Today you’ll depart Carmelo and travel to Montevideo, Uruguay’s lively capital. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at the Port Market, a bustling market hall filled with traditional asado grills and local restaurants. After, set out on a walking tour of Montevideo’s Old City, exploring its history and neoclassical architecture. Visit Independence Square and continue along Sarandí Pedestrian Street to Matriz Square, where you’ll find the Cathedral of Montevideo and the historic Cabildo.

In the afternoon, visit two museums of your choice – options include the MAPI Museum of Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Art, the Torres García Museum, and the Gurvich Museum – each offering a distinct perspective on Uruguay’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Meet your guide this morning for a tour of modern Montevideo. Unlike the narrow streets of the historic center, the Ciudad Nueva features wide, tree-lined avenues and grand architecture. From Independence Square, admire the surrounding mix of styles before continuing along Avenida 18 de Julio, Montevideo’s main thoroughfare. Visit Plaza Fabini and take in views of the impressive marble Palacio Legislativo.

Continue through green parks and residential areas in the “Open City,” passing notable landmarks. You’ll also visit the studio of Lobo Núñez, an Afro-Uruguayan drum maker and percussionist considered a legend in the candombe tradition.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a private visit to the home of Manuel Filgueira, owner and winemaker of Los Nadies, a boutique winery. Get to know the artist behind the wine as Manuel shares his philosophy and process over a tasting of his handcrafted red and white wines. The evening concludes with a home-cooked dinner with Manuel and his family.

Depart Montevideo this morning and travel toward José Ignacio, stopping en route at Olivos de las Ánimas, a scenic olive plantation set in the rolling foothills of Cerro de las Ánimas (“Hill of the Souls”). Here, you’ll be welcomed by Martín Robaina, one of the founders, and learn about the cultivation and pressing process before enjoying a guided tasting of the estate’s different olive oil varieties.

Savor a homemade lunch prepared by Martín at his family home, accompanied by warm hospitality and views of the surrounding countryside. The area is also rich in wildlife; keep an eye out for colorful red and blue cardinals, graceful rheas, and other native species as you continue your journey to José Ignacio.

After a morning drive to the small Village of Valizas, enjoy a barefoot trek across the sand dunes to the village of Cabo Polonio, where you can visit one of the largest sea lion colonies in South America. After a walk of approximately 3 hours, you’ll arrive to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the raucous barks of hundreds of sea lions and fur seals. Enjoy a seaside lunch before returning through the sand dunes on a 4×4 vehicle.

Begin the day with a guided bike ride to José Ignacio’s lighthouse and Main Square before following Route 10 toward La Lengüeta at Laguna Garzón. Stop at the lookout to admire views of the circular bridge, then continue along rural trails past private estancias to reach the Anastasio Stream.

From here, trade your bike for a kayak and paddle into the lagoon, a peaceful haven for birdlife where flamingos, swans, herons, and storks can often be seen. Enjoy a traditional countryside picnic at a rustic barn before cycling back to José Ignacio, taking in the tranquil scenery along the way.

Say goodbye to Uruguay and head to the airport to catch your departing flight.