este

The Best 10 Things to do in Punta del Este

Punta del Este is the most important seaside resort in Uruguay, where many travelers come every summer, especially from Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Its central beaches are filled with people looking for fun, good quality of service and sea with waves for surfers.

The main beaches in Punta del Este are La Mansa and Playa Brava but there is much more. Punta del Este is a highly urbanized area, with modern architecture buildings built in front of the sea, shopping malls, restaurants, luxury hotels (Trump Tower hotel is the newcomer to Playa Brava), a casino and several attractions to enjoy after a day at the beach.

Now, affluent Brazilians, Europeans, and Americans continue to buy up homes, fueling a local real-estate boom, and wealthy Argentines are opening wineries, organic–olive oil estates, and dairy farms crafting artisanal cheeses and dulce de leche. The peak social season, from Christmas to mid-January, is quick and frenzied—a whirl of rosé-soaked lunches and glamorous cocktail parties—but both before and after, a leisurely calm prevails here, with the warmth lingering through March.

Just in time for the start of Uruguay’s summer, we recommend the best activities and things to do in Punta del Este.

#1 Take a leisurely bike ride with a local guide

Enjoy the sights as your ride around this famous peninsula’s promenade and beaches. You’ll be guided along safe paths and visit Mansa Beach, where sea lions can often be seen. You’ll also see the city’s symbolic lighthouse, dating back to 1860.

Another highlight, is the Church of Our Lady of the Candelaria, a beautiful sky-blue-and-white Victorian structure as well as Four Seas point, Punta Salina - where a battle between German and British ships took place in 1939. You’ll also see English Beach, Emir Beach, Punta Vapor and the iconic monument known as The Hand. You’ll make stops along the way to allow for photo opportunities.

#2 Run around the peninsula

An excellent way to get to know Punta quickly is to get your running shoes on. The majority of the town is located on a peninsula and, when the sun is shining, there's no better way to spend an hour than by running the paved coastal pathway.

#3 See a wonderful sunrise at Brava Beach (Fierce Beach)

Playa Brava is an uninterrupted stretch of beach for about 5 miles (8 kilometers) along Punta del Este’s Atlantic Ocean coast. It includes paradas (stops) with amenities such as paradores (beach bars) and watersport rentals.

In this beach you will discover public art, rolling waves, surf schools and wonderful sunrises at this family-friendly beach on Punta del Este’s Atlantic coastline.

The medium-sized waves make Brava Beach popular with surfers. At Parada One (the beach’s southernmost point) or Parada Four, rent bodyboards, surfboards and standup paddleboards. Group and individual lessons are also available. If you want to swim, do so between the areas marked by the lifeguards, who patrol the beach from mid-December to mid-March.

#4 Stroll along Mansa beach

Beaches are often named for their principal attributes, and such is the case with Playa Mansa. Mansa means "calm" in Spanish, and the waters are typically placid here, ideal for families with children and swimmers who prefer smooth-as-glass seas over surf's-up breakers. In contrast to another Punta del Este beach, Playa Brava (Fierce Beach), Mansa's water is usually warm, and the soft sands are perfect for a long walk. Plenty of bars and food kiosks will keep you satisfied.

#5 Visit Uruguay Wine country and taste premium Tannat wines

3-uruguay-essential-uruguay-wine-and-culinary

Uruguay has a blossoming wine industry that produces wine of the finest quality. Near Punta del Este there are some family-owned bodegas producing exciting and experimental new blends. You can take a wine tour and taste wines made from the world’s healthiest grape, Tannat, grown in Uruguay. There are many good boutique wineries that produce wines of international recognition such as Vina Eden, Garzon winery, Bodega Alto de la Ballena and Bodega Oceanica in Jose Ignacio. These wineries produce not only Tannat but also Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sirah that have been rated highly by several important critics.

#6 Buy Fresh seafood and have a drink at the harbor (a must-do!)

