Wedged between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is a tiny country often overlooked for its larger-than-life neighbours. You won't find massive mountain peaks like in Patagonia, or monstrous wonders of the world (ahem, Machu Picchu). Instead, Uruguay offers an irresistible atmosphere of a laidback California-cool. It's a hideout for illustrious artists and chefs on a search for low-profile living surrounded by constant inspiration and natural beauty. And with its up-and-coming wine industry, glamorous hotels and emerging arts scene, it's easy to see why South America’s high society flocks here on holiday.&nbsp;When Experience Designer Stephanie Gulledge guided her first trip to Uruguay, she fell in love with their way of life and wanted to share that special spirit with travellers, offering an adventure that was really off the beaten path. Below she shares the highlights of our new&nbsp;<a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/uruguay-multi-active" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(62, 115, 155);">Uruguay Multi-</a><a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/uruguay-active" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(62, 115, 155);">Active</a>&nbsp;trip, an incredible journey through refined hamlets and sandy beach towns, made greater by the local characters we’ll introduce you to along the way.

Uruguay has all of the elements of a classic B&amp;R trip. Incredible hotels, unique cultural experiences, really great food, bike routes and surprising wine. It’s a beautiful, compact destination that allows us to bike from hotel to hotel, passing the coast, vineyards and beautiful waterways. The diversity of&nbsp;<a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/south-americas-best-kept-secret-uruguay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(62, 115, 155);">Uruguay’s landscape</a>&nbsp;is unparalleled, and the multi-active portion also layers in hiking, kayaking and yoga to showcase the varying terrain.&nbsp;In terms of first experiences in Latin America, everyone usually has Peru or Argentina on their mind. But I would encourage travellers to get their first taste of Uruguay for unique local encounters against incredibly diverse landscapes. Argentina and Peru are absolutely amazing, but Uruguay is where the locals from Brazil, Chile and the rest of South America holiday, so that creates even more of a local experience.

Travellers will get to experience the classic B&amp;R elements, from vineyard hopping and coastal bike rides to phenomenal meals and world-class chefs. But this trip is really about showcasing the spirit of Uruguay and the special elements that make it stand out from the rest of South America.&nbsp;Uruguay is a small, centralized and progressive society; the morals of the local people are very strong. Family values and meals together are important, and we’re able to spread these encounters out all throughout the trip. I’m most excited to share that special layer of the country that you’ll be immersed in when travelling with B&amp;R, made possible by local connections.&nbsp;In Montevideo, travellers will meet our friend and expert musician Lobo Nuñez. He's the soul of candombe music, a style of drumming and dance that first surfaced in the late 18th c. Candombe is an expression of art, culture, music and complex choreography and is highly tied to the culture of Uruguay today. It's been recognized by UNESCO as an&nbsp;Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Lobo is an amazing contact on the first day because he's a perfect representation of Uruguayan culture and the spirit that candombe represents.

Sometimes we're lucky enough to meet Pablo Atchugarry, a mega-artist living a low-profile in the countryside. We take a beautiful bike ride to his workshop and have lunch, enjoying the views of his park and sculptures. But travelling with our incredible local guides and hearing about their life and stories is often the best eyes and ears into what the country is all about.

There’s this chic beach town called José Ignacio, people travel from all over the world to rub shoulders with the who’s who there. Behind the town, you have rolling hills and vineyards similar to Tuscany. There are olive plantations spread throughout, and here you can really get a sense of the European influence that was left. Having access to all of that is why the locals are able to consume a healthy Mediterranean diet, where everything is grown in the area. The hills aren’t to the degree of Tuscany, and we have access to more van support and e-bikes, so it’s perfect for all activity levels.

If you’re into art and hotels, this trip is an incredible combination of the two. We chose to use two properties from the Vik group. The first is the Estancia Vik, an elevated ranch experience in José Ignacio. The property is very far from a real ‘ranch’ experience as it’s filled with avant-garde art—every single room and suite has been designed by a different local artist. On a Scheduled trip it’s always fun to tour everyone’s room and see what direction the artist went in. Walking into each room is like walking into a whole new world.

