Uruguay - dest 2

Uruguay was a hard one to fit given I had to get to Torres by a fixed date for the W trek but I am so glad I made it! I found a gem of a place in the lonely planet feature called El Galope. Located strategically between Colonia and Montevideo, it’s an easy journey from Buenos Aires. Get on a fast boat with Colonia Express and you’re in Uruguay in 1.5hrs. Then a short 40min bus journey to El Galope.

The ferry gets you into the old colonial town of Colonia Del Sacramento. It’s a small tiny place really that you honestly don’t need more than 2/3 hrs to explore but it is super cute and picturesque. The cobble streets and old town area lovely, making you feel like you’re in Spain or Portugal. We walked around, bought some groceries and ate our lunch the town square park.

Soon we were on the bus and I was super excited to see the countryside. Lush, green and lots of farming. Cows and horses roaming the hills. As we get closer to our spot we a see a little red house and two gorgeous dogs to greet us.

On the horizon we can see a summer storm building up and the greying clouds over the farmland which are quite spectacular. Our room is a 2 bed dorm that I shared with a fellow traveller I met on the flight from London, Amy. Quite easily we got comfortable, cooked our dinner, opened a bottle of wine and took in the gorgeous sunset.

Within 2 hours the clouds had cleared and the sky was lit with numerous stars. The night was so pleasant with the constant sound of insects, a peaceful and serene setting...I was now feeling more and more like I’m was on holiday.

The idea of owning some place like this kept crossing my mind. Being a city girl through and through it’s more of a nice idea than a reality cause I know I’d probably get bored but for a comfortable yet hardworking life in your 40s and 50s, it looked pretty appealing and our hosts Miguel and Monica made it great.

The place was super cute and probably the most luxurious hostel I will stay in. With just 4 rooms, two dorms and two doubles, it was small enough to feel like a little family while there.

With an easy start to the day and some good breakfast we went for a short 3km walk around the neighbouring farms. Came back and made use of the small but much need pool.

I did originally want to try horse riding but decided against it. We meet people that had done it and said it was pretty comfortable and the horses are nice so if you’re after that, it’s another reason to make a stop at El Galope. And so an absolutely lazy afternoon lay ahead of us. Chatting with fellow travellers, picking up tips of places they’ve been to and their itineraries, anther dip and another dry, a read, a nap, a tea, all while in this perfect spot in the middle of no where.

We did cook all our meals except one dinner and surprise surprise of course we had fondu in Uruguay :) it was lovely. The evening felt so great with some good company. I met two Swedish girls who were making their way through Uruguay and Argentina by hitchhiking. Clearly I need to toughen up, these two were super ballsy, they spoke good Spanish and said they’d met lovely people along the way willing to give them a ride and inviting them to their home for meals.

So now that was 3 people who’ve been hitchhiking as their mode of transport which is so brave and saves so much money too! Perhaps once I learn more Spanish and build up the courage, but for now bus it is back into the city life of Buenos Aires for the weekend after this beautiful little retreat in Uruguay where I wish I had more time to explore the beaches along the Atlantic...I’m just going to have to come back.