Beach Resort Guide
Punta del Este
Punta del Este Beach Resort Guide
Introduction
Widely described as the St Tropez of South America, this millionaires' playground for well-heeled South Americans is a vibrant beach resort. Known for its beautiful people and energetic nightlife, the resort boasts pristine sandy beaches, great restaurants and a temperate climate. Golf, tennis, sailing, surfing and whole host of other activities are also available. While incredibly expensive to most Latin Americans, it's more manageable for Europeans to splash out and feel like they are living the high life without breaking the bank.
Who goes there?
Mainly wealthy Argentines and Uruguayans during the summer season from November to March. Visitors tend to be large groups of young, affluent friends intending to party all night, or rich families coming to stay in their second homes. Tourists from further afield are making their way to Punta del Este, many drawn by the clubbing scene, which in peak season is the best in South America.
Where in the world?
Punta del Este is situated 140km (87 miles) west of Uruguay's capital city of Montevideo, on the country's south coast - just a short hop across the Río de la Plata from Argentina. The resort sits on a peninsula with the Río de la Plata to the northwest and the Atlantic ocean to the southeast. It is mainly flat with dunes on some of the beaches. Just offshore are the islands of Gorriti and de Lobos.
Beach
There are several beaches to choose from and holidaymakers tend to beach-hop during the day depending on surf conditions. Playa Mansa can be found on the Rio de la Plata side and has gentler conditions compared to Playa Brava on the Atlantic coast. Attractive beaches are dotted along the coast either side of Punta del Este. Going east Las Delicias and Pinares are beautiful but relatively quiet beaches. On the west side, Bikini and La Barra are the party beaches where the jetset come to swim and sunbathe. All have beachside restaurants of varying size and exclusivity. Most are patrolled by lifeguards in the busy summer season. Surfing, windsurfing and snorkelling are popular activities.
Beyond the beach
A boat trip to Isla Gorriti, just 2km (1 mile) across the sea, has more lovely beaches and old fortifications. Isla de Lobos lies 8km (5 miles) from the city and is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the world.
The lighthouse, ‘Faro de Punta del Este', is a famous landmark and easy to spot towards the end of the peninsula. A real must-see is the Museo del Mar (Calle de los Corsarios), which houses a quirky collection of whale skeletons, turtle shells and other marine oddities. Casapueblo (Ruta Panoramica, Punta Ballena) is the former home of famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaro. Now a modern art museum, it is one of the major landmarks of the city with its Gaudi-esque architecture.
The lighthouse, ‘Faro de Punta del Este', is a famous landmark and easy to spot towards the end of the peninsula. A real must-see is the Museo del Mar (Calle de los Corsarios), which houses a quirky collection of whale skeletons, turtle shells and other marine oddities. Casapueblo (Ruta Panoramica, Punta Ballena) is the former home of famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaro. Now a modern art museum, it is one of the major landmarks of the city with its Gaudi-esque architecture.
Family fun
Aside from the beaches, children can amuse themselves at Parque El Jagüel (Avenida Aparicio Saravia, near the airport), a playground with wooden play equipment and animal figures. There is also a large zoo, the Parque Municipal Zoológico Medina (Camino Medina, Ruta 39, San Carlos) which has interactive exhibits. There is a large range of activities available to families including horse riding, bike hire, windsurfing, surf lessons and even a go-kart track in Maldonaldo.
Retail therapy
Window shopping amongst the glitterati along Avenida Juan Gorlero is the way to shop in style in Punta del Este. In the space of a few blocks, you'll find designer shops galore. La Barra, a hip district to the east of Punta del Este, has a few boutique shops along its strip. A popular jaunt on summer evenings is the Feri Hippie or Hippie Market (Plaza Artigas), with stalls selling all manner of items including local arts and crafts, jewellery, clothes and leather goods.
A night on the town
Clubs and bar-restaurants can be found on Avenida Juan Golero. Punta 33 (Calle 11- Las Palmeras), is one of the newer bar-restaurants to visit. Visitors shouldn't be fooled by a low key start to the night, as it soon hots up with people dancing the night away. One of the top hang-outs is the Buddha Bar (Bikini Beach, La Barra), frequented by celebrities and supermodels such as Gisele Bündchen. Nightlife in Punta is a test of stamina with most of the bars and clubs staying open until 0700.
Eating out
Eating out is Punta is a great experience with plenty of choice, from pizzerias to Argentine style parrilla restaurants (steak houses). Citrus (Rambla del Puerto) is the hottest new food fusion restaurant for incredible meals, sunsets and views over Isla Gorriti. For more Latin American tastes try Lo de Tere (Rambla del Puerto and Calle 21). It should be noted that nobody even think about dining until after 2200. A good option for a post party refuel is breakfast or lunch at Medialunas Calentitas (Palmas de la Barra shopping centre), La Barra's famous bakery.
Getting around
Due to the sprawling nature of Punta del Este, the best way to see the city and its surrounding beaches is by hire car. Taxis can be incredibly expensive so hire cars are by far the cheaper option if wanting to explore. There is also bike and motorcycle hire. There is a shuttle bus that runs along the coast stopping at the major beach resorts. There are frequent stops and the bus is a reliable service to get you around the area.
Be aware that the traffic becomes very heavy during the peak summer months of December and January, travelling around by bike or motorcycle is a good idea if you want to avoid the jams. An international driving licence is required for hiring vehicles.
Be aware that the traffic becomes very heavy during the peak summer months of December and January, travelling around by bike or motorcycle is a good idea if you want to avoid the jams. An international driving licence is required for hiring vehicles.
Exploring further afield
Cerro Pan de Azúcar, at 339m (1,112ft), is the third highest hill in the country. Situated just inland from the coast at Piriapolis, it is possible to walk to the top via stairs on its southern side. As well as breathtaking views from the top, there is a large cement cross with stairs inside which visitors can climb. Also possible in a long day, is a trip to the historic city of Colonia with its beautifully restored old buildings, fortifications and churches.
Splashing out
La Mantra (Ruta 10 km, La Barra de Maldonado) is Punta del Este's latest super-luxury resort. Hollywood stars and supermodels are among the clientele so be prepared to dress to impress if visiting the casino or trendy Lido nightclub there. Lo de Charlie (Calle 12, 819) is one of the city's most expensive restaurants and lives up to its reputation with a cosy atmosphere, huge portions and delicious food. A gastronome's delight. Smart clothing is essential.
Flying in
Montevedeo Airport (MVD)
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