A Uniquely Uruguayan Experience
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Port
Montevideo, Uruguay
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$290
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 6 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
One of the best ways to enjoy and understand a country's culture is through its traditional cuisine. Uruguay is perhaps best known for its meat and flavorful wines. This experience presents clear and irrefutable evidence as to why these aspects of Uruguayan life are so joyously celebrated. This is your chance to get acquainted with Montevideo's countryside and its culinary traditions by learning how to prepare a real asado (barbecue) and your own typical Uruguayan dessert.
You'll begin with a drive to Estancia La Baguala, located at only 11 miles from Montevideo's port, on the shores of the La Plata River. The estancia (estate) was built in the '40s and belonged to a traditional Uruguayan family. It was sold in 2009 and turned into a country hotel. La Baguala is surrounded by grounds covering almost 1,000 acres of spectacular landscape.
Your host welcomes you with the typical Uruguayan medio-medio beverage -- a mixture of sparkling and white wine -- and empanadas. Learn about the history of this impressive, upscale estancia while touring by tractor-drawn cart, and enjoy a horse dressage presentation. At the open-air cooking area, learn how to prepare a pastel de membrillo (quince cake) -- a delicious Uruguayan dessert -- and enjoy a wine tasting with some fine Uruguayan wines. Among the latter is the famous Tannat grape, also now recognized as the healthiest red wine in the world. Feel free to indulge for the sake of your health.
The chef will explain the secrets of a typical Uruguayan barbecue cooked in a parrillero -- a wood fired oven endemic to this country. Enjoy your asado meal paired with exquisite wines and delicious side dishes.
After lunch there's time to relax or enjoy outdoor activities, such as cycling or a walk through the green gardens overlooking the La Plata River.