Signature Uruguay: Land of vintage charm
14 days from £4,100
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Arrive in Buenos Aires, an elegant, cultured and cosmopolitan city famed for its interesting museums and the fascinating port district of La Boca, with its cobbled streets and brightly painted houses – it’s where the tango was born. The centre of town is home to the colonial heart, government buildings and churches as well as chic shopping and residential districts which have a nostalgic Parisian feel.
The bohemian quarter of San Telmo is full of quaint old houses interspersed with antiques shops, tango bars and classy restaurants. Slightly further out of the centre is the Recoleta district (your hotel is here), even more evocative of the French influence, where Evita Perón was laid to rest.
Hilton has several sub-brands, and the Anselmo belongs to the Curio collection, where a quirky, unique element is added to each property. This property certainly does not have a corporate feel. Here, the Curio element consists of a unique lamp per guest room and an album of photocopied pages from the London Times in reception.
It doesn’t claim to be a boutique hotel – the handful of guest rooms, on two floors, are similarly decorated in fashionable muted colours (grey, white, black, cream). Floor-to-ceiling windows and clever lighting give the guest rooms a bright and spacious feel. Also reflecting contemporary style is the use of polished wooden flooring, exposed concrete, glass and minimalist furnishings…
Facilities include a business centre, free Wifi, fitness room and a restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a wine bar.
The biggest attraction of this hotel is its location, especially for guests spending the weekend in Buenos Aires. It is right on Plaza Dorrego, the main square of San Telmo, the tango and antiques quarter with plenty of street life and people watching opportunities.
Your guided city tour takes you along Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest boulevards in the world and studded by the Obelisk, an emblematic symbol of the city. Along this majestic highway is the 19th century Teatro Colón (guided tour included) which, in terms of its architecture and design, as well as its excellent acoustics, is considered one of world’s best.
On to the Plaza de Mayo, enclosed on 3 sides by the metropolitan cathedral, the town hall and the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. The tour continues to bohemian, arty La Boca, which was settled and built by Italian immigrants and has streets lined with brightly painted corrugated iron-clad houses. You also visit the district of Recoleta, where Eva Peron is biried in the famous cemetery.
Hilton has several sub-brands, and the Anselmo belongs to the Curio collection, where a quirky, unique element is added to each property. This property certainly does not have a corporate feel. Here, the Curio element consists of a unique lamp per guest room and an album of photocopied pages from the London Times in reception.
It doesn’t claim to be a boutique hotel – the handful of guest rooms, on two floors, are similarly decorated in fashionable muted colours (grey, white, black, cream). Floor-to-ceiling windows and clever lighting give the guest rooms a bright and spacious feel. Also reflecting contemporary style is the use of polished wooden flooring, exposed concrete, glass and minimalist furnishings…
Facilities include a business centre, free Wifi, fitness room and a restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a wine bar.
The biggest attraction of this hotel is its location, especially for guests spending the weekend in Buenos Aires. It is right on Plaza Dorrego, the main square of San Telmo, the tango and antiques quarter with plenty of street life and people watching opportunities.
The daylight hours leave you at leisure to explore Buenos Aires further: you might stroll around one or two of the lovely parks, such as the delightful Japanese Gardens, and maybe have an al fresco snack or lunch in trendy Puerto Madero, the sensitively restored Buenos Aires’ docklands, which has promenades festooned with industrial architecture, bars and cafés and a pretty little marina crammed with sailing boats.
In the evening you embark on a culinary-themed private guided walking tour. Shunning smart restaurants and tourist spots, you’ll dine out local-style, tasting authentic Argentine dishes in a variety of settings and experience the excitement of an authentic tango or peña venue. The evening usually takes place in the smart neighbourhood of Palermo, not far from your hotel.
After dinner, visit a milonga – a traditional tango hall – or a peña, also popular among locals but specialising in traditional music from the Andean north-west of Argentina.
Hilton has several sub-brands, and the Anselmo belongs to the Curio collection, where a quirky, unique element is added to each property. This property certainly does not have a corporate feel. Here, the Curio element consists of a unique lamp per guest room and an album of photocopied pages from the London Times in reception.
It doesn’t claim to be a boutique hotel – the handful of guest rooms, on two floors, are similarly decorated in fashionable muted colours (grey, white, black, cream). Floor-to-ceiling windows and clever lighting give the guest rooms a bright and spacious feel. Also reflecting contemporary style is the use of polished wooden flooring, exposed concrete, glass and minimalist furnishings…
Facilities include a business centre, free Wifi, fitness room and a restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a wine bar.
