Activities

GFNY José Ignacio unfolds entirely within a territory that has grown beyond a single pinpoint on the map to become a geographic, aesthetic and cultural reference in eastern Uruguay.

From the coast to the inland countryside, the villages of José Ignacio and Garzón offer a more tranquil, remote and elevated escape from nearby tourist hotspot Punta del Este.

Once a quiet fishing village, José Ignacio has evolved into South America’s most sophisticated escape while keeping its rustic soul intact. The peninsula is a unique blend where unpaved roads lead to world-class dining, and modern boutique hotels hide behind lush greenery. José Ignacio presents a barefoot luxury, with low-profile mansions tucked into windswept dunes, and its chic yet chilled party scene makes you feel it’s exactly where you want to be. With just a couple of hundred permanent residents, from late December through January, it transforms into an international jet-set playground.

A 30-minute drive inland from the glamour and buzz of Jose Ignacio, lies the tiny hamlet of Garzon with rural character, quiet streets, and wild-west luxury. Pueblo Garzón has a whitewashed church, colored houses and a flower-lined central plaza. It is small, but it has its own boutique hospitality, including Hotel Garzón and adjoining Casa Anna. It also features acclaimed wineries and restaurants, such as those by famed chef Francis Mallmann.

The José Ignacio area offers Atlantic beaches, relaxed sophistication, and one of the strongest summer identities in Uruguay. For riders and companions, GFNY José Ignacio can be part of a wider holiday experience that includes beach time, long lunches, and the broader coastal rhythm of the Punta del Este area.

The start and finish line location offers a quiet, refined atmosphere. Its scale is part of its charm: historic buildings, rural calm, and a distinctive sense of place that feels far removed from the intensity of peak summer on the coast.

The wider Garzón area is known for wine, olive groves, and destination gastronomy. It is home to leading projects including Agroland (promoting olive-oil and countryside experiences) and Bodega Garzón (offering enotourism, a restaurant, and private events), adding another layer to the region’s appeal beyond the race itself.