Known as the St Tropez of Uruguay, Punta del Este’s coastline and beaches have been attracting the rich and famous for decades. It is set on a small peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean and is just 100kms to the east of Montevideo. It boasts miles of wonderful coastline, elegant seaside mansions, great shopping, glamorous restaurants and a marina full of gin palaces. The Vegas-style Conrad casino adds to the entertainment scene of this lively and bustling town, which is easily accessible from Buenos Aires either by hydrofoil or plane.
- Have a rest on the monster sculpted hand on Playa Brava
- Hang out with the jet set in Punta’s many bars and clubs
- See the huge gin palaces plus a few sealions in the glitzy harbour
- Soak up the rays on the many chic sandy beaches
- Try your luck at the casino’s many gaming tables
For water lovers there is plenty of fishing, surfing, sailing or trips to offshore islands such as Gorriti or Isla de Lobos which is home to a large colony of sea lions. For those preferring land based activities, there are some great golf courses, a rich cultural scene with many art galleries and designer boutiques as well as interesting craft markets.
Those looking for some peace and quiet can explore the rolling countryside surrounding Punta del Este. Spend a day or two on a historic estancia for a true South American experience. Saddle up with a local gaucho and ride through the remote outback and admire the magnificent scenery.