The playground of the rich…and apparently famous. Punta del Este is one of the most expensive places that you can stay in Uruguay, and that says a lot considering Uruguay is probably the most expensive country in Latin America. Yes, I thought this was Chile, but I was wrong! You have your choice of beaches, one that has waves as it faces the predominant wind direction, and the other is in a more protected bay and is thus calmer. The skyline is filled with high rise apartments, which doesn’t give it much character- I suppose it can be compared to a smaller version of the Gold Coast in Australia. I however stayed in a lovely, old established neighbourhood that has big houses and large open gardens. It was nice to stay away from the hustle and bustle and be in the quiet suburbs.
So the city is very commercial, however the beaches are great and go on for miles and miles! The water, being on the Atlantic Ocean is a little cool, but not too bad. Not as cold as the Atlantic in Cape Town as an example.
The Marina attests to the wealth… with some yachts as big as houses… others a bit more “normal”.
For the first time I also had a really tasty combination sushi… if you have a chance or make your own: salmon, Philly cheese and MANGO….yummy! Wouldn’t have thought to do that but it was great!
