If you are thinking of a majestic destination for your next event or incentive trip, do not come to Uruguay.
The immensity and opulence that emerge from the concept of majestic contrasts with what Uruguay represents, a boutique destination to host more than events, and unique experiences with a level of personalization and professionalism that we are convinced will generate memorable memories for your guests.
Uruguay is strategically hidden between two giants like Argentina and Brazil. It is presented as an alternative for those who prioritize security, warmth in treatment, proximity, and the know-how of its professionals together with incredible venues and significant connectivity with the rest of the region.
As your future hosts, we invite you to discover through this article some of the secrets that Uruguay has best kept to receive you!
A story curated with passion and love by 
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Uruguay is a small, friendly nation located only one hour from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and 2,5 hours from Sao Paulo, Brazil where distances practically do not exist and all the country’s resources are at hand.
Excellent river and ocean beaches with tranquil waters for people looking to relax or waves that will make surfers try them as soon as they see them.
A wide range of Farms (also called Estancias) where you will be able to disconnect yourself from the world and enjoy contact with nature, peace & quiet, bird watching, go hiking, horseback riding, learning how to saddle a horse as well as many other “gaucho activities” or just read a book by the fireplace.
Cultural Tourism and historical places such as Colonia del Sacramento, UNESCO World Heritage since 1996, or Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, are also available for those eager to get to know more about Uruguay’s culture and history. Architecture lovers will marvel at Montevideo’s eclectic influence, as well as its great amount of museums – many of them free of charge.
Groups and team-building activities can also be offered, such as treasure hunts, cooking lessons, races, and fairs, among others.
THINGS TO DO
Whale Watching
Between July and October each year, you´ll witness one of nature´s miracles: the Southern right whale visit to the coasts of Maldonado and Rocha. Enjoy this whale-watching route with more than fifty years of history and follow them responsibly!
In a natural environment, from both land or aboard a ship, you can watch these sea giants. Seeing their V-shaped spout, since they come to Uruguayan shores to mate and socialize, and often give birth.
The South Atlantic coasts are part of the migration route of the Southern right whale. During Summer, they feed on tons of krill near Antarctica (Falkland and southern Georgia islands), to start their migration towards Peninsula Valdés (Argentina), Maldonado, and Rocha (Uruguay) in search of warmer, calmer waters, until they reach Imbituba, Ferrugem (Santa Catarina, Brazil)
The adventure of watching them on the ship is as moving as watching them from the shore. Different companies provide sea trips from Piriapolis Port.
Beach Tourism
The Uruguayan coast is as vast as it is diverse. Nature, family-friendly environments, sightseeing, and adrenaline all come together to offer amazing and unique experiences. There are small beaches surrounded by nature, or wild coasts ideal for water sports: beach lovers of all kinds always find what they were looking for, and more.
Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, is a business, event, and cultural center, and has great beaches right here in town.
- Piriápolis is another beach paradise to discover, with a European-style Oceanside avenue.
- Punta del Este is a fitting alternative for high-end beachgoers, with a variety of services, and the latest trends in design, fashion, and cuisine.
- Cabo Polonio is a gem by the Atlantic Ocean for a small beach-town vibe.
Other beaches such as La Paloma and Punta del Diablo are a must-go for surfers. After the sun goes down everyone comes out to have a good time. Go out to eat, catch a movie or a concert, or just stay in and contemplate the sky as it changes color and the stars come out.
Culture and Heritage
To contemplate unique examples of art deco style, decipher candombe, indulge in the specificities of Uruguayan tango, or discover why some Uruguayan landmarks have earned the UNESCO distinction, are just some of the cultural and heritage tourism alternatives that visitors can enjoy in Uruguay.
As an introduction, it can be said that folk traditions, indigenous ancestors, the Afro-Uruguayan heritage, and the import of European immigrant customs have turned Uruguayan cultural expressions into a rich and diverse heritage.
Tango is recognized as one of the greatest cultural contributions of the River Plate region to the world. It embraces dance, music, song, and poetry at the same time. In September 2009, it was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Unquestionably, Uruguayan Carnival is another feature of the local culture that deserves the attention of visitors. It is the longest in the world and features a colorful array of parades and shows that start in late January and continues until mid-March.
Candombe is part of this great celebration and is one of the most popular expressions of Uruguayans. Its roots go back to the arrival of African slaves in Montevideo during colonial times. In 2009, along with tango, it was also proclaimed an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Uruguayan theater is one of the most important in Latin America. The country has more than 70 operating theater rooms with a remarkably extensive and varied billboard including classic and modern plays for the most diverse tastes.
Uruguay also offers a wide range of museums and cultural centers where visitors can appreciate the work of national artists such as Juan Manuel Blanes, Rafael Barradas, Pedro Figari, Joaquín Torres García, and José Cúneo, among others.
At the architectural level, Uruguay preserves unique examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, which are hardly seen in other parts of the world. Other architectural landmarks are the famous creations in reinforced ceramics and brick by engineer Eladio Dieste, which have aroused the interest of worldwide architects.
Sailing and Cruises
Cruise tourism is one of the fastest-growing tourism activities in the world. Uruguay is a clear example of this growth, boasting a number of cruise passengers disembarking that exceeds 400 thousand and averages 160 moorings.
There are several reasons why cruise passengers choose Uruguay as their destination. Security, the cordiality and friendliness of its citizens, the accessibility of currency exchange, multiple options when it comes to shopping, and great gastronomy are just some of them.
Uruguay offers great opportunities for the development of water tourism activities. The country has 718 kilometers of coastline (240 km on the Atlantic Ocean) and a dense network of natural waterways, which provide an ideal setting for the enjoyment of water activities. This network is formed by four main basins: Río de la Plata, Río Uruguay, Río Negro, and Laguna Merín.
Tourists can find a wide range of possibilities, whether it is sailing in privileged natural areas, taking boat trips, sport fishing, or doing water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, and boating.
Tourism LGBT+
We welcome the LGBT+ community and here in the capital of Montevideo, there is a group of private businesses called Mesa Friendly which is in constant contact with different sectors of the tourism industry. The organization aims to provide all tourists with personalized information so that they can have a great experience. Uruguay has always been a pioneer in civil rights in the continent and since the 20th century, many advances have been made towards progress such as workers’ and civil rights, including anti-discrimination laws self-appointed gender registrations, child adoption for civil unions, and same-sex marriages. In 2015, Montevideo was rated the most gay-friendly city in the continent, ahead of Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Ciudad de México, and Guadalajara, according to Sentido G magazine.
In the 2020 annual index prepared by Spartacus Traveler, the most important LGBT+ tourism guide in the world, Uruguay occupies 5th place in the global ranking as a friendly and safe destination for this segment due to the treatment and its advanced anti-discrimination regulations.
Religious Tourism
While Uruguay is a State not profess any particular creed, the country has a varied agenda of religious festivals, celebrations, and pilgrimages. spiritual, mystical, or devotional centers, can be visited in each of the 19 departments. Beyond their beliefs, tourists can appreciate the historical, heritage, and architectural richness of the temples, works of art in paintings, and stained glass images that create spaces for contemplation. In addition, Uruguay has energy points that bring visitors attracted by the mystical experiences and the wonderful landscapes of these places.
Countryside and nature
Just a few kilometers away, Uruguay has many attractive landscapes to offer where you can enjoy a nice horseback ride, go hang gliding, enjoy guided vehicle tours on all sorts of terrain, go mountain biking and try a zip line amongst many other things.
Playing an active role in the typical tasks of the countryside and experiencing traditions such as milking, cattle herding, planting, harvesting, kneading, and branding, are some of the most genuine experiences that tourists can have in Uruguay.
Our countryside offers a wide variety of experiences as well as the possibility of noticing unique aromas and natural flavors. Since the beginning, cattle breeding has been Uruguay’s main economic activity; especially sheep and beef cattle raising. Dairy, meat, wool-related activities, and leather work are deeply rooted in the country’s traditions and are an integral part of Uruguayans’ identity.
