Itinerary
- Day 1
Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento
You'll take the Buquebus ferry from Buenos Aires across to Colonia del Sacramento, which takes about an hour. Once you arrive at the port, pick up your rental car and drive to your accommodation in Colonia del Sacramento. It's a straightforward introduction to the trip and gets you settled in for the evening.
Landmarks Colonia del Sacramento - Day 2
Colonia del Sacramento
This is your chance to wander around Colonia del Sacramento on your own schedule. The beach here is a good spot to spend the day if you want to relax by the water, or you can explore the town's colonial architecture and streets at whatever pace suits you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Colonia del Sacramento beach
- Day 3
Colonia del Sacramento to Mercedes
You'll drive from Colonia del Sacramento to Mercedes, which takes about 2.5 hours heading inland. Mercedes is the capital of the Soriano department and sits near an imposing bridge that spans the Río Negro. Check in to your accommodation once you arrive and settle in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Mercedes 
- Day 4
Mercedes to Salto
Head north to Salto, a 4.5-hour drive, which is the capital of its department in northern Uruguay. The region is known for growing some of Latin America's juiciest oranges and freshest blueberries. Salto has several national historical monuments worth seeing, particularly in the port area if you have time to walk around before settling in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Salto - Day 5
Salto to Tranqueras
Drive north into the Rivera department, about 4.5 hours to reach your accommodation near the Valle del Lunarejo nature reserve. Along the way, you'll pass through Tacuarembo and can see Cerro Batova, Laureles with its historic train station, Ipora's lakes and mountains, and San Gregorio de Polanco on the Río Negro. Several hiking trails are available if you want to explore the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Tacuarembó city
- Explore Cerro Batovía (224m mountain emblem of the department)
- Visit Laureles historic train station
- Explore Iporá - two lakes, swimming pool, mountains and meadows, 7 km from Tacuarembó
- Visit San Gregorio de Polanco on the Río Negro banks
- Cave of the Indian Trail hiking (1900 meters, approximately 2.5 hours, medium difficulty)
- Cerro Boquerón hiking trail in Lunarejo Valley (1300 meters, 1.5 hours, low difficulty)
- Paredones Trail with waterfall (1500 meters, 2 hours, medium difficulty)
- Balcones de Lunarejo horseback riding (1400 meters, 2.5 hours, medium difficulty)
- The Fern Trail from Masoller village (1400 meters, 2.5 hours, medium difficulty)
Landmarks Tacuarembó Cerro Batovía Laureles Iporá San Gregorio de Polanco Valle del Lunarejo 
- Day 6
Tranqueras
You have the full day to explore Tranqueras and its surroundings at your own pace. There's plenty to do here with hiking trails, nature walks through the Valle del Lunarejo region, or simply relaxing if you'd rather take it easy.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 7
Tranqueras to Valentines
Drive southeast to Estancia Los Plátanos in the Treinta y Tres department, which is about 6.5 hours. Estancias are traditional Uruguayan farms that let you experience rural life firsthand. Check in when you arrive and get comfortable for your stay on the property.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8
Valentines
Spend the day at Estancia Los Plátanos experiencing traditional farm life. The property has various activities available, so you can participate in farm work, learn about rural Uruguayan culture, or simply relax in the countryside.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9
Valentines to Punta del Diablo
Drive to the coast and the beach town of Punta del Diablo, about 5 hours from the estancia. Originally a fishing village, it's become popular as a beach destination with rustic architecture and colorful wooden huts right by the water. The atmosphere is laid-back and nature is well-preserved here. Settle in for your stay once you arrive.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Punta del Diablo - Day 10
Punta del Diablo
You have a free day to relax and check out Punta del Diablo however you like. Spend time on the beach, wander through the rustic village with its unique wooden structures, or just soak in the coastal atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 11
Punta del Diablo to Punta del Este
Drive to Punta del Este, about 3.5 hours south, often referred to as the Pearl of the Atlantic. This glamorous resort has numerous beaches, yachts, and fashionable restaurants. Key spots include Casa Pueblo, an artistic oceanfront building built into the cliffs, the Ralli Foundation Museum with sculptures and paintings, Isla de Lobos nature reserve with around 200,000 seals and sea lions (reached by ferry), and Isla Gorriti with historic ruins and water sports options.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Casa Pueblo - artist residence with museum and art gallery built into cliff
- Visit Ralli Foundation Museum - sculptures and paintings including Salvador Dalí works
- Ferry excursion to Isla de Lobos nature reserve to observe seals, sea lions and elephant seals
- Ferry excursion to Isla Gorriti in the Bay of Maldonado - historic ruins, beaches, water sports
Landmarks Punta del Este Casa Pueblo Ralli Foundation Museum Isla de Lobos Isla Gorriti 
- Day 12
Punta del Este
Spend another day in Punta del Este exploring beaches, shops, restaurants, and the nightlife scene. If there are any attractions you missed the previous day, this is your chance to check them out. The town has plenty to keep you occupied.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 13
Punta del Este to Minas
Drive west to Minas, about 1.5 hours away, which is the capital of the Lavalleja department in a hilly landscape. The area has lots of natural and historical attractions including Villa Serrana from 1945, Salto del Penitente with its 50+ meter waterfall, the Arrospide Gold Mine with 800-meter tunnels, Cerro Arequita at 230 meters, Laguna de los Cuervos, Valle del Hilo de la Vida with around 100 preserved stone buildings from an ancient Indian village, and Castillo de Battle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Villa Serrana - European-style villa from 1945
- Visit Ventorillo de la buena vista - reservoir ideal for fishing
- Visit Salto del Penitente waterfall (over 50 meters high with natural swimming pool)
- Explore Arrospide Gold Mine - 800 meter tunnels with mining history
- Visit Cerro Arequita - 230m volcanic formation with cave access on Camino Valeriano Magri
- Visit Laguna de los Cuervos lake
- Explore Valle del Hilo de la Vida - ancient Indian village with ~100 preserved stone buildings
- Visit Castillo de Battle - small castle from 1936-1948
Landmarks Minas Villa Serrana Salto del Penitente Arrospide Gold Mine Cerro Arequita Laguna de los Cuervos Valle del Hilo de la Vida Castillo de Battle - Day 14
Minas
Explore the Minas area at your own pace with a free day. Take advantage of the scenic surroundings and visit any of the nearby attractions that appeal to you most.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 15
Minas to Montevideo
Drive southwest to Montevideo, about 2.5 hours, the capital of Uruguay. The city has architectural contrasts with both historic and modern buildings throughout. The main attraction is the 30km Rambla, a river promenade along the Río de la Plata where locals walk around and drink mate. Take time to walk along the waterfront and get a feel for the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Montevideo's Rambla - 30km promenade along the Río de la Plata
- Discover Montevideo's architectural heritage - mix of historic and modern buildings
Landmarks Montevideo - Day 16
Montevideo
Return your rental car at the port or airport. The Buquebus Arrivals Hall is at Rambla August 25, 1825 in Montevideo and operates from 09:00 to 14:00, so plan your drop-off time accordingly for your departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
