Carmen Passarella and
Joselo Hernández

El Ceibo is a typical, South American sheep and cattle ranch set in farmland amid the gently rolling plains of Uruguay. The ranch building itself dates back to 1849 when it also performed small legal services to the community, such as marriage ceremonies, christenings and birth registrations. With only minor renovations El Ceibo's simple and welcoming style, befitting today's trend in "eco tourism", has been preserved. A stay in El Ceibo is, in effect, like stepping back in time.

Activities at the ranch include: country walks, rides in a horse-drawn cart, horse-riding, fishing - and even milking a cow. Walks follow the local river or take place in surrounding forests which are home to a large variety of birds. A natural lake, formed out of the river, is safe for swimming and also offers a natural, sandy beach on its shores. Beautiful sunsets, star-filled nights and the sound of running water as it passes over rocks also combine to create the perfect environment in which to relax.

Aside for the charm of that ranch house's original features (from the old entrances designed to take horse-drawn carriages to the forecourt with its 150 year-old ....glicina .... ), El Ceibo is able to offer all modern comforts to its guests. The rooms  and the original, large bathrooms have been refurbished. The food we serve is home-made on the farm and no culinary experience would be complete withoug a "parillada": a typical Uruguayan wood-fired barbecue enjoyed through the generations by the gauchos who worked on the ranch. We are also delighted to cater to our guests' particular food requirements.

El Ceibo first opened its doors to Eco Tourism in 1995 under its family owners, Jose Hernandez and Carmen Passarella. They and their sons, Juan Martin and fabian hereby invite you to enjoy the hospitality fo country folk and to rediscover the charm a natural way of life in a unique setting.