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It's fiesta central in Punta from late December to early March. Winter (summer in the Northern Hemisphere) is recommended only for recluses or those recovering from plastic surgery. Average temperatures range from 50 degrees in winter to 80 degrees in summer.
Most airlines fly into Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro for connections to Punta, or to Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo (a 90-minute drive from Punta). Flight times average 9 to 14 hours from Miami or New York.
Rent a car or motorcycle to explore outlying areas such as José Ignacio or Rocha (where locals retreat from the summer madness).
La Capilla
Celebrities like Omar Sharif love this deluxe hotel in San Rafael. Viña del Mar and
Valparaíso, San Rafael; 598-42/484-059; www.lacapilla.com.uy; doubles from $70.
Club Hotel Casapueblo
Punta Ballena; 598-42/ 578-485; www.clubhotel.com.ar; doubles from $90.
Conrad Punta del Este Resort & Casino
Avda. Barritz and Artigas, Parada 4; 598-42/491-111; www.conradhotels.com; doubles from $220.
Mantra Punta del Este Resort, Spa & Casino
Ruta 10, Parada 48, La Barra; 598-42/771-000; www.mantraresort.com; doubles from $250.
La Posta del Cangrejo
A low-key, 30-room waterfront hotel and restaurant in La Barra for highfliers (past guests
include George Bush the elder). Call for directions.
598-42/770-021; www.lapostadelcangrejo.com; doubles from $100.
Serena Hotel
Rambla Williman, Parada 24; 598-42/233-441; www.serenahotel.com.uy; sea-view doubles from
$200.
La Bourgogne
Arguably the city's best (and most expensive) restaurant. Sit in the jasmine-scented garden.
Pedragosa Sierra and Avda. de la Mar; 598-42/482-007; dinner for two $140.
Los Negros
An unconventional eatery, where the food is often cooked and served in cast-iron boxes.
Los Teros y Costanera del Faro, José Ignacio; 598-486/2091; dinner for two $140.
Parador La Huella
Reliable seafood, with beach service in high season, backgammon, and cocktails.
Playa Brava, José Ignacio; 598-486/2279; dinner for two $40.
La Pasiva
Has a wonderful chivito (Uruguayan steak sandwich).
Avda. Gorlero and Calle 27; 598-42/441-843; lunch for two $10.
Daiquiri Fondue
The best of the paradores, with great food, service, and views.
Rambla Williman, Parada 19; 598-42/226-451; lunch for two $12.
If the designer stores on Calle 20 don't appeal to you, try a summer street fair, such as the lively one in Plaza Artigas (Avda. Gorlero and Calle 25). Most stalls sell inexpensive folkloric souvenirs and are worth visiting. For art, check out the reasonably priced store in Casapueblo, the galleries in La Barra, and the Feria Artesanal in Plaza Artigas.
It's not all beach-hopping and cocktail-sipping. During the season, Punta comes alive with concerts, festivals, and parties. Ask your hotel concierge about water sports, fishing, whale- or sea lion–watching, and horseback riding on the beach.
Moby Dick
Punta's longest-running bar and springboard for diving into the city's (late) nightlife.
Rambla General José Artigas; 598-42/441-240.
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