Uruguay Escorted Tours

Escorted Tours to Uruguay

Plateaus and pasturelands cover four fifths of the country’s 74,000 square miles; a 400-mile coastline meets the Rio de la Plata estuary and South Atlantic Ocean surf; and settlements are sprinkled with chapels, churches and cathedrals in this tranquil nation.

Why choose a tour in Uruguay?

With its upper reaches tucked between Brazil and Argentina, and its southern arc hemming the Atlantic, Uruguay is the second-smallest country on the South American landmass, and was recently judged the second most peaceful country in the region. Surprisingly, this enchanting enclave has relatively few tourists, which makes it all the more enjoyable for those who do experience it.

Shaping its history from the Middle Ages, the Spanish arrived in 1516, the Portuguese established Colonia in 1680, only to be ousted by the Spanish 45 years later, and, after a couple of blips in the early 19th century, Uruguay’s independence was finally recognised in 1828. By then the culture and Christian creed of their colonialists were embedded in the character of the country, and today 90% of the 3.5million population are of European descent. The country’s capital and largest city is Montevideo, where landmarks in the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) include the Metropolitan Cathedral in the city’s oldest plaza, Constitution Square; the Solis Theatre adds neoclassical elegance to the magnificent Plaza Independencia; and the Mercado del Puerto brings bustle and colour to the old port.

A more modern claim to fame is the Rambla, believed to be the longest continuous boardwalk in the world. An uninterrupted 14 miles of timber and paved pathway, it curves along the coastline, snakes past sandy beaches, stretches to the city’s historic district, and crosses into downtown areas beside the 140-mile-wide mouth of the Rio de la Plata.

The river is just 28 miles wide where Buenos Aires looks across it to Uruguay’s oldest city, Colonia del Sacramento. Retaining its old-world charm and slow-lane tempo, Portuguese/Spanish colonial architecture lines the cobbled streets of its UNESCO listed Old Town; the Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs) runs from the river to the Plaza Mayor; the Holy Sacrament Basilica is one of the country’s earliest; and pathways lead to the lighthouse through the ruins of the San Francisco Convent.

Jules Verne’s journeys in Uruguay form part of our Grand Tour of South America, teamed with the landscapes and landmarks of Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina.

When to go on Uruguay holidays

The only country on the subcontinent which is entirely outside the tropics, Uruguay has a temperate climate. With an abundance of water from its rivers to the ocean, and occasional downpours and thunderstorms, humidity adds to the heat of the country’s southern summer (December to March), when daytime temperatures average 27° but sometimes rise to 38°. The most comfortable seasons for touring are spring, autumn and winter. The weather can be unpredictable but is generally mild, ranging from lows of 15° in June and July to highs of around 23° in April and November.

Who are Uruguay tours suited to?

Authentic, unhurried, and uncrowded, Uruguay reveals contemporary life lived against a backdrop of bygone days. Tours here are a step back in time, which will appeal to people who hanker after a gentle pace, and have a curiosity for culture, customs, and cuisine.Jules Verne’s visits to the country make a beguiling interlude, where our small-group tours enhance the personal experience.

Why book Uruguay tours with Jules Verne?

With 45 years’ experience and a passion for creating extraordinary adventures, Jules Verne takes you to iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites, with expert tour guides who share their local knowledge, and show you hidden gems.