Things to Do in Punta del Este

Punta del Este sits at the tip of Uruguay's Atlantic coast like a sophisticated finger pointing into the ocean, where the Rio de la Plata meets the Atlantic in a dramatic confluence of waters. This small peninsula has punched well above its weight for decades, drawing wealthy Argentines and Brazilians who've turned it into South America's answer to the Hamptons - complete with art galleries, high-end restaurants, and beach clubs that wouldn't look out of place in Saint-Tropez. What makes it genuinely interesting, though, is how it manages to maintain a certain laid-back Uruguayan charm despite all the glitz, with excellent beaches on both the calmer river side and the wilder ocean side, plus some surprisingly good contemporary art scattered around town.

The dining scene has evolved far beyond the typical beach resort fare, with several restaurants that would hold their own in major cities. Seafood obviously dominates - the parrilladas here do excellent fish and the local corvina is particularly good - but you'll also find sophisticated international cuisine and some creative fusion cooking. That said, prices tend to reflect the wealthy clientele, so expect to pay significantly more than elsewhere in Uruguay. The food markets and more casual spots away from the main tourist strips offer better value, and the ice cream culture here is taken seriously enough that locals will argue passionately about which heladería is superior.

Summer (December-March) brings the crowds, highest prices, and festival atmosphere that many people associate with Punta del Este, but it can feel overwhelming if you prefer a quieter experience. The shoulder seasons of November and April offer pleasant weather with significantly fewer tourists and lower prices, though some restaurants and attractions may have reduced hours. Winter (June-August) is genuinely quiet and many places close entirely, but the dramatic storms and empty beaches have their own appeal if you don't mind cooler temperatures and the possibility of rain.