We also stay at Bahia Vik, the newest property by the Vik group nestled on the coast. Once you get there you don’t need to wear your shoes because you’re on white sand. In addition to having great rooms, they have a really beautiful dining experience and an incredible pool. For me, these are some of the most unique hotels I’ve ever been to.

The farm-to-table experience is part of everyday life in Uruguay. There’s an incredible food scene and they eat locally without making an effort. They have access to local produce, fresh olive oil and seafood, and they’re also one of the largest cattle-producing countries in the world.&nbsp;There’s a lot of creativity that’s gone into the food that we get to experience on this trip. There’s a blend of cultures when you’re eating - in some places you’ll find little touches of French influence. In other places, they have unique ways of cooking with fire and cooking outdoors. Organic eating is just the way of life for them, as is the concept of farm-to-table.I love visiting this little beachside restaurant called La Huella. Fresh seafood with whatever local veggies they’re offering that time of year - you can’t have a better meal than that. There’s great music playing along with the sound of crashing waves in the background. The ambiance and the food experience (with a glass of Tannat!) are not to be missed.

Whether you want to keep biking or go wine tasting, I recommend spending some extra time in Carmelo for a unique way to end the trip. It’s an even bigger wine-producing area surrounded by endless vineyards and amazing beaches. You can even go on a cruise down the Río de la Plata!

Feeling inspired to experience our little secret in South America? Get in touch with Stephanie Gulledge to reserve your spot for 2023 and 2024.

Uruguay: Coastline, Vines & Surprising Wines

<a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/scheduled/uruguay-active" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Uruguay Active</a>&nbsp;says it all, an active trip to the east coast of South America, to a country that relatively few Americans have visited. Because this is a Butterfield &amp; Robinson trip, you won't be roughing it. It begins in the capital of Montevideo, with easy biking through the countryside, with time to walk white-sand beaches and sample Uruguay's little-known wines. It's the opportunity to travel through the wine region known as the "Uruguayan Tuscany," going to the resort of Punta del Este, and ending in the hamlet of Jose Ignacio on the Atlantic coast. Rated level 2 (out of 5), this seven-day trip is $9,995.

