Punta del Este

Punta del Este is a beach resort town in Uruguay complete with casinos, beaches, yachts and lots of tourists. Many of these tourists come from the other side of the Rio de la Plata from Argentina to get some nice fun in the sun on a beach away from the brown waters of the Rio de la Plata.

Understand

Punta del Este

Punta del Este is known for its beaches, surfing, beautiful people and an ardent night scene. It is expensive, usually about 50% more expensive than other areas of Uruguay, if not more. There are many travel sights, including the amazing restaurants. It's been called the Monaco of South America. In the past several years the area has become extremely urbanized with several highrises, and often recieves mixed reviews from tourists. Tourist season varies wildly from totally deserted in the winter to very, very crowded in the summer, unusual for a city this size.

Get in

Punta del Este is linked to Montevideo by a well-maintained four-lane divided highway called the Ruta Interbalnearia. It is a toll road maintained by the Highway Corporation of Uruguay. The toll plazas are near Solis and Pando and charge 65 pesos per automobile (larger vehicles pay more), to vehicles traveling in both directions.

If you rent a car in Montevideo, you must budget at least 260 pesos round trip (about $11 USD as of February 2015) and include the time necessary to stop at toll plazas four times (twice in each direction) in your trip planning.

If you want a hotel room you can see 360° virtual tours of the best hotels of Punta del Este, and book online here: http://hoteles.uruguay360.com.uy

Regular buses come back and forth from Montevideo for around 220 Pesos one way, making Punta del Este a convenient day trip (two hours by bus, see the timetable [8]). If you accidentally get off the bus at Maldonado Terminal which is a few kilometers north of Punta del Este you can easily catch a local bus (marked "Punta del Este" in top front) at the stop just behind the bus terminal for 14 Uruguayan Pesos(US$.60) which you pay to the driver.

There are several ferry companies that offer services to and from Buenos Aires. A ferry takes you from Buenos Aires to Colonia, then you take a bus to Punta Del Este. The return trip takes the same path. The journey is a bit long at 7-8 hours, but is not obscenely expensive when compared to air travel and significantly shorter than the overland option.

If you need a transfer from the airport you can do it by: Bus, taxi or remises Airport Transfer Uruguay. Bus is very cheap but it's not comfortable because you have to travel with your bags. Taxis are located in front of the airport, rates in taxi are very expensive, so you can pre-book online a remise or private transfer, rates start at U$S 250. Most used: Remises B&B , Airport Transfer Uruguay If you are in Buenos Aires, you can take a short direct flight (less than 1 hour) to Punta del Este. Alternatively, you can take the ferry (about 3 hours) from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. Montevideo is approximately two hours (by car) away from the Peninsula of Punta del Este. You can also do a transfer from port by taxi or remise, same rates from airport.

220 pesos from Montevideo to Punta del Este on the bus. Buses are frequent.

Get around

The bulk of Punta del Este is on a peninsula jutting into the ocean. The perimeter of this peninsula can easily be traversed by foot.

To get to La Barra o José Ignacio you'd better have a means of transport like a car (renting a car is always going to be the best way to visit all the places). Buses are not very frequent and public transport like taxis usually have to be called over the phone (very expensive compared to standards of the rest of Uruguay). Hitchhiking is common for young people since night clubs are far from each other and people may be staying in places far from the clubs. If you have a car, be kind; pick up someone (especially in the morning, after the clubs have closed). Remember that Punta del Este is very safe, but normal precautions should always be taken.

You can rent a moped (scooter) for US$10/hour or US$45/day at several places.

See

Casa Pueblo

The beautiful sunsets in the port of Punta del Este, La Barra or Jose Ignacio are other spots not too far away (by car), from Punta del Este itself. Go to the beaches, being a peninsula you have two coastlines, one of them is pretty quiet and calm (called "mansa"), and the other one is windy, with some surf spots (called "brava"). Famous beaches includes: "La playa de los Dedos" ("The finger beach"), which is near the main street in Punta del Este, close to a surf spot, and it has a giant hand emerging from the sand. In La Barra the Bikini Beach is famous because of the models and famous people that go there. The endless beaches, beautiful seaside mansions, tree-lined streets, chic boutiques, stylish people.