One of the highlights for us in Punta is strolling along the working harbor. Fishermen gut, scale and slice the catch of the day, sea-lions mooch around trying to get some left-overs, albatrosses swoop down upon you whilst the boats of millionaires float next to battered fishing vessels.

Visit during the morning or afternoon and, as well as enjoying the atmosphere, you'll be able to pick up some excellent fresh shrimp, scallops or fish for lunch. There are also a number of restaurants dotted along the harbor where you can enjoy a lunch deal in the sun, or just settle for a glass of local wine with a beautiful view.

#7 Play Golf at the best Golf Clubs of Uruguay

Take a break and enjoy the best and most exclusive golf courses in Uruguay. Cantegril Golf club (considered the best golf course in Punta del Este) and Club del Lago’s golf course (baptized by master Roberto de Vicenzo as “La Augusta de Sudamérica,”) have a driving range, putting green, electric cars, golf clubs rental, a pro-shop and a snack bar overlooking holes 9 and 18. Club del Lago Golf Course offers a unique topography with three circuits of golf in 20 holes, that allow 3 different circuits.

Ideas specializes in tailor making exceptional golf tours, creating golf travel packages to suit your individual requirements and budget. With Ideas golf tour, everything is covered from the moment you arrive.

Contact our Golf Specialists and they will help you plan a golf tour customized for you.

#8 – Be a polo player for a day!

Learn how to play polo and discover the secrets of one of the most exclusive sports in the world. It is not necessary to know how to ride a horse, nor do you have to have previous experience in polo. You will learn how to ride a horse, hold the mallet and hit the ball. You will end up sharing a mini polo match that will make you feel like a professional player!

#9- Visit Casapueblo in Punta Ballena

Casapueblo is internationally known as one of the most awe-inspiring and eccentric buildings Uruguay has to offer. Located in Punta Ballena ( a short ride to Punta del Este), this was the home of Uruguyan architect Carlos Páez Vilaró. This eye-catching structure is now a modern art museum filled with the late artist work. (Died in 2014). Supposedly Vilaro built this structure in shapes reminiscent of seashells along the beach. This place is truly stunning.

#10- Visit an unique Art Museum and Sculpture Park

One of Uruguay’s best-known artists, sculptor Pablo Atchugarry, runs a museum, gallery, and sculpture park on 62 acres in El Chorro, north of the beachfront town of Manantiales. Temporary exhibitions occupy the lofty, sunlit gallery at the foundation’s entrance; its permanent collection of works by Atchugarry and other artists fills another space behind the main workshop, spilling out onto the sculpture park’s expansive greens.

One last thing…

For this list to be complete, we must mention its people. Uruguay’s mild climate seems to have shaped the character of its native people. In this sense, the kindness and warmth of Uruguayans, and the excellent service infrastructure the country offers, make visiting this beautiful location an even more pleasant experience.

Planning a trip to Punta del Este?

Reach out to our Trip Specialists for a free consultation. We are glad to help you design a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Punta del Este.

José Ignacio, Uruguay / Relaxed getaway

José Ignacio, Uruguay / Relaxed getaway

Beginning in November and running through February, Uruguay’s José Ignacio transforms from a sleepy fishing village into a buzzing haven for surfers and international jet-setters swapping their winters for South America’s summer season. It’s a lively and social scene indeed, but for those seeking a quieter, smooth respite from the stresses of urban life, it’s still very possible to enjoy this popular coastal destination while keeping a low profile. From a secret beach club on a secluded island to a yoga studio with massage therapy on the menu, here are some ways to relish in José Ignacio’s more laid-back offerings.

