Uruguay Bicyle Tour
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Create a customized bike tour to include the activities you prefer from the list below in 4 major areas and letting us know what level of hotels you prefer. Then we will add airport transfers and anything else you need to complete the package. Minimum of 2 people traveling together. Minimum package of 3 days |
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MONTEVIDEOCapital and home to nearly half of Uruguay’s population, it is a vibrant, eclectic place with rich cultural diversity. The city stretches 20kms along the Rio de la Plata boasting a coastline of pristine river beaches known locally as La Rambla. Its historic district including the Mercado del Puerto (Port Market) with its parrillas (massive grills), art deco and neoclassical buildings remind you of the Cuban Havana. Music, theater and the arts are alive and include Tango, the Murgas (theatre with comedy and music) and Candombe (a popular style of African/Uruguayan drumming and dancing) from the local Carnival!
WALKING TOUR OF THE “OLD CITY” OF MONTEVIDEO To know Montevideo, you should first know its origin. The city was founded as a military settlement, a small fortress, on a peninsula surrounded by the sea, used as shelter for the first inhabitants of this area in 1724. It was divided in three: the “Ciudad Vieja” (old city), the “Ciudad Nueva” (new city) and the “Ciudad Abierta” (open city). This walking tour starts at the Independence Square where a statue of our national heroe “Jose Gervasio Artigas”, guards his mausoleum and where the iconic “Palacio Salvo” is located. You will be introduced to the history of the city through the “Puerta de la Ciudadela”, ancient remains of the outer walls of Montevideo, original entrance to the citadel. You will visit the Solis Theatre, the charming pedestrian area, the Torres Garcia Museum and the “ Puro Verso” library, one of the oldest buildings in the area where we will make a stop for a coffee or fresh drink. The tour continues onto the Constitution Sq. where you will visit the Cathedral, the Cabildo and then continue walking across the Old City onto the Carnival Museum, where you will discover the Spanish tradition and African roots of the Uruguayan Carnival. The tour ends at the lively port market where we suggest enjoying lunch in one of the typical local “parrillas” (Please take note that the tour can be done also starting at the Port Market and that theatre and museum visits are subject to opening hours). Length of the activity: 4 hrs. Available: All year round with previous booking only MONTEVIDEO BIKE TOUR The day begins with a bike ride from the Carrasco neighborhood to the old city of Montevideo. Bike along the panoramic coastal “Rambla” which borders the different neighborhoods of the “Open City” such as “Parque Rodo”, “Punta Carretas”, “Pocitos”, “Buceo” and “Malvin”. Learn about the different areas of the Capital city and enjoy the amazing views of the River Plate. Share a typical “mate tasting” with local pastries such as the “bizcochos” and “pastafrola” before we get to the old city. After a quick tour of the historic center, we end up in the lively Port Market! The ride presents some slopes and downhills but is considered as an easy ride, making it a suitable for everyone. Duration of the ride: 3 hours Available: All year by reservation DISCOVER THE WINE MAKER BEHIND THE WINE! Much has been said of wines, wineries and vineyards but very seldom do people get to know “the artist behind the art”. This tour is about discovering the winemaker behind an amazing wine. The visit starts with a walking tour of the vineyards guided by your deluxe guide: Manuel Filgueira, enologist, wine lover and owner of “Los Nadies” boutique winery. Whether this is your first time or a connoisseur's, you will surely fall in love with this art of winemaking as Manuel´s passion can be contagious! After a lifetime within the wine industry, he decided he would dedicate to the production of very specific defined wines. At the present moment, he offers two superb wines: a white and a red selection. His challenge was to obtain two interesting and exquisite wines that would be memorable and distinguish from others. You will have the opportunity to taste them both and decide by yourself if he has achieved his goal or not! After the wine tasting, you will enjoy a unique farm to table lunch under his garden trees including fresh locally farmed ingredients. The pleasure of using free range and organic produce allows one to experience what these products are really meant to taste like. (Includes specialized guide, lunch & tasting) Length of tour: 4 hrs. / Available: All year round with previous booking only COOKING CLASS AT THE HOUSE OF A LOCAL CHEF Join one of our local chefs in a culinary experience coordinated in a private format (by reservation only), for those interested in going beyond mere tasting. The experience takes place within an informal atmosphere, accompanied by a glass of good wine and soon the class becomes a good excuse to meet new friends and learn about the traditional local products of Uruguay such as the Butia, Dulce de Leche, Olive Oil, the Uruguayan cuts of meat and other typical local ingredients. Participants will be able to prepare the main course of the proposed menu (the menu is pre selected by our chef taking into consideration the food restrictions and personal taste of the participants ) or the complete menu according to the interest of the group. It includes all the ingredients, equipment and guidance of our local chef! Duration of the activity: 4 hrs. / Available: Every day, all year round with prior reservation BIKE TOUR BETWEEN THE WINERIES OF MONTEVIDEO The day begins with a visit to Bodegas H. Stagnari, a family winery focused on the production of PREMIUM wines and whose Tannat has been the most awarded in the world! The winery is located in "La Puebla", a historical place with a unique landscape where we will discover the first “Vine Labyrinth”. After the visit, participate in a wine tasting before you cycle to our next destination: Bodega Artesana. Discover the trails of "Rural Montevideo" full of fruit trees, vineyards and farms towards the region of “Las Brujas”, in the Province of Canelones, where we will visit the 8.5 hectares of vineyards that produce grapes of the highest quality. The heart of Bodega Artesana is to make Tannat, Zinfandel (the first and only in Uruguay) and Merlot wines. Enjoy tasting and lunch at the winery. (The tour includes a specialized guide, support vehicle during the whole trip, refreshments and water, bikes with helmet and handlebag. The average distance traveled is 20 km, but this can be adapted to the skills and interests of the participants). Duration of the tour: Full Day Available: All year by reservation CULINARY EXPERIENCE OF URUGUAYAN GASTRONOMY Enjoy a “Uruguayan day of local tastes” carefully planned to introduce you gastronomically into our culture. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a mate tasting and learn the importance of this drink which is almost a ceremony for Uruguayans! Enjoy a typical “Uruguayan picada” with regional cheeses, olives and salamis followed by lunch featuring a traditional dish (or assorted dishes) that will be selected according to guests ‘taste. Assorted desserts will include our typical dulce de leche, butia and chocolate “salchichon”. Everything paired with the right wines on a tasting guided by a specialized sommelier who will teach you how to choose your wines and build your cellar: Spirits, Champagnes and the sparkling world. We will finish with Uruguayan liquors and cigars locally elaborated. Eat Local. Length of the activity: 6 hrs. Available: All year round (lunch or dinner) with previous booking only COLONIAA charming and lively town that was originally founded by Portuguese settlers arriving from Brazil in 1680, Colonia’s old town is a declared UNESCO heritage site. The town was originally used as a smuggling staging post, but today its trim colonial Centre, with narrow, cobbled streets and fine architecture, is a
charming and interesting place to explore. The small historic Centre has nine small museums, which can be visited with only one entrance ticket, as well as many good quality restaurants. WALKING TOUR OF THE OLD TOWN WITH MATE TASTING Explore the city of Colonia del Sacramento declared World Heritage by the UNESCO. Founded by the Portuguese and disputed for years by the crowns of both Spain and Portugal, Colonia´s magical history remains intact. Walk along the charming cobbled streets guided by your local guide and discover the different sites such as the old city gate (Porton de Campo), the historical street Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), the lovely squares and the local church Iglesia Matriz. Mate tasting and entrance tickets to local museums are included. Duration of the activity: 2 hrs. Available: Everyday, all year round with previous booking only BIKE RIDE ALONG THE COASTAL RAMBLA OF COLONIA Enjoy a bike tour from the cobbled streets of the old town of Colonia and along Colonia’s sandy river beaches to the “Real de San Carlos” bullring. Visit the Museo Del Ferrocarril (The Railroad Museum) and enjoy lunch (not included) or just a coffee! Surely this is how a train museum was meant to be enjoyed–in the dining car! If you are travelling with children, visit the “Tunel del Ayer” (yesterday´s tunnel), where the whole family can dress up in historic clothes for a remembrance picture! (Includes guide, snacks, bike, helmet and support vehicle) Duration of the activity: 2 hrs. Available: Everyday, all year round with previous booking only BIKE RIDE TO THE ANCHORENA NATIONAL PARK Enjoy a bike tour along Colonia’s sandy river beaches to the “Real de San Carlos” bullring. Continue through gravel streets across vineyards, lemon tree plantations and rolling hills. The complete biking experience will take approximately 30 kilometers until arriving to the Anchorena Park where the presidential estancia is located. Depending on the day of the week and arrival time, we might be able to visit the park and learn about its history. Enjoy a typical mate tasting with typical local pastries before driving back to Colonia. Duration of the activity: Full Day Available: Everyday, all year round with previous booking only |
CARMELOCarmelo is perhaps Uruguay's best-kept secret. With its golden, riverfront beaches, rich cultural offerings, and up-and-coming wine region, Carmelo is an ideal destination for honeymooners and luxury travel enthusiasts alike. The city's main attraction is its many outdoor pursuits. Visitors can go horseback riding through the woodlands and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the countryside, head out on a boat along the Rio de la Plata, paddle away the day on a canoe trip, or even take polo lessons.
