Estación Penitente

Estación Penitente is an enchanting hill-top restaurant housed within three restored 1950s-era train cars. It’s set in the Sierras de Minas, Uruguay, a rolling hill region studded with rocks and olive groves. Under two hours from Montevideo and less from Punta del Este, you’ll enjoy superb views and homemade, locally-sourced Uruguayan cuisine.

In 2009 owners Sara and Gonzalo decided to move their family to the country and choose Minas. Their first stop was to this property, a location popular with visitors as an incredible place to shoot photos. Instantly they fell in love, knowing it was where they wanted to create something special. At first they were told they couldn’t buy the land because the deed had been tied up in difficult litigation for the last ten years. Yet when Gonzalo called the court, as if by a miracle, the case had just been resolved that very same day.

The transportation and restoration of three vintage railway wagons was no mean feat. The idea for the cars came via a friend, who insisted Gonzalo come see them at an auction. In spite of having gone out of curiosity, he realised immediately he had to buy them and use them somehow. The logistics were another issue altogether. It would take almost six months just to find movers to transport the cars to the hilltop. And another two years, to design and build the working restaurant. But it was SOOO worth it.