PUNTA DEL ESTE...
The St. Tropez of South America
The tiny peninsula of Punta del Este is Uruguay's most spectacular beach resort.
It includes the city of Punta del Este, La Barra, Maldonado and Jose Ignacio.
Almost the entire coastal strip from Punta Ballena (Whale Point) towards Jose Ignacio and the border with Brazil is lined with hotels,condominiums, marinas, sports clubs, restaurants and discotheques.
The Uruguayan Riviera.
Punta del Este is stylish, elegant and glamorous, with a Miami-like skyline.
Every summer (December to March) it attracts the rich and famous from Europe and America, as well as wealthy South Americans.
But Punta (as it's commonly known) is not only the place for celebrities - even though Robert de Niro, Antonio Banderas, Leonardo di Caprio or top model Naomi Campbell have come here at one point or another, among other stars.
Punta caters equally for a family vacation, music and film lovers, sport fishermen and even gamblers - Punta has three casinos.
With 20 miles of pristine beaches, Punta offers plenty of entertainment to the outdoor and nature lover...
- golf
- tennis
- biking
- horseback riding
- sailing
- windsurfing
- swimming
- bird watching
In addition, during high season, there is an abundance of events: fashion shows, film festival, jazz festival, rodeos, regattas, etc.
You will never get bored in Punta.
The season kicks into high gear by Christmas, when celebrities star arriving for a week of get-together, lavish dinners and night cruises.
It goes from a sleepy coastal town to a blooming summer resort with vibrant nightlife.
Its population grows from several thousand to half million population.
If you favor peace, the best time is March, when you will also find lower prices.
Punta's most famous beaches are...
- La Brava (the one facing the Atlantic, with waves that make it ideal for surfing)
- La Mansa (on the bay side)
La Barra is Punta del Este's trendiest neighborhood.
Visit Bikini, Manantiales and specially Montoya, if you are a surf lover.
It's also the nocturnal gathering point par excellence.
Jose Ignacio-18 km from Punta - it was transformed from a fishermen village into a secluded retreat and summer villas favored by Argentinean celebrities for the last two decades.
Other attractions include...
- Tile Museum (Museo del Azulejo) and Casapueblo in Punta Ballena (Whale Point)
- Lobos and Gorriti islands (inhabited by a colony of sea lions)
- Parque El Jaguel
- Parque Municipal Zoologico Medina
- Zoologico Pan de Azuca
- Lighthouse
- Ralli Museum
- Mazzoni Museum
- Lussich Park
- Panoramic Route
Don't forget to stroll along Gorlero Ave., visit the Yacht Harbor and the crafts market over the week-ends at Plaza Artigas.
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Punta del Este is located in the east point (Punta del Este) of bay of Maldonado, 140 km (87 miles) from Montevideo.
At the beginning of 19th century it was only visited by sailors and fishermen.
It was declared a village in 1907, when the first chalets were built and also the first hotel, by Pedro Risso.
With white sand beaches and unspoiled nature, it soon started to attract visitors largely due to the efforts of the city's pioneers such as Francisco Aguilar, Enrique Brunett, Antonio Lassich, etc.
The golden era came in the 40s, when the first club and private bungalows were built and Hollywood stars rolled in.
In the 50s, even the Rat Pack vacationed here.
Punta del Este was strongly developed by Argentineans int the late 1970s and 1980s, and soon became the favorite vacation spot for politician, show biz stars and wealthy South Americans.
How to Get There:
Coming from abroad, you will arrive through Carrasco International Airport -19 km (12 miles) from Montevideo and then drive for over one hour or take a bus.
You could also fly to Laguna del Sauce Airport, outside Punta del Este - just half an hour from Buenos Aires, if you are in Argentina.
By ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, or Piriapolis if coming from Buenos Aires.
Where to Stay:
Punta del Este caters for whatever you can afford in terms of lodging. From five stars to middle of the range.
On the budget side, you can try..
- Backpacker de La Barra:
Calle 9 #2306, La Barra de Maldonado - 1949 Hostel:
Corner of 18th and 30th street
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