Bike & Fish in Colonia del Sacramento
Enjoy a bike tour along the cobbled streets of the old town of Colonia and the riverside boulevard to the “Real de San Carlos” where the “Plaza de Toros” (bullring)is located. Visit the Museum of Shipwrecks and Treasures and discover the legends of the invaluable treasures of galleons and gold hidden within the waters of the River Plate. The shortest and safest navigation route to Europe ran next to the Uruguayan shore. Bordering the banks and rocky beds on the coast, ships would reach the City of Montevideo. This was the chosen route by official navigations and even by pirates. The discovery of gold and silver and of course their exploitation to enrich Europe and extend its domain along newfound America was of vital importance. Thus, a net of routes was laid out in the Río de la Plata for galleons carrying all kinds of treasures to sail. In addition to the intense smuggling activities carried out by the Portuguese, the English and the Spaniards -who would dispute over the domination on these waters-, the existence of pirates and corsairs generated disagreements and fights that ended up with sunken ships and countless shipwrecks all along the shores of Colonia del Sacramento and present Montevideo. Visit the Railway Museum, learn about the Uruguayan trains and have fun at “Tunel del Ayer”, where the whole family can dress up in historic clothes for a remembrance picture. After free time for lunch (not included), the tour ends with a fishing activity at the marina of the “Bastion” Sculptor Park next to the sailing boats and yachts. One of our local fun friends will assist you and provide all the necessary equipment to spend a lovely afternoon fishing and learning not only fishing techniques but also to respect and care for nature.
Length of the activity: 8 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only
Mate testing & typical uruguayan merienda: a feast for families!
We can organize scrumptious cookery classes and tastings suitable for children of all ages. Why not enjoy a private cookery class making a Uruguayan afternoon “merienda” full of local sweet treats, “dulce de leche”, “torta fritas” and mate! You willlearn about the mate ceremony and why it is so important for the Uruguayan culture! For younger children a cookie decorating class is a perfect way to spend an afternoon, or for those looking for fresh air why not organize the activity in the middle of a forest, next to a lagoon or within an old train station?
Length of the activity: 4 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only
Unesco awarded local artisan
Experience the Uruguayan culture through the eyes of a local craftsman whose work has been recognized by the UNESCO with the Award of Excellence for Handicrafts. Luis Alberto Gutierrez has dedicated his life to creating leather sculptures inspired in local popular elements as our famous “Tango”, our “Murgas” and “Candombe” (both of them music elements of the Uruguayan Carnival) and the Gaucho iconic countryside figure. Discover his atelier and home located in downtown Montevideo. The visit begins with a welcome coffee prepared by Alberto´s wife while he passionately explains his own history and growth as a leather artist which is inseparably linked to the recent history of handicraft art in Uruguay. With this background already acquired, we climb up to his atelier to find many of his leather sculptures in different steps of the creation process. Learn about the art of working with leather and participate in the creation of an emblematic Gaucho sculpture. With the guidance of Alberto, feel the leather in your hands and witness the birth of a new creation!
Length of tour: 2 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only
Carnival tour for the toung & the young at heart!
“It’s Carnival All Year round!” This is what Uruguayans say as a way of criticism to the local society & culture. Though this may not actually be true, it is certain that this country holds the longest Carnival in the World. The first signs of Carnival can be traced back to 1760, when this celebration was somehow regulated and only in some certain special dates were the slaves allowed to leave their tasks and celebrate with their songs and dances… this is how Carnival was born. Parades, costumes, masquerade, music, street parties, games, concerts oodles of fun! However, even if you do not come to Uruguay during Carnival, you can have the chance of plunge in the intriguing word of costumes and music! The tour begins with a visit to the Carnival Museum, a great way to teach children about the celebration’s history and traditions. With the acquired knowledge of the Uruguayan Carnival, continue onto the “Barrio Sur” and “Palermo” to visit a local drums store and participate on a percussion workshop; without any prior knowledge of music, dare to enter the magical world of the drum and join other participants on this percussion experience. The tour finishes with a participative “Candombe demonstration” with all characters of Carnival such as the “Mama Vieja”, the “Gramillero” and “ Escobero”.
