Wandio

Start your morning in Plaza Independencia and let the grand sweep of Palacio Salvo and the Portón de la Ciudadela anchor your sense of place; stand between the nineteenth-century architecture and the modern life pulsating in the cafes and small galleries around you, imagining 19th-century Montevideo while savoring the quieter March light. Walk from the plaza into Teatro Solís and join a guided tour or, if the schedule aligns, stay for an afternoon performance; the restored 1856 theatre is intimate and theatrical in a way that turns every glance between you and your partner into a shared discovery, so plan ahead and book tickets online for the best seats and bring a light jacket for cool March evenings. From Teatro Solís drift to the narrow streets of Ciudad Vieja where art studios and independent galleries spill out onto the sidewalks; spend time at Fundación Pablo Atchugarry or small ateliers nearby to see contemporary Uruguayan art up close and to chat with gallery owners about local movements—March is a calm month for such intimate conversations. As the afternoon deepens, head to Mercado del Puerto to soak in Montevideo’s grill and portside culture even if you don’t linger for a full meal—the market’s iron structure, the scent of wood smoke and the low hum of conversation offer a vivid lesson in Uruguayan social life and make for a lively cultural stop; if you prefer lighter fare, sample an empanada or a seasonal fruit while watching parrillas at work, and keep cash handy as many stalls operate most smoothly that way. Close the day with a sunset stroll along the Rambla (Rambla of Montevideo), following the riverfront promenade from Ciudad Vieja toward Parque Rodó; the sea breeze in March is pleasantly cool in the evening, so a light wrap is ideal, and this stretch is one of the most romantic places in the city to watch the sky shift colors while locals jog, fish, or sit sharing mate, which is customary—accepting an offered mate is a small local ritual that creates an immediate connection with Montevideans.

Spend your morning at the Museo Nacional de Artes Visuales in Parque Rodó, home to Uruguay’s most important collection of national painting and sculpture; move slowly through rooms of Joaquín Torres García, Pedro Figari and other key figures while guides explain the cultural threads that link Uruguay's visual language to its history, and allow time to linger on a favorite painting or sculpture—March light filters beautifully into the museum’s galleries so early afternoon is a gentle time to visit and avoid larger tour groups. After the museum, step out into Parque Rodó for a relaxed walk among jacaranda and palm-lined paths; sit by one of the small lakes for a quiet picnic or to share mate as locals do, and photograph the park’s charming amusement area and open-air libraries, which give a sense of Montevideo’s everyday cultural life and make for intimate couple moments. Walk or take a short taxi to Prado neighborhood to visit the Museo Juan Manuel Blanes, set inside a tranquil park filled with century-old trees and statuary; the museum’s collection of historical paintings and the grounds reflect Uruguay's 19th-century nation-building era and make for a contemplative cultural contrast to the modern works you saw earlier—combine the visit with a stroll through Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden) nearby for a complete Prado experience. If your visit falls on a Sunday, consider a morning detour to Feria de Tristán Narvaja in Cordón (check dates as it runs weekly), where bookstalls, antiques and food vendors make for an atmospheric shopping stroll; this is a budget-friendly cultural experience where small purchases support local sellers, and haggling is friendly and informal—carry small bills and arrive before midday to avoid the thickest of crowds. End the day with an evening concert at Sala Zitarrosa in Cordón if there’s live music scheduled; this intimate venue focuses on Uruguayan genres, jazz and chamber music, and booking ahead is sensible in March when cultural activity picks up, giving you a perfect, low-key night of local artistry.

Begin in Barrio Sur and Palermo with a guided walking exploration focused on candombe—the African-derived drum tradition that is central to Uruguayan cultural identity; a local guide will introduce you to the barrios’ painted houses, murals and historical sites while explaining candombe’s social role, and you may hear local comparsas practicing on afternoons in March, which makes for a spine-tingling, authentic musical immersion that connects history, rhythm and community. Visit the Museo del Carnaval in Ciudad Vieja to deepen your understanding of murga, comparsas and the elaborate costumes and masks used during carnival; the museum’s displays and oral histories reveal the social commentary and creative invention behind Uruguay’s carnival traditions, and staff can often point you to small, local gatherings where artisans work on costumes year-round—ask about any scheduled workshops or demonstrations when you arrive. After a cultural lunch at a nearby café, spend a reflective afternoon at the Museo Torres García in Cordón to study the modernist and constructivist threads that influenced Uruguay’s 20th-century art scene; Torres García’s studio and works tie national identity into an international artistic language, and viewing these pieces side-by-side with the folk traditions you experienced earlier makes for a thoughtful cultural arc. End the evening with a milonga or a live percussion session—Sala Zitarrosa and smaller venues around Ciudad Vieja and Palermo often host tango and folk nights in March; if you prefer a participatory experience, find a small milonga where locals welcome visitors to watch first and try dancing later, and remember that an evening out in Montevideo typically starts later, so expect doors to open around 21:00 and plan transport back to your lodging in advance.

