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Just an hour inland from the beaches of Punta del Este and José Ignacio, cradled in the stunning sierras, lies the Posada de Campo Martín Pescador, a family-run ranch turned inn. This charming Uruguay estancia has it all — great food, riding, trekking, birdwatching, stargazing, relaxing and communing with nature.
In 1998 Gustavo, Teresa and their children began raising Brangus cows and Texel sheep on 200 hectares in the idyllic Aiguá valley. After seeing a kingfisher (Martín Pescador in Spanish) perch on a branch at the entrance they knew right away they found the perfect name for the farm. Remarkably, almost half of all bird species in Uruguay have been spotted on the grounds making this spot perfect for Uruguay nature observation.
They opened the posada, or country inn, in the 2000s but have really started to dedicate themselves to receiving guests since Teresa retired from a high-powered international career in 2024 (she speaks six languages including English, French, German, Chinese, Portuguese and Japanese). The posada has six ensuite guestrooms and three with shared bathrooms.
Guests—many of whom end up becoming regulars—can take it easy, relaxing around the pool in summer and hanging out over a traditional asado on their specially designed decks. Or you can watch close up how to keep a ranch running and partake in the chores yourself if you feel like getting your hands dirty.
Feast on traditional Uruguay country cuisine Teresa loves to introduce guests to the many crops in Martín Pescador’s organic kitchen garden and orchard harvested for the inn’s kitchen. The cook at Martín Pescador has been with the family since she was eighteen years old and in recent years has been winning regional cooking competitions, especially for her smoked meats, she specialises in international cuisine with game from the area, such as boar. Request a typical Uruguayan barbecue, known as an asado, and get involved as much (from choosing the wood and the cuts) or as little as you like.
Trekking and mountain biking This part of Uruguay is uniquely hilly. You can walk the monte nativo on site and use the inn bikes. As trekking inland in Uruguay is only permitted on private land, this is a great spot to stretch your legs on the 200 hectare ranch.
Horse riding, riding workshops and horse constellations No plodding rides here. Riding in the sierras is particularly special with terrific views at sundown. Family constellations with horses is a popular therapy in Uruguay’s horsey community. Notifying in advance you can book a coaching session.
Birdwatching and stargazing 154 bird species have been registered on the inn’s grounds. You are just thirty minutes drive from Uruguay’s highest point—Cerro Catedral—, a highly recommended spot by astronomy professionals.
The secret town of Aiguá (20 minutes by car)
Villa Serrana (50 mins) for breathtaking views, picturesque cabins and select restaurants
Cerro Catedral (30 mins) Uruguay’s highest point
Alto de la Ballena (1 hour) for wine tasting and tours
Punta del Este and Punta Ballena (1 hour)
Posada de Campo Martín Pescador
www.mpescador.com
Aiguá, Maldonado, Uruguay
Phone & WhatsApp +598 99 623 201 (Teresa)
Email reservas@mpescador.com
Consult for options including full board
Photos: Guru’Guay
7 responses
Hola, estamos interesados en 2 noches para Dic 19 y 20, somos 2 adultos. Que precio estimado seria y que incluye? gracias
Hola Guillermo, como estas? Tenes que contactar directamente a Teresa a traves de la info de contacto al final de la recomendacion. Que disfruten! — Karen
Me interesa
En setiembre estaremoscen montevideo
We made our first trip to Uruguay, and the highlight of our trip was staying with Teresa and Gustavo at Posada de Campo Martin Pescador. Teresa, Gustavo, Chef Claudia, and Jenny are all wonderful people who, from the first greeting, made us feel right at home. We spent our days walking in the countryside, horseback riding, and visiting some of the national parks and wineries. Our evenings were spent with fantastic food, incredible sunsets, fireflies and the Southern Cross. Gustavo gave us a great history lesson about the ranch and about Uruguay. Thank you, Karen, for recommending PCMP, it is a must for anyone who is looking for great hospitality in the quiet countryside. Thank you, Teresa and Gustavo for your kindness and friendship.
Delighted to read this, and thank you so much for taking the time to comment. We go out of our way to find outstanding places for our readers to experience and feedback like yours inspires us and helps other people decide to experience them too. Thanks, Tommy! — Karen
My family and I had the best time with Teresa at Martin Pescador. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like family. The kitchen staff provided us with an incredibly delicious and authentic Uruguayan lunch. We enjoyed the guided horseback riding, using the bikes and trampoline and cooling off in the pool. Our day ended with mate and homemade snacks before watching the stunning sunset. Would highly recommend this experience to any family. I cant wait to return and stay overnight on the property.
hey Danielle, you totally have to stay overnight! — Karen