Before you go

Your trip to Carmelo.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Carmelo – Colônia Destination Colônia do Sacramento about 75 km from Colônia do Sacramento

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco (MVD) Ciudad de la Costa · 260 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Colônia do Sacramento it's 75 km via Ruta 21, about an hour by car, and there are buses between the two towns. From Montevideo it's about 240 km. From the town's port boats depart for the Tigre delta in Argentina. The nearest international airport is Carrasco (MVD). Confirm before buying.

How many days

One day is enough for the town center, the Puente Giratorio and a winery with lunch. With two days you can include the Calera de las Huérfanas and one or two more wineries, with time to spend on the banks of the Arroyo de las Vacas.

When to go

October, November and March to May are usually pleasant for touring wineries. Harvest (vendimia) typically takes place between February and March. Summer, from December to March, is hot and brings activity to the coast. From June to August the cold is damp and windy on the coast.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

For the centre and the bridge, no: everything is done on foot. For the wineries and the Calera de las Huérfanas, scattered across the rural area, a car makes a big difference. The alternative is taxi, bicycle or an organized tour.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Carmelo

Morning
Centre and Puente Giratorio
Start at Plaza Independencia, with the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, and walk to the Puente Giratorio. Cross the bridge on foot and continue along the bank of the Arroyo de las Vacas.
Afternoon
Lunch at Bodega Zubizarreta
Drive to km 241 on Ruta 21 for the wine-paired lunch at Casa de Aitona, reserved in advance.
Late afternoon
Calera de las Huérfanas
On the same route, explore the Jesuit ruins of the Estancia de Belén and the trail to the lime kilns.
Evening
Dinner in the center
Return to the centre and dine near Plaza Independencia. Restaurants fill up from around 9 pm.

2 days in Carmelo

Day 1

Morning
Plaza Independencia and the bridge
Walk through the centre, enter the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen and go down to the Puente Giratorio and the Rambla de los Constituyentes.
Afternoon
El Legado
Head to Colonia Estrella and take the tour with tasting and lunch at El Legado, reserved in advance.
Late afternoon
Bank of the arroyo
Back in town, walk along the bank of the Arroyo de las Vacas, by the rowing club and the moored boats.
Evening
Dinner near the plaza
Dine at one of the restaurants around Plaza Independencia.

Day 2

Morning
Calera de las Huérfanas
Explore the ruins of the Estancia de Belén, the chapel and the trail of the lime kilns, about 16 km from the town.
Afternoon
Bodega Zubizarreta
Have lunch or a tasting at the winery neighboring the Calera, on Camino Juan de San Martín.
Late afternoon
Narbona
Follow Ruta 21 to Narbona, northwest of the town, for the wine-and-cheese tasting by reservation.
Evening
Dinner at Narbona or in the town centre
Stay for dinner at the estancia's restaurant or return to Carmelo's centre.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to do Carmelo as a day trip from Colonia?

Yes. It's 75 km via Ruta 21, about an hour by car. Since wineries require reservations and are spread out, staying overnight is more worthwhile.

Do you need a car in Carmelo?

In the centre, no. For the wineries and the Calera de las Huérfanas, yes — otherwise taxi, bicycle or an organized tour.

Do Carmelo's wineries require reservations?

Most do, especially for lunches and full tastings. Book before you leave home.

Can you go from Carmelo to Argentina?

Yes. Fast boats depart from Carmelo's port to the Tigre delta, near Buenos Aires. Check days and times before you go.

What's the best time for visiting the wineries?

From spring to autumn. Harvest usually takes place between February and March, and October, November, April and May have mild weather.

Back to Carmelo