Drive or take a comfortable intercity bus from Montevideo to Colonia del Sacramento (approximately 2.5 hours by car) and settle into the compact Barrio Histórico where time seems to relax; begin at the Portón de Campo and Plaza Mayor, letting the cobblestone lanes and low-slung colonial houses set the pace for an easy, tactile introduction to the town’s Portuguese and Spanish heritage, perfect for hand-in-hand exploration and photography in March's soft daylight. Wander down Calle de los Suspiros and let the narrow lane’s old wooden doors and flowering balconies spark stories and quiet conversation; alleyways here reveal small artisanal shops and studios where you can purchase locally produced handicrafts and ceramics—carry some small local currency for modest purchases and ask shopkeepers about the makers, because artisanal craft in Colonia is often a family endeavor and conversation opens doors. Climb the Faro de Colonia del Sacramento (Colonia Lighthouse) for panoramic views over the Río de la Plata and the red-tiled roofs below; the climb is gentle, the light in March allows for long, luminous views, and the lighthouse platform at dusk is an especially romantic vantage to watch the estuary change color while enjoying each other’s company. Finish the day watching the sunset from one of the riverside promenades or a quiet plaza bench; Colonia’s slow tempo in March means you can linger, and an early evening wandering through the illuminated streets offers a private side of town once day-tour groups have dispersed—bring a light sweater for coastal breezes.

Take a short scenic drive (or arrange a local transfer) from Colonia to Bodega Narbona and arrive with time to wander the estate's gardens before your guided tasting; Narbona combines a working winery with carefully restored colonial architecture, a small museum and artisanal production, and their tastings—paired with local cheeses and olive oil—provide a vivid introduction to Uruguayan varietals such as Tannat in a setting that feels simultaneously historic and modern. After the tasting, rent bicycles or stroll through the surrounding vineyards and olive groves to feel the land underfoot and to breathe in the quiet rhythm of rural life; March’s temperatures are comfortable for walking and the light in late afternoon is especially flattering for photos, so bring a small picnic blanket and allow for an unhurried pause by the river if the estate offers riverfront seating. If you’re curious about more intimate gastronomic experiences, ask the estate about a short cooking demonstration or a cellar tour that explains local aging techniques and the stories behind bottlings—these behind-the-scenes moments create a meaningful connection to Uruguay’s growing wine culture. Return to Colonia in the early evening to watch the river-calm light on the estuary and to unwind in one of the small squares; this is a day built for slow conversation and tasting together, so leave room in your schedule for lingering, and consider purchasing a bottle to bring home as a souvenir of the day.

Depart Colonia in the morning for the roughly 2.5 hour drive back to Montevideo, enjoying the pastoral Uruguayan countryside en route and arriving midday to reconnect with the city at a slower pace—leave large luggage at your hotel and take a light walking route to examine any neighborhoods you skipped earlier, because March’s mild afternoons are perfect for finding small museums and independent galleries. Spend a relaxed afternoon at Mercado Agrícola de Montevideo to experience a different side of city life: this covered market combines fresh produce, local cheeses and small artisan stands and is an excellent place to learn about Uruguayan food culture without committing to a long meal, and many vendors are happy to explain products and give small tastings—carry cash and ask for recommendations; the market is lively in March but not overcrowded, which makes it an ideal spot for couples to sample and share. Later, visit smaller contemporary spaces like Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo (EAC) if open, or check temporary exhibitions in galleries around Cordón and Ciudad Vieja—these quiet cultural surprises often host artist talks and allow for meaningful dialogue with curators or artists, which in March tends to be more accessible and intimate than peak-season events. Conclude your evening with a quiet riverside walk along a different stretch of the Rambla, perhaps nearer Punta Carretas or Parque Rodó, and reflect on the contrast between Montevideo’s cosmopolitan cultural life and the river towns you visited; March breezes are gentle but can cool quickly after sunset, so a compact jacket is wise for romantic sunset-to-dinner transitions.