• Casa-Pueblo, (From Punta del Este bus terminal, ask for a bus to Punta Ballena. Tell the driver that you are getting out at this destination.). Casa-Pueblo is a beautiful resort-museum near Punta del Este. It was created by the late Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez-Vilaró in a kind of mediterranean surrealistic architecture, making the whole place to look like a giant sculpture. He was the father of one of the survivors of the infamous plane crash on the Andes, and at least one of the house's towers was dedicated to his survivor son.  edit

Pablo Atchugarry Foundation

• Fundacion Pablo Atchugarry [9] - A Non for Profit Institution dedicated to the promotion of arts and culture in Punta del Este. The foundation was created in 2007 by international sculpture artist Pablo Atchugarry, with the aim to keep a dialogue between art and nature. During the summer season (December to February) the foundation proposed a series of events such as concerts of lyrical to popular music, ballet representations and more. The premises of the institution are composed of the sculptor’s workshop, a building with three exposition rooms, an auditorium, an open air stage for a variety of shows, a restaurant, a didactic room where sculpture, painting, drawing and ceramic classes are held, and a last space which holds the permanent collection and the work of the founder. A 30-hectare sculpture park surrounds the compound.

• Museo del Mar [10] - marine museum

• Museo Ralli [11] - a large collection of contemporary Latin American art

• Maam [12] - a museum based on the private art and archaeology collection of the Uruguayan artist Vilaro (architect of Casapueblo).

• Port - with the fish market and a lighthouse.

• Isla de los Lobos - the largest seals colony in the southern hemisphere. Tours leave at the port.

• Arboretum Lussich - a botanic garden displaying mainly exotic species. It is one of the most important botanic gardens worldwide.

• Uriburu Museum of Contemporary Art [13] with Argentine and Uruguayan artists on display.

• Museo del Indio y Megafauna

• Reserva de Fauna Autoctona - Pan de Azucar - a zoo of indigenous animals on Uruguay's highest hill.

• Cuartel de Dragones - Historical site

Do

Punta del Este is a very important tourist port. The upper crust has its yachts there and if you want to rent a boat, this is the place to ask.

Tanning is a popular activity on Punta del Este's famous beaches. You can choose from beaches on the calm side of the peninsula where you can rent jet skis or banana boat trips, or on the other, windier side. Punta del Este has some good surfing spots, not as good as La Paloma (150km up to the north of Punta del Este), but it gets pretty decent in good days. You can also rent sea bikes, windsurf and kite-surfing equipment, and surf boards.

Punta del Este has an island nearby, that is called the Isla Gorriti. It is protected because of its nature so there are no great buildings or anything like that. You can take a 20 minute ferry at the port that will drop you off at the island where you can enjoy the fun atmosphere, paradisaical beach, and good food at the restaurant. It is also possible to take private yachts, speedboats, or sailboats to the island and anchor by the shore. Renting a boat is nice in good weather. Isla de Lobos is another island that is also protected because of its sea lion population.

• Punta del Este City Tour. Punta del Este Shore Excursions"  edit
• Liberty Ranch Kids Camp, ☎ (095) 425 461, [1]. A fun and educational summer camp for children staying in Punta del Este. Kids have the option of horseback riding, organized sports, educational classes, kayaking, arts and crafts, or several other options. Instruction in English and Spanish.  edit
• Candelaria Church. Candelaria Church, or Saint Mary of Candelaria Parish Church, is the most important catholic temple in Punta del Este. The building is located in the Lighthouse square, in which facade impacts the sky blue color and in its interior it is an image of Candelaria Virgin who was brought from Spain.  edit

Eat

Seafood in Punta del Este is delicious. Chivitos (steak sandwiches) and asado (steak) are the locals' favourite dishes. Aside from that, pretty much any type of food can be found: sushi, Indian, Italian, French cuisine, etc.

• Fred Restaurante Gourmet, Avda. Francia esq. Lenzina Parada 2 (Punta del Este- Uruguay), ☎ +598 42 499 347, [2]. A refined proposal from a norwegian chef with plates carefully selected on a daily basis with the freshest available ingredients. Great wine selection and charming environment. A wonderful tasting experience! Pesos. (295,850) edit
• Hotel L'Auberge, Pda. 19 Brava, Carnoustie y Av. del Agua (Two blocks in from stop 19 of Brava beach), ☎ +598 4248 8888, [3]. 17 - 21. L'Auberge Hotel & Tea House: charming luxury hotel and tea house. Famous for its water tower and its belgian waffles, served with different sauces. No reservations for tea room. Also, excellent restaurant for lunch or dinner, only by reservation. Aprox. 14-20 usd. (-34° 55' 54.70,-54° 54' 21.95) edit
• PINK Restaurant YOO, Av Roosevelt y Parada 8, ☎ 42497650....hum. Unforgetably bad dinner. Don't go under any circumstance. Might be closed by now.  edit

Drink

Local and imported wines (especially Argentinian and european vineyards). There's a famous drink in all Uruguay called "medio y medio" (half and half) which is a mix of sweet sparkling wine, and dry white wine.

Punta del Este is famous for its clubbing scene. Most parties start very late, between midnight and 3AM and end around dawn. You cannot name a specific club because it's probably going to change its name or its location the next year. Don't worry, they do good marketing, so you will find out very easily.

