We offer three different programs, emphasizing different aspects of Uruguay. All three include the capital city of Montevideo and Colonia, a well-preserved Hispanic town and a UNESCO world heritage site. Program duration can vary from 7-10 days, according to the group’s needs.
§ Carnival and a cultural heritage [February]
Filled with diversity and stark color contrasting with the grayish tone of Montevideo, we begin with the celebration of Yemanjá, goddess of the sea in the Umbanda tradition.
We then take part in the Desfile de Llamadas (Drums Parade), the longest carnival in the world. More than a hundred thousand people gather in the narrow streets to watch an endless parade of Comparsas, African rooted candombe drumming groups, in an authentic celebration of tradition and culture. You will have an insiders’ view on a Comparsa’s set-up and preparation and will join them as they gain the streets.
The scale of Uruguay’s carnival is relatively small. And that’s precisely what makes it special, it’s what allows us to place you as an insider, rather than a tourist overwhelmed by the audience.
§ Rural Uruguay [Spring or Fall]
The most magnificent skyes, vast and deserted extensions of land, rolling grasses filled only by the sounds of nature, define Uruguay’s nostalgic and slow-paced rural landscape.
Set in their ways, and indifferent to the comfort of city life, the distinct ‘gauchos’, traditional rural workers, embody Uruguayans’ sense of pride and freedom. Generally reputed as reserved, proud and melancholic men, they dedicate their life to the harsh labor of working the land and herding the cattle.
Following the principles of sustainable and socially responsible tourism, we will take you to small rural villages where you will not only see - but also intimately experience - this unique way of living and working, spending time with families and sharing their everyday life.
Latitude34South - Rural Uruguay - Images by Martin Herrera
§ Coastal Uruguay [Spring or Fall]
Nested in Uruguay’s coast is Punta del Este, one of the world’s top beach destinations in the world. A much less obvious attraction, preserved by the lack of touristic infrastructure, is the artisanal fishing towns where the tides rule the lives of stranger-than-fiction characters and keep intact disappearing traditions.
We’ll give you a taste of both the classy and the simple coastal Uruguay, plus plenty of virgin beaches with sand dunes, naturally preserved lagoons, wildlife and, of course, fresh seafood.
This program is a feast for landscape-nature photographers as well as those interested in documentary and portrait.
Latitude34South - Coastal Uruguay - Images by Martin Herrera
Don't forget to watch our video overview of Latitude34South photography, culture and travel workshops.
Labels: workshops