Stay: Bahia Vik

Flanked by two beaches on either side, José Ignacio is a tip of land that pokes out into the ocean. Brava Beach, known for its tremendous waves and ideal surfing conditions, makes it a popular destination for beachgoers. Just a five-minute walk across the peninsula is Mansa Beach, Brava’s sleepy, less raucous counterpart—and the better side for sunset views. Visitors seeking anonymity and a more intimate hotel experience away from the madding crowd will find sanctuary at two-year-old Bahia Vik. Comprising a main guesthouse and 11 private bungalows overlooking Mansa Beach, each dwelling is uniquely designed, both inside and out, using different materials such as wood, steel, and black zinc.


Around sunset, most guests flock to the hotel’s restaurant, La Susana, a breezy, cabana-style setup situated just off to the side of the property, where locals and visitors come together over fresh ceviche and the spectacular vistas.

Relax: The Shack Yoga

Locals, expats, and in-the-know visitors drop by this airy, beautifully soothing yoga studio for its popular open-level Vinyasa-style classes (Hamptons regulars may already be familiar with its Bridgehampton location). For an even more relaxing take on bodywork, make an appointment for a deep-tissue or Shiatsu massage, or perhaps a Reiki treatment.

Eat: El Mostrador de Santa Teresita

This stylish breakfast and lunch counter offering delicious and wholesome seasonal salads and daily seafood specials has a tendency to fill up during afternoon hours, but its off-beach location inherently lends a quieter, more laid-back feel.

Corner of Las Garzas and Las Calandrias, José Ignacio, Maldonado, Uruguay

Eat: Parador La Caracola

An afternoon-turned-evening at this remote beach club situated on a petite island is one of José Ignacio’s more special and exclusive experiences: The exact address is emailed after reservations are booked, and transportation involves taking a private boat (provided by your hosts). Once you’ve arrived, relax with a glass of the signature white wine sangria and a fantastic spread of tapas, salads, and grilled fish and enjoy feeling like you’re thousands of miles from civilization.

Eat: Namm

Commonly known as the “tree house,” this Asian-influenced restaurant serves up fresh sashimi and sushi alongside traditional Uruguayan meats and seafood dishes, and is tucked away in a forest on the edge of town—and unless you’ve been there before, don’t be surprised if you get lost trying to locate it. The rustic open-air bamboo and teak dining room, with its hanging lanterns and flickering glow of candlelight, really does feel like an aloft hideaway (and you’ll be thankful it’s not an easy spot for crowds to find).

Ruta 10 at approximately kilometer 185, José Igancio, Maldonado, Uruguay

Eat: Ferona Social Club

The gastronomic entrepreneur Fernando Gómez, the artist Guillermina Banfi and the chef Richard Guadalupe changed the course of their Ferona cocktail bar to set up a kitchen-grill in the garden, an art and clothing fair, and a small barbecue where Vaipa, the bartender, serve drinks. After 5 pm, in addition, he plays a live band.

The menu was inspired by the still life, with small plates made with local products. The focaccia bread basket with fried egg, the cause of mussels and the braised lamb empanadas made with homemade dough stand out.

Albatros y Las Toninas, La Juanita.

Eat: Marismo

Not too far from Namm is this restaurant, beloved among chic locals and those in the know. At Marismo, a secluded candlit setting, you’ll dine alfresco in the most literal sense: There’s nothing but the moon and stars overhead and the sand beneath one’s feet. Chefs cook everything—meat, seafood, vegetables—on wood-fire grills in the style of a traditional South American asado, while guests meander between tables and the scattered campfires.

Ruta 10 at approximately kilometer 185, José Ignacio, Maldonado, Uruguay

Eat: Chiringuito

Inspired by the French beaches of Biarritz of yesteryear, Francis Mallmann returned to the José Ignacio lighthouse with a chiringuito, a beach stand to have lunch or spend the day. Shaded chairs, tents and comfort on the sand are part of the hallmark of this new space created within the real estate development Costa Garzón, by Alejandro Bulgheroni.