Every year the night life changes, so you never know which is going to be place that will hit the summer in Punta del Este. Most of the clubs are away from the peninsula of Punta del Este, mainly in La Barra. But the fashion places changes, it depends on the year.

You can expect high prices for club entries in late December and early January, and specially in the weekends. After the 15 of January the prices go down (this includes most of the things), and altought there may be still a lot of people in Punta del Este, it is not going to be as crowded. Anyway, expect a lot of movement in the clubs at weekends.

• La Linda, 18 de Julio y Montevideo, 4277 5224 (Manantiales), ☎ +598 4277 5224, [4]. Seafood, farm sourced meats and a cocktail list.  edit

Sleep

Book ahead between Christmas and carnival, when most every bed is taken. Staying in the peninsula of Punta del Este is probably the best option if you don't have a car, as buses are few, cabs and remise are expensive and also are few. Keep in mind that beds here are among the most costly on the continent.

Budget

• 1949 Hostel, corner of 18th and 30th street, 0059842440719 [14]. Expensive (...but well it is Punta del Este) hostel. Has internet facilities and a basic breakfast. The price is 15 US$ (USD 22 during high season) a night or around the equivalent of USD 25 when paying in Uruguayan pesos. Has tiny, cramped rooms but an amazing dining room, with big windows directly to the pavement.

• Shelton Hotel, Calle 31 y Av Gorlero (One block from the bus terminal), ☎ 059842-482543, [5]. checkin: 15.00; checkout: 12.00. Rooms come with private bath, fan, A/C, cable TV, and wifi. Two blocks from the Brava beach with the giant hand. US$35 per room(March 2009 they take Visa and US$).  edit

• Los Picaflores Bed&Breadfast, Calle Cuentos de la Selva and Av. Paris, Parada 8 Mansa (Parada 8 Mansa , between Av. Francia and Av. Artigas), ☎ +598 94 301684. Walking distance from most interesting points in Punta and yet located in an upscale neighborhood. Very comfortable rooms and Pablo (one of the owners) is a super nice guy and very helpful. Cozy , clean and quiet place to stay. 5 blocks to the Mansa Beach, 5 blocks to the shopping mall, 2 km from the main bus station. Free Wi-Fi, fan,good heating during the cold winter, big rooms, nice garden, cable TV, access to the kitchen, takes all Credit Cards. Prices between $40 and $100 US dollars depending on season and accommodation..  edit

Mid Range

• Baie des Anges Apart Hotel & Spa, [15]. Situated in the "Parada 27" on Mansa beach, this elegant boutique hotel is minutes away from Punta del Este's Downtown, where all the most important restaurants and clubs of the city are located. Sea view, awsome sunsets and friendly people.

• La Solana, Ruta Interbalnearia Km 118, Punta Ballena, ☎ 598 42 578 044, [6]. Surrounded by thriving gardens, historical museums, and art galleries, it's also a few minutes from the famous Punta del Este and these attractions: Arboretum Lussich, Casapueblo, and Lake Club. It offers rooms with breathtaking scenes, all equipped with 26/ 29-inch LCD television, Wi-Fi Internet access, and an air-conditioner. Best rates on official website start at USD 290.00.  edit

• Posada Aldila, Km 120, Rinconada Alta, Punta Ballena, ☎ (+598 42) 579 202, [7]. Offers air-conditioned rooms, all of which have Internet connection, cable TV, and mini-bar. Some of its amenities include heated outdoor pool, massage booths and sauna, and beach service. It is near the beach, golf camp, airport, and city center. Best rates on official website start at US$120.  edit

Splurge

• The Chic Collection Hoteles & Resorts [16]. The most exclusive 4 and 5 stars hotel collection at Punta del Este. Each hotel maintains its own and strong personality, providing a wide variety of possibilities to tourists. The Chic Collection consists of Barradas Parque Hotel [17] , Hotel del Lago Golf & Art Resorts [18] and Golden Beach Resort & Spa [19].

• Hotel L'Auberge, [20]. Recently awarded as The Most Excellent Hotel for South America by Condé Nast Johansens. With more than six decades of history and tradition in Punta del Este, the famous Hotel L'Auberge with its water tower rises majestic amidst the tall pines. Rooms with fireplace and heated bathroom floors for the winter. An excellent pool and restaurant for the summer.

• Serena Hotel, [21]. It is the only hotel in Punta that actually sits on the beach; guests of every other hotel must cross the rambla (or walk even farther) to reach the beach. It is a relatively small hotel with only 32 rooms and is adults only.

• Oasis Collections, [22]. A portfolio of 60+ handpicked villas with concierge and full guest support. Recently awarded Top Villa Provider by Condé Nast Traveler.

Get out

Nearby beach towns in Uruguay make for convenient day trips or nice overnight escapes from the crowds of Punta.

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