A Journey to Be Lived Deeply – Uruguay

Uruguay

Uruguay has long been a destination we have been excited about as a standalone destination. My colleague Gisela who many of you know was just there. We have been waiting  to share her words and thoughts about her Uruguay.

“The last trip I took in 2025 was to the wonderful country of Uruguay. It was my third time there, and yet it felt completely different from the previous visits. Those earlier trips were quick getaways, one of those journeys you take just to add another country to your bucket list: a visit to Colonia, its historic quarter declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crossing the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires, and another time a brief stopover in Montevideo.

This time was different; I wanted to truly experience Uruguay deeply.

In my constant search for new destinations and authentic experiences for our travelers, I embarked on this journey with curiosity wide open and my senses fully engaged. Uruguay, the land of mate. They say Uruguayans have a third arm: the thermos. Seeing people walking down the street, riding bicycles, or driving with mate always in hand, young and old alike, is a daily scene that speaks of identity and shared rituals.

But Uruguay is not just mate.

Uruguay is its people: warm, genuine, and generous. It is a small country, with approximately 3.4 million inhabitants, where human connection is still very much alive. You walk into a café and locals greet each other because they know one another. That touched me deeply. I live in fabulous Miami, but I grew up in Chiclayo, Peru, where everyone knew each other, helped one another, and celebrated together. Uruguay awakened that emotional memory in me,that sense of community I thought I had left behind.

As a Travel Designer specializing in luxury travel, I found in Uruguay exactly what many travelers are searching for without knowing how to put it into words: understated luxury, soulful experiences, and real stories.

In Carmelo, I discovered its wine-producing side, where Tannat reigns supreme. I visited intimate, family-owned vineyards where the owners themselves share the passion behind every bottle. At Bodega Cordano, the wine cellar operates within their own general store, a true tribute to tradition. Then, at El Legado, three brothers turned winemaking into an act of love for their father, using wine as a way to tell his story and honoring his memory.

I also learned about artisanal cheese production at Vigna Cheese Farm, where I met Agustín, an architect by profession who chose to restore an old house and, in order to sustain it, discovered his passion for cheesemaking. He not only created a product of exceptional quality but also a source of income for the local community.

Uruguay, like Argentina, is a land of cattle and asados. But an asado is not just about food, it is about time, connection, and conversation. Cooking slowly is part of the ritual. It’s about sharing with family or friends, building new bonds around the fire, savoring empanadas, sausages, fresh salads, and extraordinary cuts of meat. I experienced this while listening to the story of Rebeca and Mario, who restored their grandmother’s house and transformed it into a Posada. Over time, they found ways to preserve the property by creating an organic garden and producing a delicious fig jam which I couldn’t resist to buy some for enjoying at home!

Visiting Olivos de las Ánimas is not just about learning how olive oil is made. It is about experiencing the deep passion for agriculture that Martín Robaina shares in every detail. With great patience, he imported olive trees from Italy until finding the perfect combination to create a truly dreamlike olive oil. And the way he presents the tasting is so warm and personal that you simply won’t want to leave his home.

Montevideo, in its own way, feels beautifully frozen in time. Its low-rise buildings, the Carrasco neighborhood with its grand old mansions reminiscent of another era, and the elegant Sofitel standing out with its imposing architecture. After exploring the historic center, I had the opportunity to meet the renowned Lobo Núñez, who allowed me to feel the depth and power of candombe through the rhythm of the drums.

If you believe art is only for experts, Uruguay proves otherwise. At MACA, the Atchugarry Museum of Contemporary Art, art is experienced outdoors. Pablo Atchugarry has created a space where regional artists can freely express themselves. Walking through it, combined with a picnic, gave me a profound sense of peace and reminded me of the true meaning of travel: connecting with the soul.

Punta del Este was another dream fulfilled. It transported me to vintage magazines that once showcased royalty and iconic figures lounging on the beach. That bohemian yet sophisticated atmosphere is still very much alive.

Just when I thought I had already discovered the most interesting aspects of Uruguay’s wine scene, I arrived in Garzón. Viñedo Garzón is an ode to modernism, sophisticated, strikingly different from the rustic charm of Carmelo, offering wines of outstanding quality and an impeccable experience.

And finally, the perfect way to end the journey: José Ignacio. Horseback riding, biking, endless beaches. The perfect balance between nature, calm, and elegance. The ideal place to say goodbye to Uruguay… or to begin planning your return.

Uruguay is not a destination you simply visit. It is a place you feel, you live, and you carry with you.“