Across the River Plate to Uruguay

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Buenos Aires - Montevideo - Colonia de Sacramento - Buenos Aires
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £715 per person (excluding flights)

Sail across the mighty Rio de le Plata for a few days visiting Argentina's sophisticated little neighbour. Perhaps one of the most progressive countries in South America, Uruguay is full of underdog spirit and unfussy charm. You'll spend a night in the capital city of Montevideo, before travelling to the colonial gem of Colonia de Sacramento for a couple of nights enjoying riverside life.

Day 1 – Sail across the River Plate to Montevideo

You’ll be picked up this morning in Buenos Aires in time for the morning crossing to Montevideo. It takes a little under 3 hours to cross this vast section of the River Plate (Rio de la Plata), with the continent to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The journey is an experience in itself, and on arrival in Montevideo you’ll complete some simple border formalities before a driver takes you to your comfortable modern hotel near the centre of the city. In the afternoon you’ll join a city tour to get acquainted with the city, before exploring some of the capital’s excellent bars and restaurants in the evening.

Days 2-3 – Colonia de Sacramento

After breakfast this morning you’ll make your way to the bus station to board the comfortable service to Colonia de Sacramento, around 2.5hrs away. Colonia has a rich history, and it’s UNESCO-listed centre draw tourists from all over the world. Colonial buildings line the narrow cobbled streets, where artists sell their wares and little restaurants and bars ply their trade.

The sunsets from the riverfront are beautiful, and always draw some applause (a Uruguayan tradition). You’ll spend a couple of nights in an attractive hotel near the old centre, from where you can explore the town’s charms at your own pace.

Day 4 – Goodbye Uruguay

This morning it’ll be time to wave goodbye to Uruguay, as you catch the ferry back to Buenos Aires from Colonia’s port. This time the crossing is only around one and a half hours across a narrower section of the river, and a driver will be waiting to pick you up at the other side.