Lares: The Road Less Travelled
Uruguay is a country of laid-back coastal charm, vibrant culture, and beautifully preserved colonial towns that remains refreshingly under the radar, giving visitors a sense of discovery that sets it apart. Offering dramatic, crowd-free landscapes, hidden vineyards and olive groves, working ranches, beautiful beaches, and a rising culinary scene, Uruguay invites exploration at a slow, meaningful pace.
Lares offers privileged access to the country’s most exclusive estancias and hideaways, while staying true to its roots and philosophy, by introducing travellers to lesser known corners of the country through a trusted network of local hosts and friends. Driven by the belief that travel is about more than checking boxes, Lares champions connection - with people, place, and culture - and offers guests the opportunity to experience Uruguay’s warm, understated way of life through thoughtful, bespoke experiences.
Partnership: For more than a decade, Lares and Glove have worked side by side behind the scenes, creating seamless cross-border journeys across Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. In 2025 they decided to make their partnership official and became sister companies, with Lares officially joining Glove, adding even greater depth to their already exceptional journeys.
When to go…
Summer: December - February
World-class chefs and DJs arrive for a season of glamorous parties in coastal hotspots such as José Ignacio and Punta del Este. High demand means top-tier accommodation and restaurants book up months in advance. Beyond the glamerous party scene, summer is wonderful for families and couples, with a diverse range of activities suited to all ages.
Autumn: March - May
Settled weather and mild temperatures. The best time for wine lovers; vineyards are in full harvest March-April. At the coast, the ocean remains warm enough for swimming well into March but the summer crowds have departed, leaving a tranquil, sophisticated vibe.
Winter: June - August
Cooler, shorter days, often with crisp blue skies, though rain is more frequent. The ideal season for ‘slow travel’, focusing on cosy estancia stays and traditional gaucho culture.
Spring: September - November
The rolling hills of the interior become lush and green. A mix of sunshine and fresh breezes make this a fantastic time for exploring by bike. The peak time for nature enthusiasts, as southern right whales can be spotted along the Atlantic coast.
Paola Perelli
It was whilst working as a travel specialist, designing tours to Europe and the USA, that Paola first had the idea to start a DMC focused on her own beloved Uruguay. Lares launched in 2000 offering experiences unique to the country, including bike and horse-riding tours, art trips, culinary experiences, canoe and kayak voyages and more—and most importantly for Paola, involving the local chefs, artists, musicians, farmers and experience providers who are the life and soul of Uruguay. That she has a passion for what she does shines through in the fantastic journeys she creates for guests—and in the committed and passionate staff and personal contacts who make them happen.