The biggest attraction of this hotel is its location, especially for guests spending the weekend in Buenos Aires. It is right on Plaza Dorrego, the main square of San Telmo, the tango and antiques quarter with plenty of street life and people watching opportunities.
Take the hydrofoil ferry across the River Plate to Colonia in Uruguay. Travel along a forest-fringed estuary, dotted with upmarket residences, to this peaceful little port, and its UNESCO-protected historic centre where you can wander among cobbled streets lined with colonial houses. Founded in the 17th century by the Portuguese, the fortressed town was prinicipally a centre for contraband activities for many years. It’s a peaceful place now, retaining its distinctive Portuguese colonial style and with a villagey feel. Its evocative colonial grid of peaceful lanes is a photographer’s delight and you can view the whole place from the top of the lighthouse.
You’ll be taken on a guided exploration on foot of the quaint, historic town and port of Colonia, which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
This little boutique style hotel brings warmth and character to the fringes of Colonia’s historic quarter, squatting on the banks of the River Plate with huge views over the silvery estuary.
There are eight guestrooms in the colonial era building, but as many as four room categories, including suites and balcony rooms. They are all easy on the eye with contemporary, Scandinavian-minimalist design featuring lots of luminous white in the furnishings and fabrics juxtaposed with darker rustic stone and wood work. As with most converted colonial buildings, the layout and size of each guest room varies and while most face the cobbled streets of old Colonia, the balcony suite has a river view.
There is an attractive breakfast area, al fresco bar and a bistro restaurant which is open to the public, as well as a small riverside garden where you can enjoy the watery vistas.
Colonia brims with inviting cafes and restaurants and there’s plenty of time for you to explore and enjoy them at your own pace.
If you’d like to strike out further afield, we can pre-arrange a visit to a local winery or to the pretty small town of Carmelo, further upstream and a regional centre of wine production. Even a long day trip to Fray Bentos can be organised from Colonia with prior notice.
This little boutique style hotel brings warmth and character to the fringes of Colonia’s historic quarter, squatting on the banks of the River Plate with huge views over the silvery estuary.
There are eight guestrooms in the colonial era building, but as many as four room categories, including suites and balcony rooms. They are all easy on the eye with contemporary, Scandinavian-minimalist design featuring lots of luminous white in the furnishings and fabrics juxtaposed with darker rustic stone and wood work. As with most converted colonial buildings, the layout and size of each guest room varies and while most face the cobbled streets of old Colonia, the balcony suite has a river view.
There is an attractive breakfast area, al fresco bar and a bistro restaurant which is open to the public, as well as a small riverside garden where you can enjoy the watery vistas.
By road to the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo, a journey of under three hours. In the lively waterfront city modern skyscrapers jostle with art deco façades and grand, monumental colonial buildings.
Born of the competing interests of colonial powers, the city, on the shores of a fine natural harbour on the River Plate, grew to be a prosperous port devoted to overseas trade. It attracted immigrants from all of Europe, resulting in an eclectic cultural mix which survives to this day.
Upon arrival you’ll have a guided walking tour of the historic centre. Stop for lunch at the atmospheric port market, its wrought iron structure designed by a British engineer in the 1860s and nowadays famous for its traditional parrilla restaurants serving grilled meats.
Alma Historica encapsulates the 19th century ambience of Montevideo’s once glittering Ciudad Vieja quarter. Formerly a grand old mansion, it was beautifully renovated before opening in 2014 as one of the city’s most charming boutique hotels. With just 15 rooms, the hotel feels as personal as it does elegant. Each room is named after prominent Uruguayan artists, writers and actors and blend classical elegance with contemporary flair.
Like most other small hotels you won’t find a restaurant offering dinner, but there is a pretty café serving breakfast and a small lounge-library. You’ll also find a choice of museums and down-to-earth restaurants nearby, whilst the authentic, buzzing port market with its astonishing array of asado lunchtime barbecues is just a couple of blocks away.
Uruguay’s signature Tannat red wine is becoming internationally renowned and many of the country’s wineries welcome the opportunity to receive visitors. Your guided excursion will take you to one of several wineries in the vicinity of Montevideo. You will explore the vineyard and the bodega (cellars), have the opportunity to savour three different wines and take lunch before returning to the city. Transfers are private, and the winery tour is usually done as part of a group. The winery of choice varies, but throughout Uruguay these tend to be small-scale, family owned and run establishments using a blend of traditional and innovative techniques to produce a variety of high quality and award-winning wines.