Length of the activity: 4-6 hrs.
Available: Every Friday and Saturday, all year round with previous booking only
Visit to a Family-Ran winery and discover the family values & traditions behind the wine!
Much has been said of wines, wineries and vineyards but very seldom do people get to know “the artist(s) behind the art”. This tour is about discovering the winemakers behind an amazing wine. Manuel Filgueira, enologist, wine lover and owner of “Los Nadies” boutique winery will receive you with all his family and open the doors of his winery and home. The visit starts with a horse riding tour of the vineyards, followed by a tasting and typical family lunch! Manuel will cook for you and show you the secrets of his wine. Children will be greeted by the youngest members of the family who will show them around the vineyards, introduce them to the farm´s animals and show them how to harvest their own lettuce and other vegetables for their meal.
(Includes specialized guide, horse ride, lunch & tasting)
Length of tour: 4 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only
Cabo Polonio Trekking tour (from Punta del Este/ Jose Ignacio)
Morning drive to the small Village of Valizas (1,5 hours’ drive) where your trekking to Cabo Polonio will start! Trek across the amazing sand dunes, to this small Village where one of the largest colonies of sea lions of South America can be found. Completely isolated from the nearby towns by a big strip of Sand dunes, Cabo Polonio remains loyal to its charm and spirit! This marvelous 4-hour trekking will take you from the middle of the dessert to experiencing breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. A life time experience that you cannot miss!
(Tour includes transport to Valizas, specialized guide, snacks and water, boat crossing at the Valizas Stream and 4×4 SUV monster trucks ride out of the town. Visit to the lighthouse and sea lions reserve. Lunch not included).
Length of tour: 9 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only.
Private yacht tour to “GORRITTI” or “LOBOS” islands in Punta del Este
Enjoy a great day on board a boat that will cruise you along the Atlantic Ocean. We will reach the “Sea Lions Island”, a natural reserve located only 6 miles from the Peninsula of Punta del Este and which constitutes one of the largest populations of sea lions in South America. If climate allows, you will have the unique opportunity to swim with them. Disembarkation at the island is not authorized due to preservation issues but you can swim into the water and get to know these charming animals that will happily greet you! If wind does not allow to navigate to the sea lions island (which involves navigating into open ocean, we will stay in the bay area and visit the Gorritti island. You can request the extra option to take paddle boards in the yacht to go to the island or to paddle around the sea lions. After a stop for a picnic and swim, we will head back to the port. (Tour includes yacht, guide, sailors and picnic)
Length of tour: 3 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only.
Discover the lagoon on a canoe, paddle board or kayak
The native cultures of our country used canoes as a primary means of transport. These were the Guarani people who, upon navigating the rivers, streams and lagoons, discovered all the geographical features of Uruguay, leaving us a legacy of native names like Aiguá (springs), Batoví (bosom), Cebollatí, Cuareim and, of course, Uruguay, which is also a Guarani name meaning “river of the painted birds.” As Uruguayans, whether of native or European descent, we carry the native spirt of these lands within us, and since interaction with the water is an integral part of this culture, it’s no surprise that so many people love to go canoeing, whether for exploration or recreation. You will discover natural reserves, streams and lagoons and you will be able to appreciate the great variety of birds that live in the surroundings; if you are lucky, you might even spot a capybara, an armadillo or one of the shy deer that live in the native forests of the surrounding area. (Includes specialized guide, necessary equipment for the activity, water and snack)
Length of tour: 2 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only
“Dia Charrua”
The “Charrúas” were a group of Amerindians who lived in the territories of what is nowadays known as “Uruguay” and surroundings. They offered tenacious resistance to the Spanish colonization and so over time the word “charrúa” acquired connotations of courage, strength, fierceness, warrior pride and victory in the Uruguayan culture. Whatever we described as “charrúa” means “part of our roots as a country and nation. Enjoy a full day in the area of the “Anastasio” and “Garzon” lagoons, a small secret paradise declared natural Reserve, as the “Charrúas” would… The visit starts with a welcome drink and “Uruguayan picada”. Your host will lead you to our “secret day camp”. Uruguayans love to grill their “asados” (barbecues) everywhere – at home, at the beach or in the middle of nature; and we love to do it “our own way”: with wood and sometimes even on the floor, so we carry our “parrillas” to wherever we go and “camp” for the day enjoying what nature has to offer in secret special spots! You will be able to enjoy the lagoon with our canoes or stand up paddle boards, and you will be fascinated by the landscape that surrounds you! After enjoying a typical lunch, you will have time for a well-deserved “siesta” on one of our hammocks or enjoy a horseback ride along the forest, beach or lagoon. The day finishes with a typical “merienda” (afternoon tea) including a “mate” tasting, typical “bizcochos”, tarts and biscuits.
