Punta del Este, Uruguay

Welcome to the playground of the rich and famous. That is how this area of South America brands itself so, as someone who is neither rich nor famous, I was a bit concerned that we might feel out of place. However everything turned out well. Do not think we met anyone rich or famous (but then again how would one tell for sure?  Hmm…) and no one made us feel that we did not belong here.

Our timeshare home base for the week was the Solanas Forest Resort, one of the Solanas Vacation Club properties, about half an hour out of the city of Punta del Este. While Spanish is definitely the main language here, most staff spoke English and those who did not quickly found someone who did as soon as they realized how limited my Spanish is.

Renting a car in Uruguay is quite expensive so we relied on taxis and tours booked at the resort.

Aside: Getting access to local currency is not as easy as it is in Canada and the USA. Other than in major tourist areas, credit cards are not commonly accepted. Finding a bank, let alone an ATM machine, in rural areas is not easy. When there is a bank, hours are posted but do not always seem to be adhered to. So, whenever you get a chance to exchange your currency for Uruguayan pesos ($U), exchange enough for several days.

Ready to join us on a tour of the city and surrounding areas? Let’s go. Most of the people on the tour are South Americans so the tour is conducted in Spanish. However, as a courtesy to us, our guide also gives brief narrations in English as well. Bless her!

We drive through an area of large homes on beautifully landscaped properties. This must be where the rich and famous live. Our guide does mention that Madonna has/had? a home here.

The beaches we drive along are almost empty as this is wintertime in Uruguay. (We were there in August.) Even though the sun is shining brightly it would not be that pleasant suntanning out there on the beach as there is a cold breeze that nips at any exposed flesh. We are told that during summer months the beaches are packed.

Speaking of beaches, look over there. What in the world is that?! Is there really a hand sticking out of the sand…a huge Gulliver’s Travels (think Jonathan Swift novel) sized hand? I am not imagining things. This is La Mano, a sculpture that has become a popular photo stop in Punta del Este. The wind coming off the Atlantic has blown quite a bit of sand away from the base but it still is quite a sight.

 

What is all that noise? It sounds like dogs barking. No, they are seals! and are they ever loud. During our tour stop here at the harbor let’s see if we can spot the seals…just follow your ears.

 

 

Next stop…the casino. It is part of Conrad Hotels chain of luxury hotels around the world. If I were to visit here in the evening we definitely would want to dress with a greater sophistication than we have for our sight seeing tour. The property is upscale. Check out their website (especially for the photo on their main page.)

 

 

Let’s take one final look at the downtown area before we head off to our next stop.

Now we are off to Punta Ballena, a finger-like peninsula that juts out into the ocean. Our tour van takes us right out to the tip for a photo stop.

And next, my favorite stop…pueblo house (my term). My words really can not adequately describe this unique home created over a number of years by Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaro. So, having said that, I must stop writing and invite you to look at the photos.

The property, now a hotel and a timeshare, houses an art museum featuring works of Carlos Paez Vilano. There also is a cafeteria, and gift shops.

 

Now for a bit of shopping at Punta Shopping Centre (be prepared to spend top dollar if you buy something!) and then back to the resort. Hope you enjoyed your day!

Booking tours in Punta del Este, Uruguay

• Book a city tour
• Other tours starting in Punta del Este

Want to read more about Uruguay?

• Check out the blogs Where is Uruguay?
• and Montevideo, Uruguay.

 

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Happy travels!