 | PUNTA DEL ESTE
Punta del Este is ranked one of the top beaches in the world. Clean, spacious, and lined with shops and restaurants, this beach is a favorite among the elite of South America. Punta del Este is a small but modern city which hibernates in the winter (April through November) and comes to life suddenly from November through March. Among the main attractions of Punta del Este is the Conrad Hotel and Casino. The conrad has high quality big name entertainment, a large and modern casino, and very upscale shops in which you can find jewelry, fine cigars, expensive clothes, and exotic items. There are many excellent restaurants to be found along the beach and throughout the large deep water yaht basin which specialize in fresh and excellently prepared seafood caught locally. |
 | LA BARRA
La Barra used to be a small fishing village bordered by the Atlantic ocean and a large brackish lagoon. The town was known for its beaches, seafood, and the twin bridges connecting the town with other cities. The twin bridges are famous for the double "hump" constructed on each and make for a whoopsie daisy felling whenever they are crossed.
Today LA Barra has its own world class casino call "Mantra" This hotel has all the spas, and jewelry stores one would expect in a top quality Casino Hotel. La Barra is also in the process of constructing a large modern mall and several condominiums. Most locals are happy about the mall, but just as in most beautiful towns, the condos are not so well appreciated.
When visiting La Barra, one must NOT miss the Museum del Mar which is a private collection of sea creatures from all over the world. In this rambling edifice, one can touch the skeletons of many types of whales, view the huge and strange "sun Fish", see a stuffed albatross with an 8 foot wingspan, and read about the history of the beaches of Uruguay (In Spanish only unfortunately). |
 | JOSE IGNACIO
This little known out of the way town is perhaps the most beautiful of the beach towns in Uruguay. The tiny village is very small and is located on a very hilly isthmus sticking out into the Atlantic ocean. The town is full of youth hostels, and large statley homes ech having an air of history about it. There is a picturesque lighthouse which is open to the public and many fine places to eat and drink away the days of sun and fun. This town has a definate California feel and is full of youthful surfers enjoying the large waves rolling in from across the ocean. Jose Ignacio also has a small fishing fleet which supply the local restaurants with a varied assortment of the freshest seafood available anywhere. |
 | PIRIAPOLIS
Piriapolis was the first beach resort in Uruguay. The city is built around the Rambla de los Argentinos, (the name reflects the majority of the vacationers) and is a little quieter and more peaceful than the more metropolitan Punta del Este. The city of the two hills, Piriapolis is famous in Uruguay for its beautiful views. The view pictured here is from the top of Cerro (Hill) San Antonio which can be reached by car or by by chairlift in the summer. This tree covered hill is topped by the templo de San Antonio which honors a revered saint and is filled with plaques dedicated to the saint and thanking him for granting the prayers of petitioners. There is also a very nice restaurant atop Cerro San Antonio. The second famous hill of Piriapolis and the third highest point in Uruguay is known as the Cerro Pan de Azucar (Sugar loaf) and is a huge outcropping of granite with very little flora. This is a striking contrast to the surrounding country side and offers the adventuresome traveller and excellent climbing opportunity.
One of the most beautiful and unique features of Piriapolis is the Arboreto Lussich. This forrest was created by Antonio Lussich who tirelessly brought in 350 exotic species along with 70 native ones to create a truly spectacular forrest. This is one spot which should not be missed. |
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