Wineries and vineyards
Uruguay enjoys a privileged geographical position that enables it to be a leading country in the production of wines. Located between parallels 30 and 35 (south latitude), Uruguay shares the location of the best wine regions of Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Its clay soil, balanced sunshine, rain, and temperatures are optimal conditions for the vineyards growing on its gentle rolling land.
Wine lovers will find a great variety of wineries in Uruguay offering tours, wine tastings, and hosting special parties and events.
All seasons have their charm for wine tourism in Uruguay. For example, in March, the country’s main tourist wineries open their doors to share the best of their crops during the Harvest Festival. During this festival, visitors can get a quick introduction to the production activity, and equipped with scissors and a basket, they can experiment with the pleasure of harvesting on their own.
In winter, between May and June, wineries propose tourists enjoy one of the most traditional and perfect pairings: lamb and Tannat, as well as various artistic performances and activities that complement the food and wine proposals.
Colonia del Sacramento
Colonia del Sacramento is a popular tourist destination in Uruguay, attracting visitors from around the world. The city’s charm is rooted in its unique history, having been ruled by both the Portuguese and Spanish, resulting in a blend of architectural and urban styles. The historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a must-visit destination for its narrow, cobbled streets and stunning views of Río de la Plata. Visitors can enjoy museums, art, handicrafts, local cuisine, and quality hotels, with options ranging from international chains to quaint posadas. The city’s promenade leads to Real de San Carlos, a former Spanish military enclave, where visitors can see the San Benito church and the Plaza de Toros. Colonia del Sacramento’s sunsets are a highlight, best enjoyed from the lighthouse or old pier.
Enjoying Colonia’s nature and rural ranches
Colonia offers a charming experience in nature unlike any other, attractive and varied in nature, offering several options for rural tourism. Enjoy a typical “asado con cuero” (Uruguayan barbecue, cooked within the cow’s skin) or other Criollo delicacies. Visit tourist “tambos” (milking yards), go on a horseback ride, and breathe in the fresh and healthy air around you, all while appreciating rural tradition.
The rural establishments of Colonia combine agro-tourism, healthy living, ecology, Criollo gastronomy, and rural traditions.
WHERE TO STAY
Estancia VIK
Tranquility and exclusivity to get on the move is at large the imprint of this hotel located in José Ignacio where families are offered several active tourism proposals such as paintball, horseback riding, kayaks, and fishing in the Laguna de José Ignacio. Nature lovers can also choose between several nature trails to do by bike or on foot, contemplating wildlife. The facility also has tennis and golf courts, a swimming pool, a playroom, and a pool.
Location: Camino Saiz Martínez Km 8, José Ignacio, Uruguay.
Sacromonte
Just 50 minutes from Punta del Este, Sacramento is located in the Maldonado landscapes, it includes a vineyard and four luxury lodges in a minimalist format.
WHERE TO EAT
La Huella
Twenty years ago, three friends set out to make a dream come true in José Ignacio, Uruguay: the creation of a small beach parador like the ones that existed in the 50s. That challenge materialized and their restaurant became an iconic site. Recently their story became a documentary and was shown on the tv.
I’Marangatú
I’Marangatúis a restaurant and beach club located in Punta del Este, Uruguay. It offers a variety of dishes, such as sushi, seafood, pasta, and grilled meats, as well as a panoramic view of Mansa beach. It is open every day of the year and has a modern and cozy design. It is also a place with history, as it was visited by celebrities and jet-setters in the past.
Lo de Tere
Lo de Tere is a restaurant located in Punta del Este, Uruguay. It specializes in international, Latin, seafood, and European cuisine. It has a view of the port and Gorriti island.
YOUR RELIABLE LOCAL PARTNER IN URUGUAY
When it comes to traveling, it is overwhelming to plan every detail of your trip. That’s where experienced travel organizers come in. By choosing to work with us, you’ll receive the expertise and insider knowledge that only a local can provide, ensuring that your trip is not only seamless but also unforgettable.
Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, we have the resources to create a customized itinerary that meets your unique needs and interests. From discovering hidden gems to experiencing the country’s vibrant culture and cuisine, we’ll handle every aspect of your trip, leaving you with nothing to worry about except enjoying your time in Uruguay
Trust us to make your journey an unforgettable one.