Alma Historica encapsulates the 19th century ambience of Montevideo’s once glittering Ciudad Vieja quarter. Formerly a grand old mansion, it was beautifully renovated before opening in 2014 as one of the city’s most charming boutique hotels. With just 15 rooms, the hotel feels as personal as it does elegant. Each room is named after prominent Uruguayan artists, writers and actors and blend classical elegance with contemporary flair.
Like most other small hotels you won’t find a restaurant offering dinner, but there is a pretty café serving breakfast and a small lounge-library. You’ll also find a choice of museums and down-to-earth restaurants nearby, whilst the authentic, buzzing port market with its astonishing array of asado lunchtime barbecues is just a couple of blocks away.
Travel by road into the countryside to reach the Estancia (4hrs), tucked away in the countryside north-west of Montevideo.
This tranquil farm has been in the same family for 6 generations. Now also a small, rustic guesthouse it is surrounded by the meadows and pastures and bucolic rolling countryside. The atmosphere is welcoming, sociable and informal. It’s especially popular with guests who enjoy horse riding but there is something here for everyone.
This old farmhouse is home to a world of calm and serenity and is a wonderful site to unwind and connect with nature in this little-inhabited part of Uruguay.
Estancia Los Platanos has run in its family for over six generations and is host to a treasure of history which can be found in a small family museum. Tucked away in the rolling cattle country which characterises much of Uruguay’s vast and empty interior this small farm is a great place to relax and take in the bucolic countryside.
The guest house has just 2 en-suite guest rooms and a 2-bedroom suite, which adds to the intimacy of your time here. During your stay you will be able to share in the delights of their homemade, locally sourced dishes with the opportunity to pair this with Uruguayan wines. Horse riding, walking, bird-watching are all on offer from the the property.
At leisure. A stay on a Uruguayan estancia is often a highly personalised experience where you are likely to feel part of the family as well as a guest. Estancia Los Platanos is a fitting place for relaxation but you can also help out with activities on the farm and observe the gauchos at work. Alternatively, head out on a walk in the countryside, join an informal cooking demonstration or swim at La Salamanca, a natural pool in the vicinity.
This old farmhouse is home to a world of calm and serenity and is a wonderful site to unwind and connect with nature in this little-inhabited part of Uruguay.
Estancia Los Platanos has run in its family for over six generations and is host to a treasure of history which can be found in a small family museum. Tucked away in the rolling cattle country which characterises much of Uruguay’s vast and empty interior this small farm is a great place to relax and take in the bucolic countryside.
The guest house has just 2 en-suite guest rooms and a 2-bedroom suite, which adds to the intimacy of your time here. During your stay you will be able to share in the delights of their homemade, locally sourced dishes with the opportunity to pair this with Uruguayan wines. Horse riding, walking, bird-watching are all on offer from the the property.
Drive to Punta del Este, a glamorous and sophisticated beach resort on a lovely stretch of Atlantic coast, particularly popular amongst Argentines. It dominates a narrow peninsular with a calm bay side, the rougher Atlantic waters on the other, and forests of pine and eucalyptus further up inland. Other than its excellent bathing, ‘Punta’ has a top class yacht marina, and offers premier fishing.
The stylish and refined L’Auberge boutique hotel is located in Punta del Este’s most exclusive residential area, Parque del Golf, surrounded by pine woodland. Despite the name there’s an unmistakable air of Anglophilia about the place, with the cottage-style architecture, quaint tea rooms and landscaped gardens calling to mind the Home Counties. However it does have a feature sadly lacking from most English country estates: a glorious beach just around the corner (not to mention the lovely climate).
The hotel’s most distinctive feature is a magnificent 1940s water tower, rising right out of the red-tiled mock Tudor building and even housing its own cosy guestrooms. The décor throughout is very elegant and tasteful, mixing classic and contemporary touches, and each room is different from the next.
L’Auberge is well-known locally for its waffles, served every day at 4pm and highly recommended by guests! Further culinary pleasures come in the form of the regular evening barbecues held around the swimming pool, and the gourmet cuisine served in the restaurant.
The upmarket resort Punta del Este is packed with classy hotels, holiday residences, casinos, boutiques, chic bars and restaurants. You have a couple of days at leisure to enjoy your attractive hotel and its grounds, explore the beaches and maybe indulge in some water sports.
The stylish and refined L’Auberge boutique hotel is located in Punta del Este’s most exclusive residential area, Parque del Golf, surrounded by pine woodland. Despite the name there’s an unmistakable air of Anglophilia about the place, with the cottage-style architecture, quaint tea rooms and landscaped gardens calling to mind the Home Counties. However it does have a feature sadly lacking from most English country estates: a glorious beach just around the corner (not to mention the lovely climate).
