This coastal town built along a peninsula is one of Latin America's most glamorous beach resorts, commonly referred to as the St Tropez of South America, and it attracts predominantly Latin American visitors. It has a relatively developed tourist infrastructure with villas and mansions, luxury hotels, a yacht marina and a large choice of restaurants. The gentle waters of the beaches on the bay side of the peninsula are suitable for bathing and relaxing, while the rougher waters of the surfing beaches are on the ocean side.
Nearby you find Jose Ignacio, which not so long ago was a sleepy village of fishing boats and colonial hotels, 30km from the bright lights of Punta del Este. Today, Jose Ignacio is still quaint and quiet, very much the alter-ego to Punta del Este but with a reputation now for sophisticated small hotels and excellent restaurants. Sunset strolls along nearly-empty beaches replace glitzy nightlife.
A pleasant day trip from Punta del Este are the islands of Isla Gorriti and Isla de los Lobos. These enchanting islands are found opposite the large peninsula separating the two waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Rio de la Plata and are inhabited by one of the world's largest sea-lion colonies. They are well worth a visit.
Argentina & Uruguay Highlights
Itinerary Highlights
- Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires
- Majestic Iguazu Falls
- Ethereal Patagonia
- Colonial Montevideo
Estancia Vik
Perfect for those looking for a high-end ranch stay in a unique and spectacular location, the Estancia Vik. Set on beautiful land looking out to the ocean, this exclusive estancia offers only 12 suites each uniquely decorated with beautiful artwork. Stunning common areas have a large focus on Uruguayan artwork and the living room features 2 large fireplaces. Spend time in the elegant dining room ...
Posada del Faro
Located near the lighthouse in bohemian Jose Ignacio, all-white Posada del Faro is a Mediterranean-style boutique with 15 attractive rooms, some with fireplaces and all but three with private deck or balcony. The hotel is just 50 metres from its own beach area on Playa Mansa. The outdoor pool has an honesty bar and multi-level pool deck. Guests can walk into town or explore further afield along th...
Playa Vik Jose Ignacio
Designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, ultra contemporary Playa Vik overlooks the quieter Mansa Beach in Jose Ignacio. The 12 spacious suites are housed in six modern casitas with original Uruguayan art on the walls and grassy ‘living’ roof tops. The superb 40-foot long wine cellar is a highlight as is the large outdoor terrace with fire pit, complete with cosy blankets and sweepi...
Casa Suaya Hotel Boutique
Directly on Jose Ignacio beach, contemporary Casa Suaya has 28 loft-style apartments and private thatched bungalows with cool, modern furnishings, large windows and private terrace, most of which have ocean views. Guests divide their time between the beautiful pool and the beach, where there is an open-air massage hut. More adventurous activities include horse riding at nearby Hara Godiva stables,...
Bahia Vik
The newest edition to the stylish Vik hotel collection in Uruguay, the contemporary retreat of Bahia Vik is found nestled amongst the dunes in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay's hip beach front village. Like all the Vik properties, local art is displayed throughout the property. Eleven bungalows and ten suites ranging in style make up Bahia Vik, each individually decorated featuring bright contemporary d...
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