5 New Multi-Adventure Trips For 2023

The Slow Road

film

latin america

9 Movies That Will Transport You to Latin America

Essentials &amp; Advice

Argentina

Cambodia

Chile

Exped

Japan

Morocco

new zealand

Sri Lanka

Uruguay

Vietnam

Where to Travel this Fall and Winter to Escape the Cold

Experts + Insiders

Latin America

<h2>Jose Ignacio: Stylish &amp; Serene</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41057 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Jose-Ignacio-butterfield-bike-400.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Jose-Ignacio-butterfield-bike-400.jpg 400w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Jose-Ignacio-butterfield-bike-400-300x300.jpg 300w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Jose-Ignacio-butterfield-bike-400-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />Where moneyed Uruguayans go to escape the madness of the city, this gem is what inspires the ‘Montauk’ moniker of the area. The lone landmark is its pretty lighthouse, at the edge where the shore meets the ocean, where you can climb for a panoramic look out at the sea and the town.
Located about a 40-minute drive east of Punta del Este, this once unremarkable fishing village has transformed into a bohemian, fashionable sanctuary where people come to unwind, littered with mansions, weekend homes, and some truly stunning resorts. From juice bars to yoga studios and artsy curated homeware and fashion stores, you get much more than one expects of a town that has a year-round population of several hundred. 
Some harken to the colonial era, set upon grassland where you can just imagine ranchers and cowboys rustling cattle (not to mention polo players).  A bit further inland, you also can’t miss <a href="http://www.restaurantegarzon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Restaurante </a>Garzón, a restaurant by the fire-obsessed Patagonian chef, Francis Mallman, who decamped from Jose Ignacio once it got too busy. He single-handedly put Garzón on the map as a spot to make a pilgrimage to his flame-kissed experiments in food.
<h2>What To Do</h2>
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41041 alignright" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Uruguay_Vines-400.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="266" />Uruguay has so much diversity packed into a relatively compact country, and I would be amiss if I didn’t say something about the rural areas, including the winelands of Canelones, just on the outskirts of Montevideo. For bikers who like a challenge, there are areas that resemble Tuscany in the undulating quality of their hills, and for me to say they are merely ‘rolling’ is a bit of an understatement. Whether you’re riding around on two wheels, roaming the countryside by horseback, the way it was once done, hiking, or as you hit the coast, trying your water legs at surfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding, there are so many instances when you’ll look around and forget that you’re in South America, so diverse are the spaces, cities, towns, and landscapes. Once again: don’t let your unfamiliarity with Uruguay deter you from taking a chance on, quite possibly, your best trip yet. 
<h2>Where to Stay</h2>
<h3><a href="http://www.fasano.com.br/hotelaria/hotel/3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hotel Fasano</a>, Punta del Este</h3>
Located in the La Barra district at one of the country’s highest points, Hotel Fasano Punta del Este highlights the rustic elegance of the Uruguayan countryside in thirty-two bungalows, each with a private terrace offering panoramic views. The first Fasano restaurant outside of Brazil is also located here, offering spectacular views of the property to complement the family’s sophisticated culinary offerings.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41042 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Hotel-Fasano720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Hotel-Fasano720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Hotel-Fasano720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
<h3><a href="http://www.playavik.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Estancia Vik</a>, Jose Ignacio</h3>
Merging exceptional design, flawless personalized service, environmentally minded practices and an unparalleled collection of contemporary Uruguayan and international art—Estancia Vik is a remarkable property set in a magical backdrop where Marlboro country meets virgin San Tropez. Each suite has been imagined by an individual Uruguayan artist who has created works of art from these spaces.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41043 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Estancia-Vik-Jose-Ignacio720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Estancia-Vik-Jose-Ignacio720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Estancia-Vik-Jose-Ignacio720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />
<h3><a href="http://www.bahiavik.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bahía Vik</a>, Jose Ignacio</h3>
Perched on the dunes of the Atlantic, this property is the essence of unpretentious sophistication. The 11 beach-side bungalows and 18 suites look over Mansa Beach, a secluded paradise, each one designed and decorated differently, with vibrant colours and unique bathrooms, but all with the utmost attention to using local materials like wood, steel and zinc. An open courtyard and infinity pool just a few steps from the sand make this a must in Jose Ignacio.
<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41044 aligncenter" src="https://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Bahia-Vik720x460.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="460" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Bahia-Vik720x460.jpg 720w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Bahia-Vik720x460-470x300.jpg 470w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />

South America's Best-Kept Secret: Uruguay

Eat &amp; Drink

Travel Tips

Portfolio

Our Favourite Hotel Bars in the Americas

Hotels

See + Do

Wine

Upon arriving at the hotel, you&#8217;ll find that no two suites at the Vina Vik are the same, so it’s a delightful surprise to see which room awaits you.
The Viks are serious art collectors and their aesthetic extends into the hand-picked room decor, complete with unique pieces and artist collaborations. From an Hermès-themed suite to another celebrating the vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro, you and your fellow travellers will delight in the differences.
<img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-36181 size-full" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Chile-Suite-0492-732px-compressed.png" alt="Vina Vik" width="732" height="488" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Chile-Suite-0492-732px-compressed.png 732w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Chile-Suite-0492-732px-compressed-450x300.png 450w" sizes="(max-width: 732px) 100vw, 732px" />
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-36185 size-medium" src="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Pool-0302-250px-compressed-200x300.png" alt="Vina Vik" width="200" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Pool-0302-250px-compressed-200x300.png 200w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Pool-0302-250px-compressed.png 250w" sizes="(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" />Similarly well-appointed, the kitchens prepare locally sourced products from nearby farms, under the watch of executive chef Rodrigo Acuña Bravo, a Santiago native.
When it comes to unwinding after a long day of biking, the on-site Wine Spa uses byproducts like grapeseed oil, grape skins, and, of course, wine to help relax and rejuvenate.
Combine the spectacular setting of the valley and mountains with an outdoor infinity pool, Zen garden, sauna and relaxation lounge, and you have a recipe for calm.
It’s no wonder why this is the last stop on our trip.
Feeling inspired to experience the Viña Vik for yourself? <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/start-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Get in touch</a> with Steph Gulledge to see how she can craft your next trip to Chile.

