ROADTRIPPING ALONG URUGUAY'S WILD COAST

When winter hits and all you want is the warmth of the sun, going to Uruguay might not be what comes first to mind. Nevertheless, the little country lost on the East Coast of South America has a lot to offer, especially to families. Gigantic, pristine empty beaches, fishing villages, nature parks - and also great wineries for mom and dad - Charlotte Burgoyne, Little Voyageurs' Co-Founder had the chance to explore the country and shares her experience.

"Our journey starts when we leave Montevideo. The capital of Uruguay does not have much to offer to families, especially with young kids, so we decide to head to the northern part of the coast. Our first stop is less than an hour away, at one of the country's most famous wineries: Bodega Bouza. We booked a tour without giving any warning about coming with a baby. The staff does not seem to mind at all and is really eager to show our daughter the capybara - a sort of a gigantic rat but cute- living on their land. After the wine tour, we wander around the property which turned out to be really family-friendly with lots of space to run around and an impressive collection of classic cars.After a night in Barra Brava Casa Del Mar, a pretty and cozy bed and breakfast in Punta Del Este, Uruguay's main coastal town, we head towards our final destination: Punta Del Diablo. Part of the drive is on a highway not far from the ocean, which is great if you or your little one need a break. Whatever exit you take, you'll get to water in less than 10 minutes and will be able to settle down on a deserted beach for a couple of hours. Most of Uruguay's coast is completely wild and pristine. It will be you, babes, sand dunes, little lagoons and the ocean. Simply AMAZING.The other highlight is an unexpected cruise! To see more of the countryside, we choose to use country roads instead of the highway and one hour before getting to Punta Del Diablo we stumble upon a little lagoon. In order to get back on the road, we all get on the boat -my daughter cannot believe her eyes! After a pleasant 15 minute cruise, we're back on track and finally get to Punta Del Diablo. We are staying at the Marisma Apart Hotel located on the beach in the middle of sand dunes. The crash of the waves in the only sound in a distance. To get there, we had to find our ways through a labyrinth of small dirt streets. Although the coastal town is attracting more and more tourists - they can be as many as 30,000 in December and January- it has kept a laid back atmosphere that  filled us with an incredible sense of freedom. Punta Del Diablo is really a little piece of paradise I would go back to any time."Where to sleep ?Punta Del Este. Barra Brava Casa Del Mar. An elegant bed and breakfast bordering a little canal offering a swimming pool and a very convenient layout for families. The rooms are all close to the living room / bar area where mom and dad will be able to rest when the little ones snooze.Punta Del Diablo. Marisma Apart Hotel. An incredible location right on the beach, family rooms with fully equipped kitchen and a swimming pool overlooking the ocean. What else could you ask for?Where to eat ?Punta Del Este. La Bourgogne. Gastronomic French food. Although the place is quite upscale, the staff is very accommodating with families.

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