BIKE RIDE BETWEEN THE WINERIES OF CARMELO Pedal to one of the oldest vineyards in Uruguay, Almacen de la Capilla of Bodega Cordano. Enjoy a selection of their different varietals and a tour of the property. Enjoy a selection of their different varietals and a tour of the property before continuing onto El Legado Boutique Winery. Taste the flavors of a typical Uruguayan lunch sampling various meats and other savory dishes. El Legado is the only vineyard using the Vertical Shoot Positioning system which means that the vine is not attached to wires and so it is “free to express itself” as Bernardo, the owner likes to say. This method although has low yield, produces grapes of incredible quality. They manually select the grapes and use a manual press honoring the true artisanal process. Bike to Playa Sere before returning along the tree-lined road back to your hotel. Duration of the activity: Full Day KAYAKING ALONG THE WIDEST RIVER IN THE WORLD The native cultures of our country used canoes as a primary means of transport. These were the Guarani people who, upon navigating the rivers, streams and lagoons, discovered all the geographical features of Uruguay, leaving us a legacy of native names like Aiguá (springs), Batoví (bosom), Cebollatí, Cuareim and, of course, Uruguay, which is also a Guarani name meaning “river of the painted birds.” As Uruguayans, whether of native or European descent, we carry the native spirt of these lands within us, and since interaction with the water is an integral part of this culture, it’s no surprise that so many people love to go canoeing, whether for exploration or recreation. You will Depart from Puerto Camacho secluded Marina towards the union of the Rio de la Plata and Uruguay River. Duration of the activity: 1 hour Available: Everyday, all year round with previous booking only Jose IgnacioOnly 20 minutes from the jarring, glitzy resort fashioned Punta del Este, expansive golden beaches and low headlands stretch northeast along a single coast road connecting a ribbon of beach settlements. This is where you will find La Barra, Manantiales and José Ignacio, each emptier and more low-key than the last. Little shops and restaurants sell floaty dresses and Gucci sunglasses, dulce de leche ice cream, the local Chivito sandwich and Japanese sushi. This area is to Uruguayans as the Hamptons are to New
Yorkers; a chic retreat from city life that exudes barefoot elegance with a distinctly South American, bohemian charm. “COAST TO COAST” ADVENTURE: FROM MALDONADO TO ROCHA Enjoy a multi-activity adventure travelling 30 kilometers across lagoons, sand dunes and the protected area of "El Caracol" Leave behind the last corners of the Province of Maldonado, where the territory becomes Rocha! The challenge is to avoid engines combining kayaks, stand up paddle, bicycles, hiking and horses. The challenge begins in Jose Ignacio where we start biking along roads and trails that will take us to our horses. We leave the bikes and mount our equine friends who will take us across the “mouth” of the Garzon Lagoon and over 10 kilometers of sand dunes of absolutely virgin and deserted beaches, only accessible by 4X4 SUV or horseback. A hidden trail between the lagoon and the oceanic beach, will take us to the Circular Bridge of Laguna Garzon where we will take our Stand up Paddle boards to paddle across the bay of La Balsa de la Laguna. Before entering the open lagoon, we leave the boards behind and board our kayaks to cross the lagoon to the east coast of the Protected Area. We finish the last section of the experince, hiking along forest trails that will take us from Costa Bonita to the protected area "El Caracol". We will arrive to a secluded spot of hammocks, fire pits, grills and cocktails! We will enjoy an unforgettable dinner or lunch with the noise of the waves, which reminds us that the sea is only a few meters away. (Includes specialized guide, water and snacks during the tour, horses, saddlebags, bicycles, SUP tables and kayaks. Lunch or dinner with flavored waters, wine and welcome drink.) Duration of the walk: Full day Available: All year by reservation FULL DAY CANOEING & BIKING ADVENTURE BETWEEN ROCHA AND MALDONADO Your tour starts at the lighthouse of the small town of La Paloma from where you will bike to the lovely Rocha Lagoon, a semi-freshwater lagoon of 72 km2 (28 sq mi). The lagoon has an outlet to the sea during winter months and constitutes a bird paradise with 220 species which have been recorded like migratory waders, Flamingos, Swans, Herons and ducks among others. This unique protected natural area is part of what we call the wetlands of the “Eastern Biosphere Reserve” internationally recognized within the framework of the Man and the Biosphere (Man and the Biosphere, MAB) of