Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos
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Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos

holiday package
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ref ID: 25799154
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Montevideo, Uruguay Montevideo, Uruguay
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.885 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Themes
Uruguay
Itinerary
Tours
Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos
Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos
Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos
Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos
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Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos
Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos Uruguay: The wild lands of the criollos

Day 1: Montevideo

An adventure on horseback to discover the incredible biodiversity of Uruguay... Exploring the wetlands on horseback offers a fascinating experience, allowing full immersion into local cultures and traditions. Uruguay is a hidden gem, off the beaten tourist path. With its gaucho culture, pristine beaches, and significant natural heritage, it’s the perfect destination for those who love wild nature and wish to dive deep into the country’s vibrant culture!
We will explore the Rocha province riding tireless Creole horses into the East Wetlands National Park, known locally as Bañados del Este — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1976, thanks to its delicate ecosystem that shelters several endangered animal species. This area features an incredible variety of landscapes: beaches, marshes, rolling hills, and hidden lagoons.
Key highlights of this trekking:
Bañados del Este National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1976
Cabo Polonio, a small fishermen’s outpost
Punta del Diablo and its village
Santa Teresa Park forest
Santa Teresa Fortress, a Spanish-Portuguese construction

ITALY / MONTEVIDEO / BARRA DE VALIZAS (-/L/D)
Meeting with our local partners at 7:00 AM at Tres Cruces bus terminal in Montevideo. A 4-hour bus transfer to Rocha province (for those arriving the evening before at Carrasco International Airport (MVD), an overnight stay can be arranged).
During the journey, you will see endless pastures dotted with cattle and horse herds.
Arrival at Los Chajá Ecolodge in Barra de Valizas, lunch included. In the afternoon, horse assignment followed by about 3 hours riding to the Atlantic coast, where you will have the opportunity to swim. Return for dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.


Day 2: Montevideo

BARRA DE VALIZAS (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we ride towards the mouth of the Valizas River, which we will cross either on horseback or by boat, depending on the tides. A fascinating day exploring the dunes, now a National Park, until reaching Cabo Polonio, a fishing village turned beach destination. Accessible only through moving sand dunes, it remains a captivating outpost.
Visit the historic lighthouse and observe part of the largest sea lion colony in America. Lunch at a local restaurant featuring fresh seafood, seaweed, and other local marine specialties.
Return to Barra de Valizas in the afternoon through pine forests. If weather permits, we may even swim with our horses! Dinner and overnight stay at Los Chajá Ecolodge.


Day 3: Montevideo

BARRA DE VALIZAS / BARRA GRANDE (B/L/D)
After a homemade breakfast, watching storks, egrets, and ibis from your window, we set off early for the wetlands of Laguna de Castillos.
In the morning, we cross pastures and old Estancias towards the second largest lagoon in Uruguay, part of the IBA 20 (Important Bird and Biodiversity Area).
This region is home to over 270 species of resident and migratory birds such as the southern screamer, the American rhea, flamingos, and the beautiful black-necked swan.
We cross the unique Ombú forest, a rare botanical formation around the lagoon shores. It's common to see colorful birds like the roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) and native mammals such as capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus).
Arrival in the private area of Barra Grande in the afternoon for dinner and overnight stay in a tented camp.


Day 4: Montevideo

BARRA GRANDE / EL MIRADOR (B/L/D)
Today we will ride across a very different landscape: dry, rocky lands and palm groves.
Picnic lunch at midday. In the afternoon, we arrive at El Mirador in Cerro de los Rocha, a private reserve located in a natural viewpoint.
Dinner and overnight stay in a tented camp amidst native forests rich in birdlife and untouched nature. At night, expect millions of stars and only the sounds of the wilderness.


Day 5: Montevideo

EL MIRADOR / DON BOSCO (B/L/D)
For early risers, a spectacular sunrise from the hilltop awaits.
One of the most beautiful horseback riding days awaits us as we head towards the coast.
We will encounter colorful birds like woodpeckers, churrinches, and noisy buff-necked ibises.
Arrival at Don Bosco in the afternoon, a holiday colony of the Salesian Congregation.
Located by the shores of the Black Lagoon, below Cerro de la Virgen and its magnificent forest of ancient fig trees (Higuerones).
Overnight in a tented camp (rooms available at extra cost).


Day 6: Montevideo

DON BOSCO (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we ride for half a day up to Cerro de la Virgen, offering breathtaking 360° panoramic views — the highest point of the area!
We also visit the forest of ancient fig trees, each with monumental aerial roots, many of them individually named.
Return to the camp for lunch.
In the afternoon, free time for relaxation, swimming in the lagoon, trekking, or birdwatching.
Dinner and overnight stay at Don Bosco (camp or room upgrade available).