The hotel’s most distinctive feature is a magnificent 1940s water tower, rising right out of the red-tiled mock Tudor building and even housing its own cosy guestrooms. The décor throughout is very elegant and tasteful, mixing classic and contemporary touches, and each room is different from the next.
L’Auberge is well-known locally for its waffles, served every day at 4pm and highly recommended by guests! Further culinary pleasures come in the form of the regular evening barbecues held around the swimming pool, and the gourmet cuisine served in the restaurant.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Argentina - Buenos Aires
Discover Argentina’s elegant and energetic capital, where grand European-style architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class cuisine and the passion of tango come together to create one of South America’s most captivating cities. Dynamic, stylish and nostalgic in equal measure, Buenos Aires is a destination worthy of a trip in its own right.
Uruguay - Colonia and Carmelo
Cobbled streets, and a slow pace on the banks of the Río de la Plata, that’s the UNESCO-listed town of Colonia del Sacramento. Just an hour away, Carmelo trades cobblestones for vineyards, with wineries, and some of Uruguay’s best food. Together they make a rewarding Colonia holiday packed into one small corner of the country.
Uruguay - Montevideo
Set on the Río de la Plata, Montevideo combines rich heritage, great food and wine, and a laid-back atmosphere influenced by centuries of European immigration. Founded in 1726, the city pairs a historic old town with a vibrant waterfront. From cobbled streets to traditional asados by the water, Montevideo offers an authentic taste of Uruguay.
Uruguay - Punta del Este beaches and coastline
East of Montevideo, Uruguay’s coastline turns glamorous. Punta del Este divides the calm River Plate from the Atlantic, with smart hotels, casinos, boutiques, bars and restaurants. 40 minutes further along and you land in José Ignacio, a former fishing village turned stylish hideaway. Punta del Este holidays cover everything from full glamour to total escape.
Amiable little Uruguay, wedged between its giant neighbours Brazil and Argentina, is a fine place to unwind in both rural and coastal settings, enjoy good food and wine and the freedom to self-drive between some very inviting places to stay. Seasoned visitors to South America particularly appreciate the relaxing and authentic experiences Uruguay can offer.
On this diverse holiday we give you a few days in Argentina’s grand capital, Buenos Aires, one of Latin America’s highlights in itself, before taking you on the short sailing over the River Plate to Uruguay. This is a Latin country which has a history of social strife but is now politically stable and the people particularly cultured and friendly. Never cutting edge contemporary neither is it pretentious: style and pace of life have a vintage appeal; mid-20th century cars line the streets, fashions are homely and parts of Montevideo are an art-deco time warp; but there’s an increasingly imaginative range of upmarket places to stay. It’s easy to get around and there is a surprisingly wide range of things to do.
Heloise Buxton
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
1 ferry journey (1hr); 4 road journeys.
- Accommodation
We invite you to stay at a variety of accommodation styles, from urban boutique to countryside ranch and traditional resort hotel. They all have beautiful settings and very good facilities.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, dinner days 3, 8; full board days 9, 10.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights14 days, 13 nights: Buenos Aires 3; Colonia 2; Montevideo 2; rural estancia 3; Punta del Este 3.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso; in Uruguay it is the Uruguayan peso.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency, and possibly some travellers’ cheques, though these are gradually falling out of use (American Express are the most widely accepted). Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
For our latest currency advice for Argentina please see our FAQs section.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$50 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
- Insurance And Documents
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for all able reasonably fit visitors, including families. If you are travelling alone or have a disability or other special requirement, please do call us.
- Climate
Buenos Aires and the pampa plains have similar weather conditions – they are hottest January-March (very humid with tropical showers, occasionally over 40°C during the day). They can be cold and cloudy July-August, so weather conditions are best for a visit in spring and autumn.
Uruguay is an all-year destination, but best enjoyed in summer (November-February). Temperatures range from 10-16°C in the southern hemisphere winter, while in the high summer they can leap into the 30s°. Wet and windy conditions outside high summer are not unheard of, so we suggest avoiding May to October if you want to go to the beach. Rainfall is moderate and varies little over the year, apart from July-August when there are prolonged wet periods.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
The southern hemisphere summer will be hot, therefore bring loose-fitting light clothing for maximum comfort at this time. An umbrella is a good idea in case of a tropical shower. Spring and autumn are milder and less predictable.