The Viña Vik: Finding Heaven in Chilean Wine Country

Experts + Insiders: Amanda Gary

Need to Know

<h3>Beyond Buenos Aires</h3>
<img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-30591" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/history-of-tango-vintage-452x600.jpg" alt="history of tango - vintage" width="300" height="398" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/history-of-tango-vintage.jpg 452w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/history-of-tango-vintage-226x300.jpg 226w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />It wasn’t long before the craze spread beyond the borders of Buenos Aires; tango dancers first made their way to Europe early in the 20th century. You might think that tango&#8217;s entry to the continent was Spain,  but in fact it was Paris that first found itself enamoured by tango, followed swiftly thereafter by London and Berlin.
In 1913 tango made its way stateside, finding its first American fans in New York. However the phrase “tango” had been used in the U.S. as early as 1911. While Americans initially sped up the dance and went at a much faster tempo, it was soon slowed back down and came more in line with the Argentinian style.
<h3>An Economic Misstep</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30585" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30585" style="width: 232px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-30585 size-medium" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Juan_Domingo_Perón-232x300.jpg" alt="history of tango - Juan Perón" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Juan_Domingo_Perón-232x300.jpg 232w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Juan_Domingo_Perón.jpg 410w" sizes="(max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30585" class="wp-caption-text">President Juan Perón revived tango, although only briefly</figcaption></figure>
When the Great Depression began in the 1930s, tango was not immune. The Depression coincided with the overthrow of the Argentinian government at that time, meaning that the focus of the Argentinian people was elsewhere (and few were in the mood for dancing).
Tango&#8217;s fortunes took a turn for the better when the newly minted government of Juan Perón took power. Perón viewed tango as a matter of national pride, reviving its fortunes and helping the dance to become more widespread throughout the country. Unfortunately, its new found favour wouldn&#8217;t last long.
Tango was dealt another blow when the Argentinian military dictatorship of the 1950s banned public gatherings. Male dancers would traditionally train for up to three years by attending milongas, or public dances where tango music was played. But with public gatherings forbidden, would-be milongueros found themselves with no where to go – and no way to practice. Tango once again fell into decline.
<h3>Revived and Resolute</h3>
<figure id="attachment_30589" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-30589" style="width: 220px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-30589" src="http://www.butterfield.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/poster-forever-tango-8a.jpg" alt="history of tango forever tango" width="220" height="310" srcset="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/poster-forever-tango-8a.jpg 220w, https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/poster-forever-tango-8a-213x300.jpg 213w" sizes="(max-width: 220px) 100vw, 220px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-30589" class="wp-caption-text">Shows like Forever Tango helped return the dance to international acclaim</figcaption></figure>
Fortunately, tango could not be kept down. It continued to live on in smaller venues across Argentina for decades until once again finding a foothold in Paris in the 1980s with the opening of the show Tango Argentino. The Broadway musical <a href="http://forevertango.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Forever Tango</a> and Europe’s Tango Pasion followed shortly thereafter, returning tango to international acclaim.
The dance once again became a cultural staple at home in Argentina, where it has remained ever since. In 2009, UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization named tango to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List, ensuring it a lasting place in both the culture of Argentina, and the history books.

uruguay

Blog posts for 'uruguay'