Uruguay like you’ve never seen it: Carnival rhythms, coastal rides and culinary icons

From Carnival to coastal rides to flame-cooked meals, Uruguay comes alive through its people. It’s why <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/stephanie-gulledge">Stephanie Gulledge</a>, our Experience Designer for South America, created our newest Limited Edition adventure through a cultural lens. Along with cycling and hikes, travellers on this uniquely crafted trip will spend time with the musicians, artists and chefs—including famed chef Francis Mallmann—to truly understand what makes this South American country so vibrant.&nbsp;Here, Stephanie takes us behind the scenes of how this trip was planned and what she's most excited for travellers to discover.Uruguay is under the radar for many travellers. Why is this the right time to explore the country?&nbsp;Uruguay is an underrated destination that comes alive and surprises our Bespoke travellers often, and I'm excited to get it on the radar of our Small Group travellers. We have a unique opportunity to showcase some really interesting artists and bring all these different characters into one trip. There's an active component to the itinerary, too, but we dive a little deeper into the artistic side and the culinary side and take a different approach to show off some of the unique elements of the country.&nbsp;This itinerary is a little different than other B&amp;R trips in that it is so culturally based. Is that something Uruguay does especially well?&nbsp;I would say it's alive and well in South America, and this Limited Edition platform gives us the opportunity to really explore it here. For instance, the group will spend the first few days in Montevideo, where we dive into the customs and traditions of Uruguay’s take on Carnival. We’ll meet Lobo Nunez—they call him the godfather of Candombe, which is a Uruguayan drumming tradition. It has African roots and is soulful and powerful. We go into a workshop with him and really feel that rhythm and set the tone for the rest of the trip. I think it will be quite unexpected for a lot of people.&nbsp;

Who are some of the other personalities that travellers will meet?&nbsp;There really is an emphasis on this trip of the arts, everything from sculpture to paintings, music to cooking, In the middle of the trip, we’ll visit Pablo Atchugarry, who is known for his monumental sculptures. He has this incredible sculpture park that we'll be biking to. The group will have lunch there and then get to walk through the park and see his workshop. And we’ll spend a day with Francis Mallmann enjoying his famed Seven Fires experience—fires made in the morning and cooking all day. He makes this dome, a wired structure, then hangs pineapples and whole chickens and all these things over top of the fire. He is an eccentric character, and he has so much soul when he speaks. Along with these personalities, throughout the trip, the group will dine with local winemakers and olive growers who share the essence of Uruguay.&nbsp;We will also taste exceptional meals from some of the country’s up-and-coming chefs.&nbsp;Can you share details on the cycling and hiking routes?&nbsp;This is a Level 2 trip, with light hiking and easygoing riding. There will be riding on bike paths and coastal trails that are flat. We have some vineyard areas, too. It's a unique opportunity to be able to bike on the coast. There are not that many places we really get to do that, so that's special. And because the group will be having longer visits with the artists and more elaborate meals, we've contained the time spent being active to give enough time to do all the other incredible things on the trip.&nbsp;&nbsp;What are you most excited for travellers to experience?&nbsp;It's hard not to be most excited about our final day and the epic cooking experience with Francis, but I'm excited to surprise travellers. I think they'll be surprised by the food, the landscapes, the properties. Uruguay really has all of the essential ingredients that we love to have on a B&amp;R trip, and this trip is an opportunity to do a deep dive together on some of the country's cultural highlights.&nbsp;Explore our Limited Edition trip <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/meetthemakers-uruguay-cultural-multi-active">Meet the Makers: Uruguay Cultural Multi-Active here</a>.

Explore Uruguay’s soul through Butterfield & Robinson’s Limited Edition Uruguay trip that uncovers Carnival traditions, bike rides along the Atlantic and a once-in-a-lifetime meal with Francis Mallmann.

Uruguay

Nestled between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay might be small in comparison but it makes a big impression. Known for its gaucho culture, lush interior and coastline dotted with beaches, the country exudes raw authenticity.&nbsp;&nbsp;You’ll explore private sculpture parks, lively plazas, wetlands and secluded beaches by biking, hiking, and paddling—immersing yourself in the finest experiences the region has to offer. Cook alongside a celebrity chef, savour exquisite culinary delights and encounter local artists.&nbsp;In Uruguay, the sun shines brightly, the air remains warm and its charm beckons you to return.

South America’s best-kept secret

Experience Uruguay with Butterfield & Robinson luxury active travel. 

Uruguay | Butterfield & Robinson

A land of dusty colonial towns and sparkling beach resorts, of rough-and-ready gauchos, subtle artists and festive plazas—this is the Uruguay we know and love. We begin in the country’s capital, Montevideo, before working our way east to cycle the peaceful countryside, stroll white-sand beaches and sip wine with local producers. Venture through the undulating green of the “Uruguayan Tuscany,” with its vineyards blanketing verdant hills, to Punta del Este, a shining, glass beacon of South American summer. Our journey wraps up in Jose Ignacio, a refined hamlet on the Atlantic coast, whose serene and sandy streets make this former fishing village the stuff dreams are made of.

Uruguay is a discreet but exquisite blend of beauty, simplicity and luxury that places focus on quality over quantity. This is a land of dusty towns and sparkling beach resorts, rough-and-ready gauchos, subtle artists and festive plazas. Every day is different here and the diversity of landscape is unparalleled. With its up-and-coming wine industry, glamorous hotels and emerging arts scene, experience for yourself a tiny country that packs a big punch. Below are some ideas to inspire your trip.

Hamptons of the South

Breathtaking Landscapes

Unforgettable Experiences

Uruguay is South America’s best-kept secret—think barefoot luxury, boho beach towns and gaucho grit with a glass of Tannat in hand. Wander art-filled villages, dine seaside under the stars and soak in a culture that’s quietly sophisticated and wildly charming. Small in size but big on soul, Uruguay doesn’t shout. It simply winks.

Big fun in a small package1

Big fun in a small package

Uruguay Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Nestled between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is a land where sandy beach towns beckon artists in search of serenity, and vineyards rival those of France and Italy. Explore the best of this tiny country on two wheels and two feet as you bike in a private sculpture park, paddle through wetlands and cook alongside a celebrity chef. With secluded beaches, encounters with local artists and unforgettable culinary delights, you'll be planning your next visit before you even leave.

Authentic Food

Great Walks

In the Wild

Uruguay may be small, but it punches well above its weight in charm. Pedal through a private sculpture park, paddle peaceful wetlands, and cook with a celebrity chef who knows the secret to a perfect parrilla. From beachside art scenes to vineyard sips, this stylish little country serves up serenity, culture, and serious bragging rights.

South America's Best-Kept Secret

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary 

Experience Designer

Vibrant Culture

Active Adventure

Unique Gastronomy

Uruguay is a land of rhythm and soul. From the pulse of Candombe drumming to the vision of world-class artists and vintners, this land blends heritage and creativity in every corner. Bike past lagoons, explore lively neighbourhoods, and savour fire-kissed feasts with legendary chefs, including the renowned Francis Mallman. Discover a country where every moment feels personal, spirited and alive.

Uruguay

Uruguay like you’ve never seen it: Carnival rhythms, coastal rides and culinary icons

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