The Uruguay self-drive tour is the perfect option for those wishing to explore Uruguay in their own vehicle. Start the trip in Colonia Del Sacramento, visit the vineyards in Montevideo, the National Park of Quebrada de los Cuervos (Vultures’ Ravine), stay at a typical estancia, trek to the Natural Reserve of Cabo Polonio to visit one of the biggest reserves of sea lions in the world and combine the whole trio with character accommodations!

DAY 1: COLONIA (ESTANCIA LA VIGNA)
Arrival to “Colonia Del Sacramento” where a LARES guide will assist you with the car rental pick-up (Cat E – Hyundai Accent I or similar); a complete map of Uruguay will be provided together with the necessary directions to arrive to each one of the estancias/ haciendas included in the itinerary.

Walking city tour along the cobbled streets of the old town of “Colonia Del Sacramento”; visit to the most important sites of this Old Portuguese City form the XVII century that has been declared Patrimony of Mankind by the UNESCO. Selfdrive to La Vigna Farm located in Colonia Valdense (40 min. drive) where guests will enjoy dinner and accommodation. D

DAY 2: COLONIA – MONTEVIDEO
Continue trip to Montevideo (1 hour drive) where guests will enjoy a city tour and lunch at the lively Port Market. Afternoon visit of the vineyards with tasting included. (City tour and Vineyard tour will be guided by an English speaking driver guide in rental car). Accommodation at Belmont Hotel w/ breakfast included. B,D

DAY3: MONTEVIDEO – PROVINCE OF TREINTA Y TRES
Drive to the Province of Treinta y Tres where guests will stay at “Estancia Pinos de la Quebrada” or “Estancia Los Platanos”. Lunch and afternoon rural activities; guests will be able to participate in the daily activities of the rural life and learn about the gaucho culture, the countryside style of life and its traditions. Dinner and accommodation at the estancia with full board included. B, L, D

DAY 4: THE LIFE OF A WORKING ESTANCIA
Enjoy the simple things of the everyday rural life by participating in the daily activities of the estancia working alongside the gauchos and their trusty horses. The work varies depending on the time of the year, but the wonderful, friendly gauchos with their berets, ‘bombachas’ (riding trousers) and with their knives tucked into their colorful belts, always welcome a bit of help checking and moving the stock or putting animals in the corrals; they all seem to have been born on a horse and it is a delight to be riding with them! Full board included. Accommodation at the estancia. B, L, D.

DAY 5: QUEBRADA DE LOS CUERVOS NATIONAL PARK
Early drive to the National Park of Quebrada de los Cuervos where guests will spend the day trekking down the fantastic gorge that is formed at the junctions of the “Yerbal Stream” and “Olimar River” (a local guide can be coordinated with anticipation and extra cost). A lot of wildlife can be seen in the area which is also great for bird watching! The estancia will prepare a nice picnic for guests so they can spend the day exploring. Afternoon drive down Route 8 towards Mariscala, where guests will enjoy dinner and relax at Posada de Campo Balcon del Abra. B, L,D.

DAY 6: ESTANCIA BALCON DEL ABRA
Today, guests will spend a full day at this estancia dedicated to the breeding of horses and which is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Lavalleja Province. Guests can organize some trekking to the nearby hills, a riding tour to the nearby estancia (extra cost) or just relax at the natural BIOTOP pool. Dinner and accommodation at “Balcon del Abra”. B, L, D

DAY 7: ESTANCIA BALCON DEL ABRA – ESTANCIA CHARABON
After breakfast, drive south-east along the winding and panoramic Route 109 towards the Province of Rocha. Guests will enjoy wonderful landscape! Arrival to Estancia Charabon where a delicious lunch will be waiting! During the afternoon, guests will be able to drive to the local coastal villages of La Pedrera and La Paloma or stay at the estancia, enjoy a ride or just relax. Dinner and accommodation at Charabon Estancia with full board included. B, L, D.

DAY 8: TREKKING EXPEDITION FROM VALIZAS TO CABO POLONIO ACREOSS SHIFTING SAND DUNES
After breakfast, drive to Valizas town where a local guide will be waiting to start an unforgettable tour to “Cabo Polonio” Village. After a short walk around the town, we will start the trekking along the coastline that will take us towards the incredible shifting sand dunes (one of the biggest ones in the world). We will trek up the “Buena Vista Hill” from where a fantastic view of the ocean can be appreciated, to continue down towards Cabo Polonio (4 hours trek). After a delicious seafood lunch at a local seaside restaurant, we will visit the light house and sea lions reserve. Afternoon 4x4 truck- drive towards the main entrance of Cabo Polonio where a private transfer will drive guests back to Valizas to pick up their car. Drive back to El Charabon for dinner and accommodation. B, L, D.

DAY 9: RETURN
After breakfast, drive back to Montevideo Airport.

Rates per person in US$:

validity	sgl	dbl	tpl
Aug 01 – Oct 31, 2012	2272	1806	1716
Nov 01 – Dec 14,2012	2485	1972	1930
Dec 15 – Jan 15,2013	2513	1972	1958
Jan 16 – Feb 28, 2013	2472	1942	1918
Mar 01 – Mar 31, 2013	2461	1931	1926
Apr 01 – Oct 31, 2013	2583	2027	1992

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Important Notes:

1) rates for a minimum of 2 pax travelling together.
2) During special dates and national holidays, special rates may apply without prior notice.
3) From 01/Jan to 15/Jan Posada de Campo La Vigna will remain closed and will be replaced with another accommodation
4) Quoted Rooms Category: Standard
5) Meals do not include beverage or tips
6) Ferry tickets not included, they will be quoted separately.
7) Rental Car Company: Mariño Sport
8) Vehicle Category: C (Chevrolet Corsa Classic A/A or similar)

Car Rental Rate includes:
(1) Unlimited Mileage
(2) 22 % tax
(3) CDW Third Party & THW (Theft Waiver)
(4) 24 hours assistance
(5) One additional driver
(6)Deductible of USD 800 - Total Insurance available with additional cost of USD 15 net, p/day (Will cover everything except for broken windows and radio theft)
(7) Office hours: From Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 7 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
(8) One Day of car rental is 24 hrs, the company gives an hour of tolerance. After that, one day of car rental will be charged directly to the passenger
(9) Cars are usually delivered with little fuel so clients can also return the car empty (this is to avoid extra cost for fuel recharge.(10) Map of Uruguay

Insurance Note: With Deductible: Third Party Covers any damage superior to the amount of deductible