Day 7: Montevideo

DON BOSCO / LOS MOROS (B/L/D)
Morning ride across wetlands and the impressive palm forests characteristic of the region, with over 7000 centennial palms per hectare!
This is a great day for spotting wild capybaras, provided we stay silent and follow the guide's instructions closely.
Picnic lunch and afternoon ride towards the Atlantic coast.
Overnight in a tented camp at Los Moros.


Day 8:

LOS MOROS / MONTEVIDEO / ITALY (B/L/-)
After breakfast, we ride back to Barra de Valizas along the beach, passing by the village of Aguas Dulces.
Lunch at Los Chajá Ecolodge.
Transfer by bus back to Montevideo.
Return flight to Italy in the evening (extra overnight stay available on request).

Important Note:
The itinerary may be subject to changes depending on weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control.
Extra nights in Montevideo available on request.
It is also possible to add a 2-night extension ending in La Coronilla to visit Punta del Diablo and Santa Teresa Fortress.

Legend:
(B/L/D): Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

TRIP LENGTH: 8 Days / 7 Nights
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: °°° (Intermediate/Advanced)
ACCOMMODATION: Lodge + Tented camp
EQUIPMENT: Very comfortable South American working saddle, padded with sheep’s wool
HORSES: Uruguayan Criollo horses, also bred in Argentina and southern Brazil. Brought by the Spanish in the 17th century, known for their good temperament, stamina, and terrain adaptability.
PACE: 3 to 6 hours riding per day, using all three gaits. Riders must be confident handling horses in open spaces.
WHAT TO BRING: Riding clothes (including waterproof gear), protective riding helmet, water bottle, belt bag, insect repellent, sunscreen, basic first aid kit, headlamp, and power bank for nights in camp.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 90 kg (Supplement available for an extra horse up to 100 kg)
TYPE: Itinerant horseback trekking with lodge and camp accommodation.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
All accommodations have been selected for their charm, cleanliness, comfort (private bathrooms and good standard of services).

Night 1: Los Chajá Ecolodge, Barra Valizas
Night 2: Los Chajá Ecolodge, Barra Valizas
Night 3: Tented Camp at Barra Grande (toilets available — no showers)*
Night 4: Tented Camp at El Mirador (toilets and showers available)
Night 5: Tented Camp at Don Bosco (toilets and showers available) — (rooms available at extra cost)
Night 6: Tented Camp at Don Bosco (toilets and showers available) — (rooms available at extra cost)
Night 7: Tented Camp at Los Moros (toilets available — no showers)*

*Where no permanent toilets/showers are available, basic camp equipment will be provided.

EXTENSION (Optional):
Night 8: Posada in Punta del Diablo
Night 9: Hotel Parque Oceanico (or similar) in La Coronilla

Guaranteed Departures (minimum 1 person departing from Italy):
March 23–30
April 20–27
May 11–18
October 19–26
November 16–23
December 14–21

Other dates available on request for a minimum of 2 people in February, March, April, September, November, and December.

GROUP SIZE: MIN 4 / MAX 8 PARTICIPANTS

Additional information:

Supplement for departure with 2/3 participants: €1060 per person

Supplement for riders over 90 kg (single horse): €720 per person

Supplement for 2-night extension in double room (minimum 4 participants): €1040 per person

Single room supplement for the extension: €150 per person

Supplement for extension with 2/3 participants: €370 per person

Supplement for riders over 90 kg during extension: €180 per person

Private round-trip transfer from Montevideo to Rocha (up to 8 people): €1310 per person

Additional night in Montevideo in a double room with breakfast: €80 per person

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.885 €
Based on 2 adults
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Trip summary
2 Adults
Nights 7
This idea includes
Destinations 1
Accommodations 5
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Español
Italiano
Included
Roundtrip transfer from Montevideo (Tres Cruces) to Rocha
Transfers and support vehicles for luggage
All meals as per program (excluding alcoholic beverages)
7 nights accommodation
6 days of horseback riding (3 to 6 hours per day)
Entrance tickets to National Parks (Cabo Polonio and Santa Teresa)
Horses and riding equipment
Experienced guide (speaking Spanish, English, and Italian)
Basic insurance (medical assistance, repatriation, baggage damage)
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Excluded
International flights to/from Montevideo
Transfers from/to the airport and Tres Cruces bus station
Any extra nights or trip extensions
Meals not mentioned in the program
Airport taxes, beverages outside meals, tips, and personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "included" section
Additional insurance (optional cancellation insurance)




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Accommodation
- Los Chajà Ecolodge a Barra Valizas
- Campo tendato a Barra Grande
- Campo Tendato a El Mirador
- Campo Tendato a Don Bosco
- Campo Tendato a Los Moros
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