Page 37 - Off The Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 2 of 2)

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Punta del Este BEACHES

vs Copacabana

Thanks to myriad things to do in addition to the ever-present party scene, Uruguay’s elite Punta del Este
has the lead over fabled Copacabana when it comes to attracting the fun-loving set

do. Activities range from sailing and surfing to Argentinians, North Americans, and Europeans
NEED TO KNOW
horse-riding, archery, and volleyball. There’s a looking for the good life now head to Punta del
LOCATION Punta del Este
"3(&/5*/" casino, a lighthouse, and the iconic Casa Pueblo, Este instead of their own resorts, which aren’t
occupies a peninsula in southern
Uruguay, which is 86 miles an extraordinary house and “living sculpture” built exactly second-class spots themselves.
(139 km) east of the capital, 3JWFSB #3";*- over a 36-year period by the Uruguayan painter Punta del Este has year-round appeal. In the
Montevideo
5BDVBSFNCØ and sculptor Carlos Páez Vilaró. Close by there’s high season, which runs from December to March,
POPULATION
70,000 also an aquarium, a zoo, several quaint seaside the resort’s classy clubs and popular beaches host
DAYTIME 636(6": towns, and picturesque hills that boast fantastic endless parties, which rarely begin before midnight,
TEMPERATURES trekking routes. In fact, it’s likely that there are and the atmosphere is electric. There’s no shortage
Jan: 77°F (25°C); Apr: 68°F (20°C); 16/5"
Jul: 57°F (14°C); Oct: 63°F (17°C) .POUFWJEFP %&- &45& more things to do in and around Punta del Este of glitterati types here, drawn by the alluring beach
than any other resort in Latin America. and party lifestyle. The crowd is a mix of the young
But don’t let these sights and activities distract and beautiful, who frequent the beaches and bars,
For decades, Punta del Este has been a haven for you for too long from the resort’s stunning beaches. a wealthy, older generation in their yachts, and
the rich and famous. This glamorous resort – a It is here, perhaps more than anywhere else, that energetic types, who spend their time on the water
collection of fabulous beaches, elegant hotels, and Punta del Este really shines. There are more than and in the hills. In the off-season, the resort might
stylish restaurants, clubs, and bars – has long been a dozen beaches on this fashionable peninsula, be quieter, but it remains enticing. Those who long
synonymous with champagne, celebrities, and all of which have a very different character. Take for the wild nights of summer should not despair –
fashion chic, but at the same time has remained your pick from white- and golden-sand beaches, there’s still plenty of partying to do at this time just
firmly grounded, attracting visitors from all walks sheltered coves and wave-battered shores, water- up the coast in Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
of life. Unlike Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach, sports hubs and sunbathing areas, secluded bays Whether you’re in search of high times and endless
which these days has few cards to play, Punta del and party beaches. Even the rowdiest beaches are nights, solitude and surf, or anything in between,
Este manages to combine serious partying and a clean and safe, day and night, and all boast excellent you can’t do better than Punta del Este.
carefree attitude with plentiful things to see and facilities. It’s no surprise that savvy Brazilians,
PRACTICAL INFORMATION

FORGET COPACABANA? Getting There and Around It’s everything you could imagine
and more, right on the coast
It couldn’t be easier to reach
Punta del Este. Rent a car in and yet tucked away from the
THE BUILD-UP Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana, known for its
Montevideo, which has an crowds. Book at least three
golden arc of sand and glitzy beach lifestyle, is probably the
international airport, and head months in advance.
most famous beach on the planet. Other beaches boasting east on the motorway. You’ll When to Go
fun, sun, and sand have to compete with its legendary be there in 2 hours or less. Punta del Este’s high season is
reputation, and more often than not come up short.
Where to Eat between December and March,
Punta del Este has restaurants when it is most crowded. A
THE LETDOWN In recent years, Copacabana’s reputation for every budget and taste. For better option is to visit in either
has suffered greatly. It has rampant crime (generally theft), the best international cuisine October and November or
polluted water, beach vendors who are difficult to fend off, and people-watching in an April and May, when it is less
overcrowding, and – for women – a likelihood of receiving elegant, hip setting, try the expensive and less crowded.
male attention, whether desired or not. award-winning Novecento Budget per Day for Two
(www.bistronovecento.com), You should allocate at least
GOING ANYWAY? If you do go, choose the right stretch of but reserve well ahead. US$300 per day to travel here in
beach for you. Some spots are ideal for surfing but nothing Where to Stay style; Punta del Este may not be
else, others are family-oriented and others are good just for The epitome of luxury in Punta cheap, but it’s worth every
sunbathing, but none are chic and all are crowded. Leave your del Este these days is the penny spent.
ABOVE Aerial view of the crowds on Copacabana,
jewelry, watches, cell phones, and cameras in your hotel. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil sophisticated Mantra Resort Website
(www.mantraresort.com). www.vivapunta.com/en/index

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