La barra Transfers, Taxis & Shuttles

La barra

The eastern spit of land separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Rio del la Plata was once known to sailors and fishermen as Cabo Santa María. Today, called Punta del Este this area is known worldwide as a scenic resort area with miles of beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and restaurants, glittery nightlife and an upscale summer population.

A new casino, more luxurious restaurants and hotels, never ending sports activities, plenty of natural attractions, shops, nightclubs and a temperate climate beckon to international travelers.

An hour and a half by car from Montevideo, Punta del Este offers twenty miles of pristine beaches. Youll need a car to visit them all or discover your favorite. Mansa, or gentle beach, is on the bay side, while the one facing the Atlantic is Brava. These are terrifically crowded during the summer season, which begins in December and ends in March. Locals use other beaches, notably to La Barra del Maldonado, a beautiful inlet that flows from the back bay area of Maldonado out to the Atlantic Ocean. One of the city landmarks are the Dedos, fingers, in the sand at Playa Brava.La Barra is also the center of youth oriented activities, from daytime sports on the fine sandy beach to all night discos. To get to this small village, you cross an unusual bridge shaped like an easy roller coaster. With all the water surrounding Punta del Este, sailing is popular and large marinas attract an international flotilla. Punta del Este offers a relaxed life style. It is geared to vactioners who get a late morning start. Hotel dining rooms and services may be open before noon, but the rest of the city may not be. Dinners are late, at 10 PM or later, and discos go until dawn, allowing revelers to see both the sun rise and set over water. The Cipriani Lido at the Cipriani Punta del Este Resort in La Barra is one of the hottest spots in town.

Attractions

Beaches,Golf, tennis ,sailing and shopping

Faro de Punta del Este - The lighthouse dates from 1860, built by Tomás Libarena. The crystal prisms were brought from France.

Casa del Pueblo - Once the home of celebrated Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaro, this eye-catching seaside Mediterranean-style structure is today a modern art museum. See the photos at the bottom of this

Isla Gorriti - Catch a frequent boat ride for the 2 km trip to the island for more beaches, ancient fortifications and greenery.

Isla de Lobos - 8 km from land, the island is by one of the worlds largest sea-lion colonies. There is a lighthouse on the island.

Parque El Jagüel - Childrens playground with wooden play equipment and animal figures.

Parque Municipal Zoológico Medina - Large zoo with interactive exhibits.

Zoológico Pan de Azúcar - Zoo with a large selection of native species set in natural settings.