The symbolic centre of gaucho culture is just a couple of hours away in the middle of the pampas. Stroll along its cobbled   streets and enjoy a coffee with some local pastries at an old boliche, tavern cum coffee shop and   visit the fine silversmiths who proudly make  the  gaucho´s gear  after which you will  relax in an estancia, criollo style, tasting  an authentic asado.

A Unesco World Heritage Site, only an hour away by ferry, is a real gem. Founded in 1680  this sleepy historic port has a lot to show. Once a Portuguese colony, time seems to have stopped .  Wander through  the old town along its tiny cobbled streets popping into small museums of  colonial dress, pottery, maps and tilework.