UNESCO since 1976. On arrival to the local fishermen´s town, our canoes will be waiting for us. We will paddle along the lagoon where we will be able to see various bird species, local wildlife and native vegetation. At midday, we will enjoy a typical picnic lunch. Transfer back to Jose Ignacio. (Includes specialized guide, bikes with helmet, canoeing equipment, picnic and transport to Jose Ignacio) Length of tour: 5 hrs. Available: All year round; please ask for dates, program and availability. JOSE IGNACIO BIKE TOUR Enjoy a cycling tour from the town of Jose Ignacio to the shores of the “Anastasio” or “Garzon” lagoons. You will visit the small town with its lighthouse and Main Square and continue along route 10 along the coast towards “La Lengueta”, one of the arms of the Garzón lagoon. After stopping for some refreshments and to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the area, the tour continues along local trails until you arrive to the shores of the lagoon.. The lagoon landscape unfolds between lakes and countryside. After crossing a picturesque bridge, you will arrive to the forest where we will enjoy a typical picnic lunch. During the afternoon, we will return to Jose Ignacio. (Tour includes specialized guide, support vehicle throughout the ride (only private groups) snacks and water, bikes with helmet and handle bag & picnic. The average distance ridden is 12 kms but this may be adapted to clients’ skills and interests). Length of tour: 2 hrs. Full day tour: 4 hours biking Available: All year round with previous booking only. GARZON BIKE RIDE: “CYCLE THE URUGUAYAN TUSCANY”
The tour begins with a visit to the amazing Garzon Winery with tasting included. Built atop a rocky outcrop, the winery offers amazing views of the vineyards located within rocky hillsides with mineral-intense, well-draining soils that create high-quality grapes. After the visit, enjoy a cycling tour along lost trails within the hills of Garzon that will take us to the sleepy town where we will visit the main square, chapel and train station. Suggested lunch (not included) at “El Garzon” restaurant (owned by the renowned Argentinean chef, Francis Mallman). After lunch, transfer back to the town of Jose Ignacio. Length of tour: 6 hrs. Available: All year round with previous booking only. “DIA CHARRUA” The “Charrúas” were a group of Amerindians who lived in the territories of what is nowadays known as “Uruguay” and surroundings. They offered tenacious resistance to the Spanish colonization and so over time the word "charrúa" acquired connotations of courage, strength, fierceness, warrior pride and victory in the Uruguayan culture. Whatever we described as “charrúa” means “part of our roots as a country and nation. Enjoy a full day in the area of the “Garzon” lagoon, the way the “Charrúas” would! Your host will lead you to our “secret day camp”. Uruguayans love to grill their “asados” (barbecues) everywhere – at home, at the beach or in the middle of nature; and we love to do it “our own way”: with wood and sometimes even on the floor, so we carry our “parrillas” to wherever we go and “camp” for the day enjoying what nature has to offer in secret special spots! You will be able to enjoy the lagoon with our canoes or stand up paddle boards, and you will be fascinated by the landscape that surrounds you! After enjoying a typical lunch, you will have time for a well-deserved “siesta” on one of our hammocks or enjoy a horseback ride along the forest, beach or lagoon. The day finishes with a typical “merienda” (afternoon tea) including a “mate” tasting, typical “bizcochos”, tarts and biscuits. (Includes specialized guide, necessary equipment for the activities, picnic or bbq lunch and typical Uruguayan “merienda”) Length of tour: 6 hrs. Available: All year round with previous booking only EASTERN OCEANIC WINERIES The experience begins at Viña Eden located on the rocky outcrops of Pueblo Eden and the panoramic Route 12, an exceptional place where wines combine the climate of the hills and freshness of the Atlantic ocean. Enjoy a tasting of the Eden Wines including a Chardonnay, a typical Tannat Reserva and the Cerro Negro wine. Continue onto the area of Pueblo Garzon, a small and picturesque village just 30 minutes from José Ignacio, where time seems to have stopped. More than 400 hectares of olive trees and vineyards surround the village, making it the "Uruguayan Tuscany", where important mills and wineries have been installed in recent years. Visit Bodega Garzon and enjoy a tasting of their most characteristic wines followed by an unforgettable lunch overlooking the vineyards. Duration of the activity: Full Day / Available: All year round with previous booking only. 
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