Adventure & Relaxation in Argentina & Uruguay: Lake District, Montevideo & Punta del Este - 7 Days

Highlights

• Go whitewater rafting down the Río Manso in Argentina's Lake District
• Set off from Bariloche on an adventurous hike to the Refugio Frey mountain hut
• Taste typical Uruguayan food in Montevideo's Mercado del Puerto
• Enjoy the sea views from Punta del Este's famous lighthouses

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bariloche (Argentina), Circuito Chico Trek 

Welcome to Argentina! Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you to your hotel in the center of Bariloche, a picturesque city in Argentine Patagonia's Lake District, near the border with Chile. Located within Nahuel Huapi National Park, it's known for the incredible surrounding mountains, lakes, and forests, as well as its charming German-style alpine architecture.

Once you've settled in, explore the central plaza, home to the historic Civic Center with its beautiful clock tower, taste chocolate at several shops (it's the "chocolate capital" of Argentina, after all), or visit the Museo del Chocolate, which showcases the history and culture of chocolate in the region.

In the afternoon, grab your hiking boots for the scenic Circuito Chico Trek, an easy walk to the summit of Cerrito Llao Llao. During the ascent, you'll walk through the native forest for about an hour before reaching the end of the trail, which offers spectacular views of Lago Nahuel Huapi and nearby hills like López, Capilla, and Millaqueo.

Day 2: Go Whitewater Rafting on the Río Manso

Today, you'll be transferred through spectacular Lake District landscapes to reach the town of Steffen, where you'll embark on a daylong rafting trip down the Río Manso. After a brief safety talk and an overview from your guides, you'll be ready to ride the rapids! The beginning part of the river is calm and crystalline, providing plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery and spot wildlife, such as different varieties of trout. 

Stop at a small beach for a locally prepared lunch and a break from the river, then get back on the water and gear up for the next phase of your journey, which follows an exciting stretch of rapids and whitewater. You'll disembark the raft in the Lower Manso Valley, where a van will be waiting to take you back to Bariloche for the afternoon.

Day 3: Full-Day Trek to Refugio Frey

Begin the day with a nutritious breakfast and pack your backpack for a full-day, 11-mile (17 km) guided trek to Refugio Frey, a scenic mountain hut located at the base of the Aguja Frey peak. You'll be picked up at your hotel and dropped off at the hike's starting point. Begin on the Jacob Trail at the base of Cerro Catedral, which takes you through a beautiful Andean forest, before arriving at the viewpoint over Lago Gutiérrez and the surrounding peaks.

The next part of the trail traverses the Paso de las Nubes, a high point marking the entrance to the valley where Refugio Frey is located. Descend through the valley past alpine meadows and impressive rock formations before you reach the refuge, where you can relax by the lake and buy basic food and drink in the hut. Head back to the starting point, making use of the remaining daylight, and enjoy the sunset before your driver transfers you back to Bariloche. 

Day 4: Beer Tasting in Bariloche, Fly to Montevideo (Uruguay), Visit Carnival Tablado

Spend the morning on a brewery tour in Bariloche, discovering the authentic beer tradition of the town with a local expert. Through an exciting excursion to a local brewery, you'll discover the production area and delve into the rich beer history of the region. Then, enjoy a curated selection of local beers ranging from light to robust.

Then, it's time to say farewell to Bariloche and transfer to the airport, where you'll catch a flight to Buenos Aires. Once you land, a driver will take you to the port, where you'll take a ferry to Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay. This fascinating city is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and coastal beauty.

After you settle in, you'll attend a Carnival tablado (Carnival show), a tour designed to introduce you to the colors and flavors of Carnival firsthand. Learn about the history, traditions, beginnings, and meaning that this incredible annual party has for the Uruguayans as your English-speaking guide leads the way into this world of music, rhythms, and customs.

Day 5: Montevideo Tour with Mercado del Puerto

Discover the famous sites of Montevideo today on a comprehensive, citywide tour. Admire historic buildings like the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, stop at charming squares like Plaza Matriz, and take a stroll through the traditional Prado neighborhood. Stop at the famous Mercado del Puerto to refuel and sample food at one of the famous grills.

Later, wander along the Rambla de Montevideo, an extensive promenade stretching along the coast. Relax in the spacious Parque Rodó and taste authentic Uruguayan cuisine at one of the many food stalls at Abasto Market. Other highlights include the oldest theater in South America, the Solís Theater, and the Plaza Virgilio, which has the most spectacular views of the coast. Montevideo also has several beaches, such as Pocitos and Ramírez, where you can enjoy the sun and the sea later in the afternoon.

Day 6: Transfer to Punta del Este, Explore Punta del Este & Piriápolis

This morning, a driver will pick you up at your hotel in Montevideo and transfer you to the beautiful resort town of Punta del Este, located on a peninsula on the southern tip of Uruguay, two hours from the capital. Once you settle in, explore some highlights, such as Playa Brava, known for the iconic La Mano (The Hand) sculpture emerging from the sand, or the former fisherman's village of La Barra with its laid-back bars, beach views, and fancy houses.

In the afternoon, head to the charming hamlet of Piriápolis. Wander the waterfront promenade of Rambla de los Argentinos to Piriápolis Beach, and take the chairlift from the harbor up Cerro San Antonio to visit the small chapel and take in the incredible views. See the local wildlife, such as the capybara and Amazon parrot, at the nature reserve, Parque Cerro Pan de Azúcar, before heading back to Punta del Este and the lively nightlife of Playa Bikini. 

Day 7: Punta del Este City Tour, Transfer to Montevideo, Depart

Explore the neighborhoods and main attractions of the beautiful Punta del Este today with the aid of a local guide. Begin at two famous lighthouses, Punta del Este and José Ignacio, for incredible panoramic views, then head to the famous waterfront of La Brava. Continue through the Pinares neighborhood to the nearby Punta Ballena, home to Casapueblo, a gorgeous Greek-style villa built by Carlos Paéz Vilaró.

Gaze at the luxurious yachts at the Punta del Este Port, or take a boat to the tranquil island of Isla Gorriti before checking out of your hotel. Your driver will transfer you back to the Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo for your departing flight. Buen viaje, wherever you're off to next!

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