Punta del Este, Uruguay as exclusive seaside resort (best, place, people)

[yofie]

Why was it specifically Punta del Este, out of all seaside resorts in Uruguay or Argentina, which became the resort area of the rich and famous? Because it, just like Uruguay as a whole, is located between Argentina and Brazil?

Also, if you compared PdE with an American seaside resort, is it location-wise to Buenos Aires/Montevideo what Atlantic City or Virginia Beach are to New York and other Northeast American metropolises, albeit with a kind-of Miami flair?

[yofie]

I forgot to mention, in the question, whether Punta del Este has a Hamptons as well as Miami flair, even as it is location-wise a Rio de la Plata equivalent of Atlantic City or Virginia Beach.

[uruguay1]

I have lived in Punta del Este for six years. It is closest the the Hamptons in Long Island New York, and Saint-Tropez in France. While it is very fashionable and there is a lot of wealth around in the summertime - when it comes alive, it does not have an exclusive vibe like South Beach. It is warmer and more inclusive. There are plenty of things to do and a great time to be had, no matter what your budget. Yes, there are very exclusive private parties on New Years, there are also fun street parties with live music and food tents. I write a blog about interesting people and things going on in Uruguay: [url]http://www.paradiseuruguayblog.comBlog[/url] about Uruguay Punta del Este is a great place to visit in January and February. I recommend it, if you get the chance. Best regards, David Hammond

[AntonioR]

Driving around Punta del Este to get an idea what the infrastructure looks like.

Arrival into the town along the coastal road:


This area can be considered "downtown":


A trip around Punta Ballena, a neighborhood in Punta del Este:


And a drive around the Barra de Maldonado area of Punta del Este: