Punta del Este

A peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Punta del Este is the southernmost point in Uruguay. The town is wildly popular and fills to capacity during the warm summer months, December to March. Watch the sun rise and set over open water, lounge on a different beach every day, stroll the oceanfront promenade, the Rambla General Artigas, dive into the water sports like yachting, surfing, fishing, waterskiing, and swimming or take high afternoon tea at one of the many tea rooms in town. You will probably run out of money before you run out of things to do.

The western side of the peninsula, referred to as the bay side, faces the Río de la Plata. The calm Playa Mansa is at the northern stretch of the bay side. Just to the south is the famous yacht club and marina. The eastern side of the peninsula, the ocean side, has, predictably, rougher waters and two good beaches: the Playa Brava, opposite the Hotel Playa, and the Playa los Ingleses. This side of the peninsula also features the best nightlife. Two blocks from the southernmost tip of the peninsula is the historic monument of El Faro (the lighthouse).

Around Punta del Este:

Take a boat to the beautiful and un-crowded Isla Gorriti with white beaches and an 18th-Century fort.

View sea lions on the Isla de Lobos, another short boat ride away.

Other places nearby Punta del Este: Punta del Diablo, La Paloma and Cabo Polonio.