Punta del Este Wowed me:
Uruguay, which is an indigenous Charrua Indian term meaning River of Birds, is the second smallest country in South America (after Surinam), sandwiched in between giant Brazil to the north and giant Argentina to the west and south. But for such a small country, it has a very
big coastline-- some 300-plus miles (500 km) of white sandy beach that is occasionally interrupted by dunes, pine, acacia and eucalyptus trees. Equivalent in size to England, it is the massiveness of the surrounding countries that make it seem so small.
Uruguay is one of only 4 nations which lie entirely south of the Tropic of Capricorn; the others are New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean, and Lesotho and Swaziland in southern Africa. The population is primarily of European descent, mostly a Spanish-Italian mix. The people are generally quiet, friendly, and well-educated-- without the sizzle you expect to find in more famous South American places like the cities of Buenos Aires or Rio.
Along the country's southern border is the wide estuary of the Rio de la Plata, on the east is the Atlantic Ocean. Its capital city, Montevideo, is home to almost 50% of the nation's population, a modern city with a historical old town that dates back to colonial times. Surrounding the whole city lies an uninterrupted stretch of --you guessed it-- white sandy beach.
The beaches to the east of Montevideo run up towards the Brazilian border. With its low forested hills, sheltered bays, lagoons and surf-washed sand, this area is known as the Uruguayan Riviera and boasts some of the continent's most popular seaside resorts. From Montevideo to Punta del Este this coast is fairly well developed and is known as the Costa de Oro.
Punta del Este is built on a small peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, with a calm bay on its western side, perfect for swimming, and especially friendly to children. Running to the east of Punta is the wilder Atlantic coast with beautiful wetlands and abundant bird life -- a place where locals go to escape the crowds. Large forests of eucalyptus, pine and mimosa trees lie on the edge of the city, fragrant and cool, their sweet and tart aromas mingling with the sea air.
At the tip of the peninsula is the historic monument of El Faro (lighthouse). By law, no other building in this part of town may be built higher than the lighthouse. Also in this area you will find the Plaza General Artigas, which includes a handicraft market, the Feria Artesanal. Museums, art galleries, cinemas, restaurants, nightclubs and casinos keep visitors to the city entertained long after they've left the beach.
Often referred to as the St. Tropez or Monte Carlo of South America, Punta del Este is a full fledged world class resort, 86 miles (139km) from Montevideo, and from December to April (summertime in Uruguay) this resort town rocks. Indeed, Punta del Este is one of the most sophisticated beach destinations in the world. A year-round destination, it has the reputation for allowing you to be "as you are..." --but with class.
Punta, as the city is fondly called, has long been a favorite getaway of the South American rich and famous. The 19th-century lifestyle is still lived by these people today, who travel accompanied by personal hairdressers, pets and servants, and may very well own one of the estates on the "rich" part of the peninsula.
Besides its miles of great swimming and sunning beaches (When you see the BIG Hand in the Sand you'll know you're in Punta), Punta del Este is wonderful for water sports, from surfing to yachting and fishing. There is a sophisticated marina and a number of yacht and fishing clubs, with yachting regattas, off-shore racing, etc. Punta del Este is "spotlighted in nautical sports, being a designated port for the world circumnavigation competition, in motor sports with formula auto racing as well as other sports with a great number of tournament and events.
If you're more of a landlubber, casinos, tennis, golf and polo, musical and cultural shows, nightclubs, the excitement of the casino tables and first-run movies are also available. For gourmet eating, the doors are open to a culinary paradise, because world wide cuisine is available at its best-- notwithstanding Uruguay's reputation as a beef-eating paradise.
There are charming corners, within or beyond the peninsula, international restaurants and places for a simple but tasty meal. Attractions also include enchanting bars, pastry shops, tea salons, 24-hour supermarkets as well as shopping streets with stores open all night.
And opportunities to shop for the latest European couture are everywhere in the city, which especially in the summertime is filled with "well-groomed, narcissistic tourists sporting hibiscus shirts". (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/sam/uru.htm#mone) Come with a lightly packed suitcase and take advantage of the wonderful deals you'll find to return home with a full one!
Like to dance? Then brush up on your tango and join the locals at any of the nightclubs. Punta del Este is a nightlife hotspot, and the tango is a favorite throughout Uruguay-- with its own local variations. But don't expect an early night, because discos and clubs in this glamourous resort rarely even get going before 2 AM.
Approximately 90% of Uruguay's grassy interior is used for cattle and sheep grazing, and they eat a LOT of beef in Uruguay, in all its forms, with nearly every meal. Most of the restaurants in Uruguay are grillrooms, called parrilladas. Favourite beef dishes include asado, which is barbecued beef; asado de tira, which is barbecued ribs; pulpa, which is boneless beef; lomo, which is fillet steak; and bife de chorrizo, which is rump steak. (If you prefer lean meat, ask for asado flaco.) If you are adventurous, try morcilla dulce, a sweet black sausage made from blood, orange peel and walnuts. You will also find different kinds of seafood easily available, including squid (calamari), shark and mussels.
And if you're a dessert maven you must try the excellent ice cream, and especially don't miss "chaja", a sponge cake filled with cream, jam and peaches that came highly recommended by a reader of The Beat. Put your diet on hold while you're visiting Punta-- you're on vacation!
Note: Cash is king in Uruguay. Traveler's checks are difficult to change throughout the entire country (including Punte del Este, newer parts of Montevideo, and the entire interior of the country.) The exception is in the old, historic part of Montevideo (Ciudad Vieja), where checks are easily cashed-- though not at very good rates. Cambios in Montevideo and the Atlantic beach resorts will change US dollars (and sometimes travelers' checks --at a poor rate). Try the banks if you really need to cash traveller's checks. Better hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards-- especially in Punta-- but Uruguayan ATMs will not accept either North American or European credit cards. There is no black market.
While you explore this glamorous city and its surroundings, a good place to stay is at the Interval International 5-Star Rincon del Este resort, located in an upscale neighborhood less than 1/3 mile (500 meters) from the Golf Cantegril Country Club. Rincon del Este occupies a 4.2-acre (1.7-hectare) tract that includes a nine-hole putting green, and Rincon Club members and guests enjoy direct access to the Golf Cantegril course, as well as discounts and other benefits there. In addition, the resort's staff organizes a full schedule of social events on the off chance that you should find yourself with nothing to do (fat chance!), and will help you book a variety of tours and excursions-- on horseback, by bicycle, or on foot.
This resort also offers a bar and restaurant, an indoor heated pool in addition to the outdoor pool, tennis and paddle courts, a fitness room, sauna, whirlpool, reading and relaxation room, game room, meeting room, and art gallery. It has a central direct-dial telephone system in all units, fax capability, satellite dishes, closed-circuit television, in-unit safes, and emergency generators.
Other services offered at the resort includes babysitting, cosmetology and massage, housekeeping, laundry, security, and room service.
Surprised? You had no idea that such a sophisticated resort existed in South America outside of Rio and Buenos Aires? Clue: Punta is better. Don't miss out.
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