Uruguay - Art & Architecture

Arrival in Montevideo. Transfer to the hotel in the green and lively Punta Carretas neighborhood.

City tour with exploration of the historic center. Visit to the Uruguayan Congress Building (only Mon-Fri), constructed between 1908 and 1925 with local marble consisting of 52 colours and 12 types of wood. Visit of the Central Farmers Market and the Centenario Soccer Stadium, venue of the very first World Cup final. Stop at the Mercado del Puerto for lunch.

Excursion to the Torres Garcia Museum to discover the works of famous Uruguayan plastic artist Joaquin Torres Garcia, also known as the founder of Constructive Universalism. Continue to the French style Palacio Taranco to visit the Museum of Decorative Arts.

Transfer from Montevideo to Punta del Este. En route, stop in the coastal town Piriapolis which was built during the “belle époque” and reminds of the French Côte d’Azur. Visit of the “Argentino Hotel” which was built in 1930 and represents the spirit of that glorious era. Photo stops at Portezuelo and Punta Ballena and finally visit of the Museum Casa Pueblo, home and atelier of the famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaro.

Panoramic city tour with visit to the Ralli Museum of Contemporary Art. It houses a fine collection of paintings and sculptures by noted Latin American artists, and several pieces by Salvador Dali on permanent display. Visit of the Pablo Atchugarry Foundation, a magnificent indoor and outdoor space that beautifully juxtaposes art and nature. Large-scale sculptures dot the 15-hectare (37-acre) garden-like grounds, and the exhibition halls showcase collections of the artist’s works.

Transfer from Punta del Este to Montevideo. Upon arrival, visit of the Salvo Palace. It was initially built as a luxury hotel but the project failed and now it houses mainly apartments and offices. Visit to the beautiful Solis Theater, built by Italian architect Carlo Zucchi. It opened in 1856 and remains a centerpiece of Montevideo´s cultural life offering operas, ballets, concerts and plays.

Transfer from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay’s oldest city and UNESCO World Heritage site. City tour through the historical center with its cobblestone streets and the famous “Calle de los Suspiros“ (Street of Sighs) which is often used as a scenery for historical films. 

Transfer back to Montevideo. Visit of the winery Juanico, one of the leading wineries of the country including a tour of the vineyards and the processing facilities. A wine tasting with a plate of cold meats, cheeses and bread is followed by a delicious lunch.

Transfer to the airport for homebound flight.