Introduction
For eight weeks after Christmas, Punta Del Este is a 24/7 parade of parties, real Rolexes and fake boobs. It's a scene fuelled by international designers and superstar DJs, that is shameless, shallow and tremendous fun. But the hippest scene has moved north past the glamorous fishing village of José Ignacio, and up towards the rustic bohemian beach scenes at Cabo Polonia and La Pedrera. During the rest of the year, except holidays, Punta is taken up mainly by people who go for the casinos.
More from Punta Del Este PDF VersionEssentials
- Pay attention to the season; many restaurants, pubs and nightclubs only open in summer, from December to March.
- Plan for long lunches that start at 15.00 and dinners that start at 23.00 or midnight.
- Leave behind your Versaces, Cavallis. The style is super chic in an understated kind of way.
- Speedos out. Board shorts in. For women, the only accessory needed is a great butt and the right straw fedora.
- Remember this is gaucho-land and the gauchos are all gorgeous. Take a horse ride on the beach to take in the local scenery.
Two-hour tour
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Stroll around the village and beaches of José Ignacio — This enclave has escaped the Miami-style growth that has affected much of the rest of Punta.
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Lunch at Francis Mallman's hotel and restaurant in the village of Garzon — Twenty miles north of José Ignacio is celebrity chef Mallman’s El Garzon. The drive is beautiful and Finca La Anita is picture-perfect.
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Montoya Beach at La Barra — Hot surf spot.
Hotels
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Casa Chic — 598 4486 2068 598 4486 2222
Los Teros y Las Calandrias, Jose Ignacio
+ 598 4486 2068
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La Posada del Faro
La Bahía and Timonel
+ 598 48 62 110
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Estancia Vik
Camino Eugenio Sáiz Martínez, km8
+ 598 94 605 212
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Dining
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Fasano Las Piedras
+ 598 42 67 0000
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Cafe Citrus
Main square, José Ignacio Punta,
+ 598 48 62 703
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Los Negros
Los Teros y Costanera del Faro
+ 598 48 62 091
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La Caracola — 598 9422 3015 598 9422 0772
Camino a la Laguna Garzón, Ruta 10, km 185, José Ignacio
+ 598 9422 3015
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Marismo
Camino a la Laguna Garzón, Ruta 10, km 185, José Ignacio
+ 598 4486 2273
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La Huella
Playa Brava, José Ignacio
+ 598 42 486 2279
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Butía at Casa Suaya Hotel
Ruta 10, km186.5
+ 598 48 62 750
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Namm
Ruta 10, km185
+ 598 48 62 526
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Etoile du Sud
The Setai, José Ignacio
+ 598 48 62 687
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Buddha Bar
Bikini Beach, La Barra, Ruta 10, km160
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Tequila
Calle 11 La Barra
+ 598 42 771 922
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Café Flo
Ruta 10, km 161, La Barra
+ 598 4277 1481
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Playa Pescadores in Punta del Diablo
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Conrad Punta Del Este Resort and Casino
+ 598 42 491 111
Reading
Shopping
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Bajo el Alma — Dress by Paula Martini at Bajo el Alma
Main square, José Ignacio
+ 598 44 86 2098
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El Canuto
Los Cisnes and Los Horneros, José Ignacio
+ 598 48 62 028
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Mini polo boots from La Martina
Calle 20 (between 27 and 28), Local 1 and 2
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Bajo el Alma — Sweaters from Bajo el Alma
Las Garzas y las Golon Drinas
+ 598 44 86 2098
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A kitesurfing lesson — A kitesurfing lesson with local pro Laura Moñino
+ 598 94 420 704
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Maison de Famille
Ruta 10 km 164, Manantiales
+ 598 4277 5871
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Transport
Limousine/car
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Punta Car
+ 589 4248 2112
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Fitness
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Mantra luxury hotel
Calle 25 Los Arrecifes, Punta del Este, Uruguay
+ 598 42 771 000
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