It’s not every day that you win a National Geographic Trip of a Lifetime. Then again, not every vacation or bike tour is like our cycling tour in Uruguay: Coast and Vineyards. It really is a huge honor to win a 50 Tours of a Lifetime award from National Geographic, but after spending a week on this cycling tour herself, DuVine Adventures Vice President Alisa de Gaspe Beaubien was not at all surprised. Here is what she had to say:
Complete serenity on the coast of Uruguay.
Only at DuVine Adventures is it part of your job description to take a Tour of a Lifetime. How lucky am I? With the experience of enjoying more than 10 DuVine Adventures in Europe and North America, this was my opportunity to visit South America for the first time – destination Uruguay!
Nestled between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is known as a safe, serene and stable destination. Uruguay’s only land border is with Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. To the west lies the Uruguay River. To the southwest lies the estuary of the Rio de la Plata. And to the southeast lies the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean. Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America and is about the size of Washington State. As most of the population is centered near Montevideo, the rest of the country is verdant farm land with flat, traffic-free roads.
I expected a great trip, but my expectations were shattered by the complete diversity of the destination. This is an easy tour, which takes you from the river to the vine to the Atlantic Ocean and into Gaucho country. Along the way you visit a tropical lagoon; a ghost town with epic restaurants; a nature reserve where you bike amongst deer roaming free; an olive oil producer with 1,200 employees harvesting olives; upscale wineries; and hundreds of hectacres of citrus groves, corn fields, soy fields, vineyards and livestock.
Everyone likes to ride in Uruguay.
Tourism is relatively new here and the people are so welcoming and excited – our guests will be greeted with open arms and big smiles all the way. The one big surprise is the consistency of the offerings: Every vendor and location is perfect in its design. It’s incredible. And we have a cooking class to boot!
Our tour, Coasts & Vineyards, travels much of the coast of Uruguay. The adventure starts in Colonia del Sacramento, known for its historic fortified old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its deep history as the place where the Spanish and Portuguese battled for control of the region. Colonia is accessible by a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires. Our adventure starts when our guides meet us in Buenos Aires and escort us into Uruguay.
Upon arrival in Colonia, we transfer to the Carmelo Region and the Four Seasons Carmelo – a serene retreat along the shores of Uruguay’s Rio de la Plata, set amidst a gorgeous landscape of grassy plains, rolling vineyards, and forests of pine and eucalyptus. This Four Seasons is family owned and is known for having the best service in the brand, and I can attest to that. With only 44 units, including private bungalows, you can enjoy the ample open space, the beach, the golf course, the epic spa and the vines growing in the sand. Two nights here may not be enough.
Riding amongst the vineyards of tannat grapes.
Our first day in Carmelo offers light biking on the resort roads. Enjoy the sandy forest and keep your eyes open for polo players as you enjoy the route. Our second day of biking leads us to the vine. “Camino del Vino,” quipped Guilherme, DuVine guide extraordinaire, as we enjoyed the robust and explosive Tannat at La Legende. Later in the day we will visit Finca Narbona, a national heritage monument, for a cheese and wine tasting. Narbona was the first winery I visited in Uruguay and I was awed by the perfection in design and décor. Was I in Italy? No, but they claim their homemade pasta is better than what you will find in Italy. The boutique hotel on the property would be perfect for small private groups. A serene afternoon ride takes us to the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, where Charles Darwin once studied.
Day three of our adventure is, in my opinion, the most unique day of biking offered on any DuVine bike tour. We have private and exclusive access to Parque Anchorena, a National Park, where we cycle amongst thousands of free roaming deer. The park is also a frequent getaway for the president in office, and he was there during my visit! A special treat on an already spectacular day.
On day four we take the necessary van transfer to get closer to Punta del Este and stop mid-way for an exclusive tasting, lunch and a bike ride through the private vineyards of Juanico, one of the oldest wineries in Uruguay – where in 1830 they broke with the traditional farming methods of the area and constructed an underground cellar. Make sure to ask for the Preludio – I guarantee you haven’t tasted anything like this. After each sip I felt fireworks were going off on my palate.
We end the day of cycling right on the water.
When we are completely satiated, we transfer a bit further to the hot spot of South America, Punta del Este. Upon arriving at a unique hotel situated in the middle of a nature reserve with panoramic views of Punta del Este, at Hotel Las Cumbres Art & Spa you will feel like you’ve begun a new adventure amidst the sun, sand and surf. This evening is our free night to enjoy the hot spots of Punta del Este for those that want to see what the hype is all about. Those who prefer a quiet night in will enjoy the spa and delicious restaurant on site. Uruguay is not known for a particular dish, but for its remarkable ingredients.
In typical DuVine style, we save the best for last! Our last two nights of incredibleness are at Hotel Playa Vik Jose Ignacio, winner of the award for the Number 1 designed hotel in the world. This hotel is the most impressive and unique I have ever seen, and it takes exclusivity and creativity to a new level. Those wanting a short and sweet private family tour should consider just staying here for four nights.
A visit to Museo Taller de Casapueblo was my favorite – learning how the sun has inspired Uruguayans and Carlos Paez Vilaro was an inspiration to me. Even more of an inspiration was how El Garzon village has become transformed by Argentine Chef Francis Mallman into the epicurean center of the region. While you may expect a Wild West shoot out, you instead get a cooking class and tasty treats.
This tour is perfect for those looking to enjoy their first bike tour, those seeking an easy and relaxing cycling tour and those who have never before visited Uruguay. I am truly amazed at the diversity in Uruguay, the cleanest, most pristine and safest country in South America. Contact me anytime to discuss the tour.
Lastly, bikes are everywhere! Bikes are the number one mode of transportation in Uruguay and we saw many bike club riders in packs, always a good sign. And though, we rarely saw another car, the drivers we did see were very polite. This really is the place where time stands still. Bike, Eat, Drink, Sleep – in the Sun and Sand of Urugay.
