Projecting towards the South Atlantic, one narrow strip of land emerges proud, dividing the waters of the Río de La Plata and the Atlantic Ocean. The location is in the south of Uruguay.

This city of summering combines activities for all styles. Miles of wonderful coasts and clear waters, houses with magnificent gardens and incredible sunsets.

Punta del Este is beautiful and very safe. Uruguay is a very calm country, free from the typical violence of the developed countries. It exists an excellent police covering and much security. For the tourists, Punta del Este is an exceptional place to spend unforgettable vacations.

The Peninsula is the main point of the city, with the Gorlero Avenue as main protagonist. Here you'll find the best commerce, shops, cinemas, etc. and is an obligatory long walk if you want to know Punta del Este. The Boulevards, the Port, the Lighthouse, the Plaza with its Fair of Craftsmen, lots of things to see...

La Barra has become the nocturnal center par excellence, mainly for youth people. There is an infinite quantity of bars, discos and restaurants, so anyone can find a place to have a great time.

José Ignacio y Punta Ballena offer different landscapes, each one with its own characteristics. The beaches, either the Mansa or the Brava, are excellent and allow the practice of most of the aquatic sports. Our sea is friendly and drowned cases in our beaches are really exceptional. Lifeguard service is very good.

It is not necessary to make reservations when you are out of seasons, because there is permanent availability of hotels and car rentals, except in long weekends because we receive a lot of tourism.

In summer, you need to make reservation at least one month in advance, especially for New Year's Eve when Punta is full. If you are an intrepid, you can arrive without reservations and look for lodging at the moment, but you always have the risk of having to sleep on the beach, which is prohibited.

Punta del Este is a big city. It is always better to have a vehicle or to rent one. Also motorbikes or bicycles can be rented (most of the avenues have bike path). There are few ways to transport within the city, they are easy to use them and comfortable. Taxis are very expensive and you must have caution because they like to drive you around if they realize that it is your first time in Punta.

Punta del Este offers a wide variety of possibilities. You will find French, Chinese, Arab, Italian, Spanish and International restaurants, pizza places, chivitos (typical Uruguayan sandwich), the "paradores" on the beach, plus bars and "parrilladas" (barbecue places).

The range of prices is also wide, from 7 US Dollars for a combo at a fast food restaurant to a 100 US Dollars per person at a first class restaurant. A normal classic restaurant of Punta del Este will charge you for a good meal between 20 and 30 US Dollars.

Except the best and more expensive restaurants, where you have to book in advance, you will never have problems finding a place where to eat. Pizza and chivitos are always a good option for a quick and economic meal.

Recommended: La Bourgogne El Floreal L'Auberge Bungalow Suizo El Palenque Pizza Sing

Punta del Este offers to the traveler a wide range of lodging possibilities. All kind of hotels, from 3 to 5 stars, plus hostels inns, bed & breakfast, tourist farms and even campings.

The number of hotel beds is big, but in critical periods like New Year, carnaval and Easter, find a bed will be a hopeless adventure. We strongly recommend booking your hotel with months in advance.

Recommended: HOSTEL BACKPACKER DE LA BARRA

If you are looking to spend your vacations in Punta del Este at a reasonable price, there is no better place than the Backpacker. Day or Night, the Backpacker de La Barra is the place to stay.

At only 16 Km. from the bridge of La Barra, taking the Camino Egusquiza to San Carlos, almost at the ruta 9, you will find this state zoo, exhibiting in its majority native specimens and some other animals from different origin, mainly Africans.

Even if it is not a zoo of big dimensions, it is a nice drive to do on a sunny afternoon. In general it is well maintained and the animals are in very good conditions. The park is by itself a place with a lot of charm, specially by the riverside (you can see the greenest part in the picture below).

The road from La Barra is in great conditions and it has very beautiful views of the Uruguayan countryside.

It has an endless collection of marine specimens like seashells, whale skeletons, birds and a gallery of pirates.

This museum has 4 halls.