Flowers, the perfume of the sea and a relaxed and attentive service are also part of Mallmann’s charm. On the menu are beach drinks and wines from Bodega Garzón. From the kitchen, the steak eye burger and smoked bacon stand out in a homemade milk bread and a bowl of cream ice cream with red fruits made at the moment.

Ruta 10 km 185.5, 20402

 

Note that..

 

  • By protocol, the number of guests allowed has been reduced and, as a consequence, there are also fewer waiters. This situation is a reality in all restaurants and requires a team that compensates for the absence with good energy, and a relaxed and understanding diner.
  • The tables feature elegant jars of alcohol gel.
  • Do not fill yourself with the bread basket, the fish are one of the strengths of La Susana.
  • Marcelo Betancourt, executive chef of Vik Retreats, was one of the first cooks in the East to bet on organic products, his vegetables are some of the best in the area.

Take a Ride: Horseback Riding at Estancia Vik

You don’t have to be a guest at Estancia Vik, a sprawling property under the same ownership as Bahia Vik, to relish in its breathtaking views on horseback. Just a 10-minute drive inland transports you from the beach to a magnificent ranch house surrounded by fields and mountains, with gauchos waiting at the stable to lead you on a ride.

Planning a trip to Uruguay?
Contact us and our passionate travel experts will craft your ideal itinerary and personalize your experience by putting their knowledge, contacts and own experiences to work.

Uruguay to open borders on November 1st

Uruguay to open borders on November 1st

From November 1st , Uruguay will open its borders to regular travelers who can demonstrate that are fully vaccinated and has a negative PCR test.

Entry requirements to travel protocols to visit Uruguay

Arrivals must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure and sign an affidavit (usually on the plane) confirming the absence of symptoms and contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. in the 14 days prior to admission.

 

By showing proof of complete vaccination (accepted vaccines include Coronavac and Sputnik, as well as those accepted in the EU and in the United States of America), foreigners will not need to quarantine, but must undergo an additional PCR test seven days after their arrival. There are several local companies that offer this service.

 

Unvaccinated foreigners will not be allowed to enter Uruguay, even with a negative test. Only residents and nationals can enter Uruguay without vaccinating.

 

In order to visit and enter Uruguay, every traveler must have medical insurance that covers Covid-19 treatment.

 

The president announced that minors who are from countries where vaccinations were unavailable to their age group, will be able to enter the country with their vaccinated parents and receive a Pfizer shot at no cost. The family group will be required to quarantine.

The latest on the pandemic in Uruguay

In Uruguay, 72% of the population is fully vaccinated and 24% already have a third shot. Eighty percent (yes four in five) of 12-19 years old are also vaccinated, so if you’ve been concerned about this starting where you live, know that here we’ve not had adverse reactions. Remember we keep this page on Uruguay & the pandemic updated whenever there’s significant news.

Below is the update information from Chile and Argentina related to everything you need to know before visiting these South American countries.

CHILE

• For some activities and at some sites, there are reduced capacities.
• The reopenng of Easter Island currently has no official date.


Chile: Entry restrictions & requirements for travelers:


• From November 1st the entry restrictions are reduced, allowing a shorter quarantine period. Upon arrival, travelers will still require a negative result to a PCR test no older than 72 hours.


• While waiting for the results (which takes in average a couple of hours), travelers must quarantine in a hotel room. Upon receiving a negative test result, travelers may leave.


• To enter travelers must get a mobility pass under mevacuno.gob.cl (proof of vaccination) before arriving in Chile.


• It can take around a month to get the mobility pass, so we recommend applying for your pass well in advance of your trip.


• Upon arrival, travelers must show international insurance covering COVID-19 treatment, emergency medical expenses, and evacuation/repatriation.


• A minimum coverage of USD 30,000 is required.


• A health affidavit submitted up to 48 hours prior to the estimated time of arrival in Chile (local time).

ARGENTINA


• Cruise Season started on October 20th, 2021.


Argentina: Entry restrictions & requirements for travelers:


• Since October 1st, Argentina has reopened its borders to travelers from neighboring countries.


• From November 1st, Argentina plans to reopen its borders to the rest of the world.


• As of October 21st, the following travel regulations are valid:


• Travelers must show proof of complete vaccination upon arrival. The last dose must have been received at least 14 days before entering the country.


• Travelers must show proof of a negative result from a COVID19 PCR test performed up to 72 hours before boarding the plane.


• It is required for all travelers to perform a PCR test from 5 to 7 days after arriving in Argentina.


• Those who cannot present valid proof of complete vaccination must enter quarantine upon arrival. An antigen test upon landing in Argentina as well as a PCR test on day 7 of quarantine is required. Unvaccinated minors do not need to do a PCR test or Antigen test but must quarantine for 7 days.


• Upon arrival, travelers must show international insurance covering COVID-19 treatment.


• A health affidavit must be submitted 48 hours prior to arrival in Argentina.

Before planning the trip or buying the flights, check with your consulate and find out about update regulations. These are constant decisions and governments may change the protocols.

Keep in touch and check our blog frequently as we inform and update the articles according to the announcements of the governments.

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Places to visit in Uruguay

Places to visit in Uruguay

Uruguay ranks third among the smallest states in South America. However, a European country like Belgium fits six times in its territory and Portugal, two.
If you travel beyond the cities of Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento, you’ll discover beautiful beaches, breathtaking countryside and wildlife in their natural habitat. It is a fantastic destination for couples as well as family with kids.

Below you will find the most beautiful places that you should take into account on your trip to Uruguay.

Montevideo

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and it is located only 1 hour by plane from Buenos Aires. It is very common for both Argentines and foreigners to fly to Montevideo from Buenos Aires and spend a full day touring the city.

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, combines modernity and tradition. La Rambla (River Walk), which gives access to more than 30 km of coastline, is one of the main attractions of Montevideo and an unforgettable walk for its inhabitants who frequently come to drink mate and go for long walks. In addition, the large number of green spaces, parks and gardens also provide numerous outdoor options. Montevideo also has an extensive cultural scene. For example, its theatrical productions are remarkably extensive and varied, including classic, modern, and alternative shows. In its museums, cultural centers and exhibition halls it is possible to appreciate the art of a wide range of internationally recognized artists.

Montevideo also has some excellent open-air markets selling everything from books to jewelry and the occasional antique. The capital also has some excellent art stores displaying the country's vibrant art scene.

TIP: For lunch, head to Mercado del Puerto, (old maket opened in 1868), which is full of restaurants specializing in meats and fish. Try Uruguay’s national sandwich Chivito (Anthony Bourdain’s favorite sandwich). At its core, the chivito contains cheese, a thin steak, and ham on toasted bread. But the sandwich can include all sorts of ingredients, like bacon, lettuce, tomato, and olives. It can now also be ordered without the bun or even without meat.

Punta del Este (The Uruguayan Riviera)

Punta del Este is the epicenter of Uruguay’s beach scene. The city comprises 40 kilometers of coastline, from Portezuelo to Jose Ignacio. The main attraction of Punta del Este are the beautiful beaches, upscale resorts and restaurants with a laid-back vibe and locally sourced menus.

Gorlero Avenue is a shopping street famous for designer label and haute couture fashion. One of the most interesting attractions in Punta del Este is the sculpture in the shape of a hand. It is a landmark in the town and is a mandatory stop to take a selfie and meet friendly locals.

If you seek pristine beaches and good surfing conditions, head to Playa Brava, one of Punta de Este's finest shoreline attractions.

Jose Ignacio

The town of José Ignacio is a sleepy fishing enclave reborn as South American Hamptons. It only has around 200 permanent residents, however, during the summer months (December to early March) this small town comes alive. People come from far and wide to organize parties, enjoy the carnival and see concerts in the lighthouse. However, relaxation is always a priority and many argue that there is no better place in Uruguay to relax.

The most popular restaurant in the area is La Huella. Designed to look and feel like a boathouse, it’s also the hardest table to score in the busy months of January and February. And the best beachfront resort and spa to stay in Jose Ignacio is Playa Vik.

Time magazine chose Jose Ignacio as one of the 100 best destinations of 2021.

Laguna Garzon

On the Uruguayan Atlantic coast and on the border between the departments of Rocha and Maldonado is Laguna Garzón. A place with sandy beaches, wetlands, native forests, minor lagoons and grasslands.

In the past, Uruguay’s interior meant sheep, cows, and very little else. In recent years, however, wealthy Argentines and Brazilians, along with the odd Uruguayan and American, have hired local and international architectural firms to build boxy, Brutalist-inspired dachas with panoramic views overlooking Garzon Lagoon.

You can enjoy good surfing and even kitesurfing at Laguna Garzon. It is also an attractive place to visit during the winter months between July and the end of October, as the weather remains mild. You will share this little paradise with a lot less people and also right whales, which rest on the way to the peninsula of Valdes in Argentina.

Colonia del Sacramento

Just an hour from Buenos Aires by ferry, and two hours from Montevideo by road, the charming Colonia del Sacramento makes for a perfect day trip.

Originally founded by the Portuguese in the 1600s, the city passed between Portuguese and Spanish rule for decades, and the influence of both nations is apparent in the resulting colonial architecture and vibrant streetscapes. Today, visitors come to explore the cobblestone streets of the historic district which is now under UNESCO protection, ensuring it retains its old-world charm.

La Paloma

For its beauty and popularity La Paloma is one of the most emblematic seaside resorts in the department of Rocha. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, its main attractions are its magnificent beaches.

The reason is that beaches in La Paloma cater to all tastes, from the calm waters of the small bay, to the great waves of La Balconada, La Aguada or La Pedrera beaches. Inlets, rocky tips, large extensions of white and fine sand, high dunes, plain or deep waters and an endless natural diversity provide a place of preference for everyone in La Paloma.

Piriapolis

It is a seaside town, its main characteristic is that it was founded by an Italo-Uruguayan, the entrepreneur Francesco Piria, in fact it is precisely from this that its name derives. In addition to having founded it, Piria has been able to manage it with great success, for example by building the huge Hotel de los Argentinos with 1,200 beds and the railway that connects Piriápolis to Montevideo, thus making it the best seaside getaway.

There are basically two beaches, Playa San Francisco and Playa de Piriápolis. Both long, white and very lively, flanked by the Rambla, or the promenade, great for walking or cycling.

Also, there are hills that can be reached by panoramic chairlift to admire the entire coastline. Not to be missed in Piriápolis, is the home of Francesco Piria, a majestic Renaissance castle in which the museum dedicated to him has been built.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs in Uruguay are very popular among lovers of relaxation and well-being who can pamper themselves in large natural pools. The most popular thermal springs are the hot springs of Salto, Dayman, Arapey and the Horacio Quiroga Water Park.

As for precious stones, on the other hand, they can be found in every shape and color even walking through the streets of Salto, from amethyst to rose quartz.

National Park Cabo Polonio (Protected Area)

Cabo Polonio National Park is an area of great natural beauty which still retains typical features of the Uruguayan Atlantic coast from prior to the transformation process that began in the mid-twentieth century due to the expansion of the traditional urban tourism model.

This coastal marine area possesses a great diversity of natural environments that include sandy beaches, dunes, native coastal forest, small wetlands and islands. The most prominent feature –for its uniqueness- is the Cabo Polonio dune system, which is the most extensive remainder of a sandy strip that once stretched along our coast.

The Cabo Polonio National Park is home to several species which are priorities for the National System of Protected Areas, including endangered and threatened species.