(Includes specialized guide, necessary equipment for the activities, picnic or bbq lunch and typical Uruguayan “merienda”)
Length of tour: 6 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only
Full Day canoeing and biking adventure between La paloma & Jose Ignacio
Your tour starts at the lighthouse of the small town of La Paloma from where you will bike to the lovely Rocha Lagoon, a semi-freshwater lagoon of 72 km2 (28 sq mi). The lagoon has an outlet to the sea during winter months and constitutes a bird paradise with 220 species which have been recorded like migratory waders, Flamingos, Swans, Herons and ducks among others. This unique protected natural area is part of what we call the wetlands of the “Eastern Biosphere Reserve” internationally recognized within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere (Man and the Biosphere, MAB) of UNESCO since 1976. On arrival to the local fishermen´s town, our canoes will be waiting for us. We will paddle along the lagoon where we will be able to see various bird species, local wildlife and native vegetation. At midday, we will enjoy a typical picnic lunch. Transfer back to Jose Ignacio. (Includes specialized guide, bikes with helmet, canoeing equipment, picnic and transport to Jose Ignacio)
Length of tour: 5 hrs.
Available: All year round; please ask for dates, program and availability.
Coutryside & Beach / lagoon horseback ride
Enjoy a horseback riding tour overlooking the shores of the Lagoon or along the Atlantic coast. Your host will introduce you to our horses and help you choose the one you will ride! The horse is an integral part of nature, and its passage doesn’t disturb the environment around us, so there is a big chance of seeing a great variety of birds, armadillos, capybaras, foxes and even deer that live upon the native forests of the area. You will ride cross country along private trails which belong to the estancias located nearby, sand dunes along the coast of the ocean or along the local lagoon.
(Includes specialized guide, snacks, water, horse and necessary equipment. The average riding time is 2 hours but this may be adapted to clients’ skills and interests).
Length of tour: 2 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only.
Half Day Garzon bike tour: “CYCLE THE URUGUAYAN TUSCANY”
Enjoy a cycling tour from the sleepy town of Garzon, along local trails and across more than 4000 hectares of Olive Tree Plantations. You will visit the elaboration boutique plant of Colinas de Garzon where you will learn about the elaboration of extra virgin olive oil. After a complete olive oil and wine tasting, transfer back to the town of Jose Ignacio.
(Tour includes transport to Garzon, specialized guide, support vehicle throughout the ride (only private groups) snacks and water, bikes with helmet and handle bag, tasting at Colinas de Garzon. The average distance ridden is 10 kms but this may be adapted to clients’ skills and interests).
Length of tour: 4 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only.
Full Day Garzon tour: “CYCLE THE URUGUAYAN TUSCANY”
Enjoy a cycling tour from the sleepy town of Garzon, along local trails and across more than 4000 hectares of Olive Tree Plantations. You will visit the elaboration boutique plant of Colinas de Garzon where you will learn about the elaboration of extra virgin olive oil. After a complete olive oil and wine tasting, continue biking onto the town of Jose Ignacio. We will enjoy a typical picnic lunch on the way surrounded by a lovely natural setting. The lagoon landscape unfolds in between the countryside. During the afternoon, we will cycle back to Jose Ignacio or your hotel.
(Tour includes transport to Garzon, specialized guide, support vehicle throughout the ride (only private groups) snacks and water, bikes with helmet and handle bag, tasting at Colinas de Garzon and Picnic lunch. The average distance ridden is 30 kms but this may be adapted to clients’ skills and interests).
Length of tour: 6 hrs.
Available: All year round with previous booking only.
