Estancia Termal San Nicanor — Hotel in Paysandú

On our first trip to South America we decided to stay and see unique/less traveled places. A friend had highly recommended this thermal hotel 'estancia' (ranch) 4 hours north of Montevideo so we decided to give it a try. At first my husband and I were a bit skeptic because we couldn’t find any website, reviews nor pictures of this estancia in the internet. I finally found their website and booked a double room. On our way to the ranch we drove by other thermal hotels but none seemed to have the historic richness, amazing views and nature we experienced while at San Nicanor. We stayed in a 100 year old main house which only had 6 en suite bedrooms (not very luxurious but newly renovated and clean) and a 104F (40C) pure thermal water pool. The home made food was exquisite and service very good. On the first night we had to adapt to the sound of Peacocks (there were more than 50 of them around the property) and the countryside silence. The day after our arrival, the owner invited us to go on an early morning bird watching safari around the ranch’s lakes. It was an unforgettable experience. The ranch does not allow hunting so more than 150 autochthon and migrating birds find refuge in the area. We even spotted wild ostriches! ||We spent 4 days of absolute relaxation and closeness to nature in this unique place. I would definitely stay again at San Nicanor if I ever go...

Estancia San Niconor is a beautiful, enchanting place. There are two parts to San Niconor -- the historic estancia and the camping area (with cabins or tents to rent). The estancia's rooms are quite large and decorated in a comforable rustic charm. The reason to go however is for the thermal baths. Sitting in the pools at night looking up at the stars is an unforgettable experience. While we didn't go horse back riding, horses were available for rent, which would be a great way to explore the estate and the area. ||The food at the restaurant is delicious and many of the vegetables are grown on the estate. As you enter the estate there is a grove of orange trees and indeed oranges were served with breakfast, along with delicious homemade breads and cakes.||On this trip, I stayed in the hotel, but when I return with my children I think I will stay in one of the cabins. ||I have stayed at many hotels all over the world and rarely have I stayed anywhere so charming. I can't...

San Nicanor is an absolute must if you visit Uruguay. Ralf and his family operate this beautiful, tranquil, estancia of nearly 2000 acres. The facilities are fantastic. Two of the swimming pools are fed by thermal waters from a 1000 feet down! The food is absolutely first rate and served in a beautiful renovated facility by caring folks. I stayed only two nights but should have planned on a longer stay to truly enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this place. Wild Emus roam the property as well as loads of Peacocks and the eucalyptus trees team with parrots .Ralf believes in letting everything stay as close to nature as possible. There are a wide variety of rooms to choose from and even a wonderful camping area. A great internet system allows access to everything (it was certainly the best connection I had in nearly a month of travel). If power is lost during a storm there are two generators that click on right away....