Field trips for Montevideo, Uruguay

One of the oldest towns in Uruguay, Colonia is a UNESCO World Heritage site with large squares and narrow cobblestone streets. Founded by Portugal and later conquered by the Spanish, this picturesque city fuses Portuguese, Spanish, and post-colonial styles into a one-of-a-kind historic charm. The city offers easy access to the surrounding areas, including Rio de la Plata beaches, and farms where the locals produce cheese and wine.

This field trip introduces students to Montevideo’s contemporary art scene through a visit to the Espacio de Arte Contemporáneo (EAC), a public institution dedicated to promoting and exhibiting contemporary artistic expression. Housed in a former women’s prison, the building itself is an important part of the experience, illustrating how a historic space has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center. During the visit, students will explore the galleries and learn about the institution’s mission to support contemporary artists from Uruguay and abroad. The exhibitions are renewed twice a year, ensuring that each visit offers new perspectives and artistic approaches.

In recent years, graffiti and murals in Montevideo has flourished. This guided tour offers the opportunity to learn about the urban artwork decorating the walls of Montevideo, the stories behind each brushstroke, and the motivation of the artists.

Discover downtown Montevideo on this tour, including Plaza Independencia, the most important square in the city regarding history and politics; the Artigas Mausoleum which celebrates the national hero, José Artigas; museums, art galleries, theaters, and more. You will also tour the old city center of Montevideo to see where history and current Uruguayan life collide.

Our stop at Pan de Azúcar Eco Reserve in Piriapolis offers a unique opportunity to explore the country's rich biodiversity and natural landscapes. Students will discover native plants and wildlife and learn about conservation efforts. This institution is recognized worldwide not only for its educational work but also for its efforts regarding endangered animals—specifically its role as a breeding station for the pampas deer endemic to Uruguay, It has the world's largest captive herd of this species.

Palacio Legislativo is the site where the Uruguayan parliament meets, and the building was declared a National Historic Monument in 1975. Take a guided tour inside the building, including the two chambers of the parliament, the Lost Steps Saloon and the Parliament Library (the second largest library in Uruguay).

Visit the Nature Reserve at Cerro Pan de Azucar, a nature park and zoo located near one of the country's earliest resort towns, Piriápolis. Enjoy magnificent coastal city views: from the yacht-filled harbor to the waterfront promenade of Rambla de los Argentinos, which curves around the bay and Piriápolis Beach.

You’ll also visit Punta del Este, a resort city on a narrow peninsula in southeast Uruguay. Check out Brava Beach, popular for its strong surf and giant sculpture of “The Hand” rising out of the sand, and Mansa Beach’s calm, shallow waters. Local handicrafts are sold at Plaza Artigas, near the main street area’s (Avenida Gorlero) upscale stores. You can also enjoy views from a 19th-century lighthouse at the peninsula’s southern tip.

Explore the vibrant seaside city of Punta del Este and take some time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Often referred to as the “Monaco of the South”, Punta del Este has gained a reputation as a resort for Latin and North American tourists. The site has hosted several historical events, including U.S. President Lyndon Johnson’s 1967 American Summit, the Whitbread Round the World yacht races from 1985 to 1994, and the first roundtable discussion that led to the creation of the World Trade Organization in 1994.

Dominating the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, or pink house, is the seat of the Argentine national government and houses the president’s office. In this historic city see where Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the masses during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The San Telmo Market is the bohemian neighborhood’s biggest attraction. It began as a 270-stall antiques market in 1970, and has since grown into a huge street bazaar.

Visit one of the trendiest “barrios” (neighborhoods) in Buenos Aires. You’ll begin in Palermo Soho to explore its many cafés, restaurants and boutiques, and then head to Palermo Hollywood where most of Buenos Aires’ radio and television studios are located.