Punta del Este
Why go?
A holiday hot spot for Argentinians who flock here during the South
American summer, the Uruguayan Riviera encompasses the
world-renowned resort city of Punta del Este, as well as a
collection of pristine beaches and hip towns along a broad
peninsula.
The city itself is a concrete canyon of high-rise apartment
buildings and mammoth casinos. West of town, serene Punta Ballena
is renowned for whale-watching. To the east, hip La Barra has
boutiques, swanky clubs and bars, and deliciously trendy
restaurants. And hidden by sand dunes 40 minutes from La Barra is
Jose Ignacio, a former fishing village turned stylish retreat. No
matter where you end up, you’re guaranteed white-sand beaches
and easy access to an almost inexhaustible list of land- and
water-based outdoor activities.