Punta del Este

Punta Del Este

There is a reason that Punta del Este is commonly referred to as the “Hampton’s” of South America and the “St. Tropez” of the South of France. It attracts only the most beautiful, elite and posh crowd with its expensive real estate, flashy nightclubs and bars, and overpriced, well everything. Word of the wise: don’t come to Punta del Este without having some money to spend. During high season (summer) expect to pay 40-60 US dollars per person per night to stay in a dorm style hostel…I wish I were kidding. Nonetheless, it is worth EVERY penny. I am certain that there is no other place in the world like this glamorous vacation town with the most thriving nightlife scene that I have ever experienced.

Getting there: There is an airport in Punta de Este (PDE), but flights directly there tend to be expensive. I think taking the ferry from Buenos Aires is the best way to go. There is a fast ferry (a little more expensive) and a slow ferry that travels to Colonia, Uruguay and then from there you take a 4-hour bus ride to that drops you in the Center of Punta. There is a ferry about $70 US dollars each way.

• Book ferry tickets at: http://www.buquebus.com/cache/HomeARG.html

Once you get there it would be recommended to try and rent a car, but that’s not always the easiest thing to do and can be expensive. Walking from La Barra to Manantiales is manageable and for other locations there are taxis available, public buses, and it is completely safe and accepted to “hacer dedo” (hitch hike). You will come to find that Punta del Este is a very safe and trusted community.

Beaches: The two best beaches are Bikini Beach and Jose Ignacio, both of which are located pretty far from the center. Bikini Beach is 30 minutes by car outside the center located in Manantiales and Jose Ignacio is about another 30 minutes past Bikini Beach—the public bus does go to both beaches from the center but it is VERY slow.

Playa Bravo: stop here on your way out of the bus station, take a tourist picture with “los dedos” and then get on the next bus and head towards Bikini or Jose Ignacio Beach. Definitely not where the cool locals go.

Bikini Beach: this is where you will find the crazy day beach parties (usually start around 4-5pm) and TONS of Brazilians. My advice: grab a caipiroska or a beer and join the dance party.

Jose Ignacio: more mellow and exclusive than Bikini Beach, this is definitely where the elite hang out. I would have to say that this is the prettiest beach in Punta del Este, which makes it no surprise that you will find some of the most beautiful people working on their tans here.

Sights:

Casapueblo: Located outside the center in the opposite direction of La Barra, this is an old house of the famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez V. Now it has been turned into a museum, an art gallery, and even a hotel, Hotel Casapueblo. Casapueblo depicts the traditional Punta Del Este Architecture.

We rented this little Buggy for the day in the Center for around $125 US dollars and were able to tour around the area--definitely recommend for those who get bored sitting on the beach all day!

Stay:

I recommend staying in either La Barra or Manantiales. If you are concerned more with beach day partying then Manantiales is the spot for you since Bikini Beach is just steps away. If you are interested in a variety of nightlife spots and willing to walk (1 hr.) or hitch hike to Bikini Beach during the day, then La Barra is the spot for you.

UY Hostel: My first choice and is located near all the hot spots of La Barra! (I also stayed at Backpackers, below, and this place was much cleaner and in a more convenient location) It has a kitchen, air conditioning, not to mention the staff is excellent.

Backpackers De La Barra: about a 20 minute walk to the heart of La Barra, but this hostel has a restaurant and pool and stays pretty quite.

Manantiales Hostel: Clean with a friendly staff. About a 10 minute walk to Bikini Beach and the main strip of Manantiales.

Renting a house: a great option if you plan ahead and know that you will be traveling with a large group of people since many of the rentals in Punta are on the pricey side. A good website to check out is: http://www.apuntavamos.com/

Eats:

Medialunas Calientes: Even if you are not a pastry/sweet person you’d be crazy not to try one of their fresh, hot out of the oven medialunas (the South American version of a croissant). Located in La Barra right across from UY Hostel. Also right next to this gem is a place that sell dulce de leche filled churros—for me the medialunas were my first choice, but some days I just couldn’t choose between the two and had to get both!

Nuna: An AMAZING Peruvian restaurant in the La Barra region of Punta Del Este. It is not walking distance because it is located down a dirt road in a neighborhood area, but the ambiance and ceviche are to die for!

Cerro: The most posh pizza parlor you will ever go to! They are known for their pizza, but they also have a variety of other things to choose from (the salmon and chicken dishes were “muy rico”). Cerro is located on the main street of La Barra and is also a great place to grab a drink outdoors before you head down the street to Tequila (a club).

La Huella: A fish restaurant located right on the sand of beautiful Jose Ignacio Beach, so it is a bit of a drive if you are staying in the Center, La Barra, or Manantiales. If you are looking for a South American Celeb sighting, you are sure to find one here. The ambiance makes you feel like you are in the Caribbean Islands and the food is some of the best that Punta Del Este has to offer. Once again I recommend the ceviche.

Rex’s Chivito: The best Chivito in town. These sandwiches are the Uruguayan specialty. It’s a piece of Lomo (thin slice of filet minion) with mozzarella, ham, and a hard-boiled egg. Sounds pretty intense, but Chivito with a side of fries is sure to cure your hangover. Also located on the main street of La Barra.

La Linda: Located in Manantiales off the main strip, this is one of the hottest restaurants right now to have a glass of white wine and grab a bite to eat before heading down to Bikini Beach.

Nightlife:

Prima Dama: My favorite bar in town! It’s located right of the main street of Manantiales and has a straw roof with outdoor patio that makes you feel like you have escaped reality and are in paradise. They play great music and a great starting spot before heading to a “boliche” (club).

            Sabbia: A fun bar/night club right near Cerro in La Barra.

Manantiales Point: A great bar to have drinks at if you are not looking for the club scene. It has a very beachy atmosphere located in Manantiales, just steps from Bikini Beach. Also a great place to eat some miniaturas (similar to chicken nuggets, but instead of chicken they are fried pieces of white fish—a specialty of the region).

Circus (formerly named Tequila): The best “boliche” located on the main street of La Barra. It’s only open during high season of summer (mid-December to mid-January), but this is the club that everyone who’s anyone wants to be at. Girls usually can get in free if they are dressed accordingly, men on the other hand don’t be surprised if they ask you for $100 (yes, US dollars) cover charge.

Cheesy decor, but I promise this is the most fun boliche in town!

Besos!