South America is in general a relaxed continent and you won’t need clothes for formal dining but you may wish to take some smart casual wear for dining at the estancias or at top of the range restaurants.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the start of your trip. If you’re routing through the US, you’ll need an ESTA in advance. Always check the latest entry requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
- How do I get to Argentina from the UK?
British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires in about 13.5 hours. There are also connecting routes via Madrid, São Paulo and other hubs, taking roughly 16 to 17 hours depending on the routing. We arrange all flights and transfers, and can quote them separately based on your dates.
- What’s the best way to travel around Argentina?
The country’s size makes domestic flights the most practical way to cover long distances, and most routes connect through Buenos Aires. Within regions, we arrange private transfers and guided excursions, while self-driving works well in the Lake District, Mendoza and parts of Patagonia, where the roads are good, and the scenery is spectacular.
- What currency does Argentina use?
The official currency is the Argentine peso. US dollars are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, and it’s worth carrying some. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns but can have low withdrawal limits, and credit cards are taken in hotels and restaurants in the main destinations. We’ll advise on the latest currency situation before you travel.
- How long should I spend in Argentina?
Two weeks works well for a first trip, pairing Buenos Aires with Iguazú and Patagonia, or with Mendoza and the lake district. To go further and add the northwest, Península Valdés or an estancia stay, allow three weeks or more. We’ll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.
- What language is spoken in Argentina?
Spanish is the official language, spoken with a distinctive Argentine accent and plenty of Italian influence. English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas, less so beyond them, so a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
- Is Argentina safe for travellers?
Argentina is generally safe for visitors, especially in the main tourist areas. As in any large city, take sensible precautions in Buenos Aires: keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid flashy valuables, and use licensed taxis or ride apps. Our Travel Experts will advise on anything specific to the regions you’re visiting.
- What can I combine with Argentina?
Argentina pairs naturally with Chile, crossing the Andes from Mendoza, taking the lake crossing from Bariloche or linking a Patagonia trip across both countries. Brazil is a popular add-on to Iguazú Falls; Uruguay is a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires; and Peru pairs well with a broader South America itinerary. Our Travel Experts can design a multi-country trip around you.
- When is the best time to visit Uruguay?
Uruguay is an all-year destination, but probably best enjoyed in summer (Nov-Feb). The weather is mild all the year around. Temperatures range from 10-16oC in the southern hemisphere winter, while in the summer they hover in the mid-20s. Wet and windy conditions outside high summer are not unheard of, and can make it feel very chilly. Rainfall is moderate and varies little over the year, apart from Jul-Aug when there are prolonged wet periods.
- What is the official language of Uruguay?
The official language of Uruguay is Spanish.
- What is the official currency of Uruguay?
The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso. Cards are widely accepted. By using your credit card you may qualify for automatic partial VAT rebates to overseas tourists – check your statement. Some US Dollars cash will also come in handy. US Dollars cash is easier change into Pesos than Sterling/Euros and Dollars may also be accepted if you do not have any Pesos. There are ATMs in larger towns (subject to charges).
- What is the time difference between Uruguay and the UK?'
The time difference between the UK and Uruguay is GMT-3 hours. Usually daylight saving is observed in the summer (GMT -2 hours), from Sep/Oct to early Mar. The date is set by presidential decree.
- Do I need a visa for Uruguay?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate. If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- What vaccinations do I need for Uruguay?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- Which other countries combine well with Uruguay?
Argentina Combines well with Uruguay. Accessing Buenos Aires from Montevideo by air (50mins), road (8 hours) or ferry (3 hours), there’s a ferry from Colonia to Buenos Aires (45mins); Iguazú Falls, Brazil, 3 hours by air.
- How long is the flight between Uruguay and the UK?
The average flight time to Montevideo is 17.5 hours. There are no direct flights from the UK. Some routes involve a change in Brazil, Europe or the USA.
- What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events of Uruguay?
Carnival; 5 days in Feb/Mar, variable. Live bands, costume parades and general frivolity in towns and cities, especially Montevideo. In the Barrio Sur, where the black Afro-Uruguayan population lives, there are condomblé ceremonies (traditional religious rituals from Africa).
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
If there’s somewhere you particularly want to go that isn’t included in this tour, we can add on an extension to take you there.
Iguazu from Buenos Aires
One of the continent’s most awe-inspiring attractions, the Iguazú Falls – which straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil – is a vast basalt amphitheatre veiled by a curtain of foaming water which crashes through tangled sub-tropical jungle. This is one of the great must-see highlights of Latin America, indeed the world. Day 1: Fly…
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Papagaio
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