It also includes sites which are key for the annual cycle of crustaceans of commercial interest (such as pink shrimp, marine shrimp and prawns), and for the breeding and feeding of over 47 species of fish. On its islands you can find almost half of the fur seal and sea lion populations of Uruguay, and its areas are used for the breeding of these species. The rocky area of Cabo Polonio is home to the country’s only continental settlement of fur seal and presents a unique opportunity to observe these animals up close.

Punta del Diablo (Protected Area)

This beach spot in Rocha is ideal for family holidays. Its beaches cater both for relaxation and recreation, as well as fishing or the most varied water sports.

Its main beach is usually known as the Desplayado and is a great center of attraction during the summer months. On the south beach, visitors can see the last vestiges of the fishing vessel Cathay, stranded in 1971. Further south the Barrancas de la Pedrera offers the walker an amazing combination of nature’s textures and colors.

La Rambla is the perfect place to share a fascinating full moon landscape or to observe the incredible procession of the whales in the winter months.

Laguna de Rocha

This lagoon is an extraordinary ecosystem that is home to fish, birds and mammals in a beautiful natural setting.

It is located along the northern stretch of the Uruguayan coast where it extends for 70 kilometers separated from the sea by a one kilometer wide strip of sand, but its peculiarity is the low depth of the seabed. It has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

The lagoon is always open and the visit is free, unless you want to buy a guided tour which is still preferable if you want to know more about what you are visiting. One of the most popular activities to practice in the Laguna de Rocha is bird watching!

Bear in mind that If you are thinking of traveling during the high season, you need to start booking your trip with at least 10-8 months in advance.

CHECK OUR BEST SELLER TRIPS TO URUGUAY

Contact us for questions or further information or if you are looking for local experts who can help you planning your trip.

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Where to go in February: Carnival in Montevideo

uruguay-carnaval

Where to go in February: Carnival in Montevideo

For 40 days, the city of Montevideo puts the tango aside for a while and it liberates its African soul to live the longest Carnival in the world. During the parade called “Desfile de Llamadas" which takes place the first Thursday and Friday of February, more than two thousand drums are played together by local bands, evoking the meetings that black people used to have in the XIX century.

The Uruguayan Television broadcasts it all live and a jury selects the best bands, representatives for the Carnival Groups Official Competition. Just as this evening in cafés, people talk about football, at Carnival time, they discuss murgas´tunes and controversies arise about who the best or worst parodists were.

Every day there are Candombe, Murgas (street bands) and troupes performed on tablados (outdoor stages) and at the Summer theatre

carnaval-montevideo

What is Candombe?

You can hear the drums in the Mercado del Puerto ( Port Market), in a terrace in Punta Carretas´neighborhood. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, 35% of the citizens were of African decedents. The candombe was born with them, in a survival attempt, a need to preserve their roots. As there were black people from different African regions, they got together according to their origin in the Salas de Nación and practiced that afro Uruguayan rhythm that combines three drums: chique, repique and piano, which together from a string. The drums are hung on the shoulder and are played with one open hand and a stick. The Candombe was banned in colonial times and during the military dictatorship the Conventillo Mediomundo was demolished, a temple of candombe and resistance.

carnaval-montevideo

Live the Carnival !

For music, feelings and emotions, you have to come in February. There is still no simulator that reproduces these stimuli, such a provocation. We still need to travel. Nowadays between 6 and 9% of the Uruguayan people are afro descendants. Many live in the Sur neighborhood where on weekends there are strings of drums parading the ISLA DE FLORES street and some others. This goes on while the Desfile de las Llamadas ( popular yearly parade ) arrives and the whole city is filled with the sound of drums. For everything else, the Carnival Museum is a former port warehouse that has kept its cobblestone floors where you can see different exhibitions related to the Carnival: from models of some local street stages of the 30´s to the collection of masks, photos, costumes, drums and rag dolls.

uruguay-carnaval

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will answer to asap .

Contact us for further details or for a free consultation.