Apr
5th
By
Christian
The City of Punta del Este, which is part of the Department of
Maldonado, is located on the Southeast end of Uruguay on a long
peninsula of sand, woodlands and rocks from which it has taken its
name. This is one of the most important and popular tourist
destinations in the country, chosen by thousands of visitors of all
ages and nationalities. It is a synonym for international jet set,
good life and good taste. Punta del Este is one of those places in
the world where everybody wants to return, maybe because its
beautiful beaches are the perfect destination for those who are in
search of sunshine, white sand, woodlands, clear waters and much
glamour. Featuring a mild climate, with temperatures ranging from
25º to 32º C in the summer and with cold temperatures which never
go below 0º C in the winter, Punta del Este meets all expectations
regarding the weather to enjoy both hot and cold days. Located only
130 kilometers away from Montevideo, this seaside resort is joined
to the rest of the country by a modern transportation system which
includes airports, a yacht marina, buses, taxis and chauffer driven
cars. All this enables visitors to move about the city in a matter
of minutes. Punta del Este is divided into two parts. Though they
are totally contrasting, they are part of the same place: Playa
Mansa (Quiet beach) and Playa Brava (Rough Beach). As it lies on
the Río de la Plata side, La Mansa has quiet waters and is
protected from the oceanic winds that create rough waves on the
shores of La Brava. The famous sculpture known as “The Hand on the
Sand”, made in 1982, may be seen on this beach. Sophisticated and
natural, Punta del Este features a promenade, sumptuous houses,
modern buildings, the most luxurious brands, top celebrities, the
best restaurants and top-of-the-line hotels. Its best-known main
avenue is called ”la Gorlero” and it turns into a glamorous catwalk
along which thousands of visitors parade without missing any
detail, both during the day and at night. At Artigas Square,
another emblematic site for afternoon gatherings, numerous stands
display beautiful handicrafts made with rock, glass, wood and other
materials. The surroundings of Southern Punta del Este contain very
nice places such as Portezuelo, Solanas and Punta Ballena (Whale
Point), where “Casapueblo”, a majestic masterpiece made by
Uruguayan sculpture Carlos Páez Vilaró may be appreciated. Apart
from housing a hotel, this venue is a museum and atelier where
paintings, ceramics and sculptures are presented in numerous shows.
Another site to visit, this time towards the North, is Isla de
Lobos (Sea-lions Island), located off the shores of Playa Brava. In
addition to a big lighthouse, the largest colony of sea lions in
South America may be observed right on this spot. Punta del Este
has everything. No wonder it has come to be known as “the Pearl of
Uruguay”, a well-deserved nickname. The city becomes more and more
delightful every day. [w]
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