Unique Travel Destinations

These unique destinations are often overlooked by tourists, either because time is limited or because few people even know these places exist.

If you like to discover and explore hidden gems, where few other tourists venture, we truly believe these unique destinations are worthy of your consideration.

 

Hot Springs near Salto 

There are several hot spring resorts in the area near Salto in northwestern Uruguay, bordering Argentina on the Uruguay River (5-6 hours driving from Montevideo or Colonia). Each hot spring resorts offers differing amenities and experiences.

The benefits of hot springs have been known since early times as a source of health. The hot springs from Uruguay have a high content of mineral salts, calcium, iodine, iron and magnesium and at the same time are poor in sulfates and nitrates. The water tastes good, is odorless, and it is highly recommended for medical treatment of various ailments. The waters are pumped from the acquifer 2,300-6,500 feet below ground and surface temperatures range between 36º-48°C.

 

Fray Bentos - UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you like history, you shouldn’t miss the Museum of the Industrial Revolution, located in Fray Bentos along the Uruguay River (3 hours north of Colonia; 2 hours north of the Carmelo wine region). The former Anglo Slaughter House and Packing Plant was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Visitors can take a fascinating tour of this once-famous meat-packing factory that used every portion of the cow to manufacture meat extract and corned beef to be exported worldwide. In the late 1800s, the factory was known as "the kitchen of the world". Products from this plant fed European soldiers during Word Wars I and II, were used as provisions by climbers of Mt. Everest, and ware even mentioned in in the novel "From the Earth to the Moon" by Jules Verne, in which the author chose a delicious meat broth from Fray Bentos for the astronauts’ breakfast.

 

Cabo Polonio

If you want to truly get off the grid, Cabo Polonio, located within a national park about 3.5-4 hours east of Montevideo, is perhaps the country’s most desirable spot. Without roads or electricity and only a few dozen year-round residents, Cabo Polonio is the place to go for a real escape from civilization. The Cabo Polonio experience begins with a adventurous journey – the village can only be accessed via horseback, hiking 4-6 miles, or in a 4x4 truck that transports people from the entrance on the main road. (If you’re up for a gentle ride, the horseback ride to Cabo and the local guides are fantastic!)

The day in Cabo Polonio is spent appreciating the artistically painted houses, watching the large colony of sea lions resting on the rocks, climbing to the top of the 120-year-old lighthouse to witness the view of the sea and the surrounding sand dunes, enjoying lunch or a refreshment at an open-air restaurant, or relaxing on the beach. This town is known for its relaxed, easy-going vibe. The most stressful decision you’ll have to make is whether you should ever leave.

 

Fortress of Santa Teresa

Located 4 hours from Montevideo to the east, just past Punta del Diablo. Built by the Portuguese in 1762, then conquered by the Spanish, the fort was active until the 1850s - the guides at the fort provide a very interesting and informative tour about the fortress and what conditions were like during the period. The abandoned for remained buried under the sand for 125 years until it was rediscovered and became a historic attraction in 1928. The vistas from the fort are astounding.

 

Cerro Verde Nature Reserve

Cerro Verde Nature Reserve, located next to the Santa Teresa National Park and the fortress, was the first protected area in Uruguay. Isolated, and only accessible on foot from the park, with luck you may be able to see green turtles (Dec-Apr), southern right whales (Jul-Nov), bottle nose dolphins, sea lions and coastal birds, many of which are threatened species and priority for conservation.

 

Olive Grove and Olive Oil Tasting, Eden Valley

The olive grove is located in Eden Valley, an area northwest of Punta del Este known for its beauty. The sloping landscape and natural streams offer an advantageous location to grow olive trees. Similar to wine, the olive groves were introduced by European immigrants who brought olive trees from their native countries which adapted to the Uruguayan climate. The established groves and high-tech production facility produce extra virgin olive oil both for Uruguayan consumption and export.

The owners will explain the process of growing and selecting the olive fruits for different qualities and provide an opportunity for tasting of several olive oils that have been processed and bottled for their unique characteristics. Who knew the process of making olive oil could be so fascinating?