Tips & Tricks
Punta del Este – this beach town east of Montevideo is often compared to Miami Beach, because of its skyline of luxury condo buildings (often facing the beach), trendy nightspots, and frequent gatherings of the Southern Cone’s rich and famous. Nowadays, it’s so popular a beach resort that more than 100,000 Argentines alone flock to […]
Uruguay Carnival (Montevideo) – in late January and February, the capital holds its annual celebration of carnival festivities (unlike other countries, this carnival last 40 days). Parades of women dressed in colorful costumes dance to the sound of pulsating drumbeats; while the Murgas (a street theater group) stage productions of political satire. During parades often […]
Isla Gorriti (Punta del Este) – this pine-covered island (which was once a prison), is located just 2 km. off the shores of Punta del Este. It is worth taking a picnic and settling in the peace and quiet at one of the tables dotted around. There’s also a beach on site.
Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha (Laguna de las Lavanderas, Tacuarembó) – for those interested in exploring Uruguay’s folk past and gaucho (cowboy) culture, it may be worth the 4-hour drive north from Montevideo to the provincial town of Tacuarembó. “Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha” (Gaucho Country Festival) is an event held annually (every March) there […]
Isla de los Lobos (Punta del Este) – this island, located 8 km. southeast of Punta del Este, has perhaps the largest colony of sea lions in the southern hemisphere. Visitors can sign up for tours given by various tour company located at Punta del Este’s marina (which should cost around US$40 per person).
Tambo el Sosiego (Camino Lapataia, Punta Ballena, Punta del Este) — maker of the famous Lapataia-brand “dulce de leche” dessert, gives free tours that walk visitors through the process of making the region’s favorite dessert. The dairy farm and plant are 12 miles from central Punta del Este, easily accessible by car and open seven […]