Travel from Montevideo to Punta del Este by car or bus (approximately 1.5–2 hours) and settle in before beginning a seaside exploration that highlights the town’s contrasting energies: start at Playa Brava to see La Mano (Los Dedos), the iconic five-finger sculpture emerging from the sand; in March the beach is quieter and the sculpture’s stark silhouette against a soft sky is an evocative spot for photos and private conversation, so time your visit for early morning or late afternoon light for the best photography and fewer crowds. From Playa Brava take a stroll along Avenida Gorlero into the heart of Punta del Este to experience the town’s mix of boutiques, galleries and cafes—this stretch captures both local creativity and the town’s international draw, and it’s an easy place to browse for artisan crafts or to sit and watch the sea life pass by; if you want to explore beyond the shore, walk toward Playa Mansa for a calmer water perspective and board a boat from the port for a short trip to Isla Gorriti, where quiet coves and low cliffs reward gentle inland walks and snorkeling in calm March seas. If the weather and schedules align, book an Isla de Lobos boat tour from the port to visit South America’s largest sea lion colony; boat tours in March run frequently and seeing the colony is unforgettable—bring binoculars and a windproof layer because mist and breeze are common near the colony, and choose a morning tour for calmer water conditions.

Drive or take a short transfer to Punta Ballena and spend the late morning wandering Arboretum Lussich, an extensive park of introduced tree species and coastal viewpoints; the arboretum’s shaded trails provide a restful counterpoint to the day’s cultural highlight and are ideal for conversation and birdwatching—bring comfortable walking shoes and light insect repellent for March walks. In the afternoon arrive at Casapueblo and allow time to move slowly through the museum galleries and the sculptural studio spaces that were both living home and artistic laboratory for Carlos Páez Vilaró; the building’s white, organic forms and terraces seem to grow from the cliff and offer a cinematic setting for couples to explore together, and the on-site museum explains the artist’s life and the local inspirations that shaped Uruguay’s modern cultural voice. Plan to stay for Casapueblo’s sunset ceremony, a beloved daily ritual in which music, poetry and the descending sun are celebrated on the terraces; March evenings are generally comfortable and the sunset is often early enough to pair with a relaxed evening afterwards—book an early spot on the terrace or arrive with a small blanket to sit and take in the ritual, which is both an artistic performance and a quiet, shared moment that feels made for two.

Depart early from Punta del Este for Punta del Diablo (roughly 2–2.5 hours depending on stops) and arrive in this laid-back fishing village where weathered boats, colorful houses and wide beaches create a bohemian seaside atmosphere; wander Playa de los Pescadores and follow the rocky headlands toward Playa del Rivero for scenic viewpoints, pop into local artisan stalls, and if you’re curious about surf culture, watch or join a short class with a local instructor—March often has pleasant water temperatures and lighter crowds, so it’s ideal for a soft adventure together. After lunch continue to Cabo Polonio (arrive mid-afternoon; about 45–60 minutes driving to the ranger station plus authorized 4x4 transfer across dunes), park at the designated access point and take the permitted 4x4 truck across the sand to the village—this slow, bumpy crossing is part of the appeal and lends a sense of leaving the modern world behind; in March the dunes are stable and the light is perfect for photography, and the village’s off-grid ambiance is strikingly romantic. Explore the hamlet on foot, hike to the Faro de Cabo Polonio (Cabo Polonio Lighthouse) and climb for sweeping views over the Atlantic and the sprawling sea-lion colonies on nearby rocks; the lighthouse climb rewards nimble walkers with dramatic coastal panoramas, and evening walks on the dunes under an open sky often reveal abundant stars—bring a warm layer, a flashlight, and plan your return transfer schedule carefully since services are limited and daylight changes earlier in March.

Drive back toward Montevideo from Rocha (plan for approximately 3 hours depending on exact departure point and traffic) and arrive midday to deposit luggage and take a light city loop focused on any neighborhoods or galleries you still want to see; this is the day to pick up any artisan souvenirs, revisit a quiet cafe you loved earlier, or to simply sit in a park and catalogue your favorite moments—March afternoons are ideal for relaxed pacing and last-minute discoveries. Spend the late afternoon walking a different stretch of the Rambla of Montevideo—perhaps from Parque Rodó toward Punta Carretas—so you can experience a new perspective on the riverfront that bookends your first days; bring a lightweight wrap because evenings in March can cool slowly, and pause at scenic overlooks to photograph the long lines of horizon and to savor the way Montevideo folds the urban and oceanic landscapes together. End your trip with a quiet, romantic evening near Plaza Independencia or along the Rambla, reflecting on the cultural mosaic you have experienced: the colonial lanes of Colonia, the theatrical intensity of Montevideo’s museums and music, the sculptural coast of Punta del Este, and the wild dunes of Rocha—if you have time for one final cultural activity, a short visit to a local gallery or a small live music venue brings the journey full circle and leaves you both with a personal story to carry home.