Telephone and fax numbers listed below, when dialed from the United States, should be preceded by 011-598, unless otherwise noted.
When to Go
The best time to visit is between mid-December and early March, Uruguay's summer. If you come during the off-season, assume that many shops and restaurants will be open only on the weekend if at all.
Planning a Trip
Here are three good travel agents who can provide assistance; all are fluent in English. Monica Ventura (011-54-11-4312-2645; mventura@fibertel.com.ar) and Steven Chew, at Azul Latin America (011-54-11-5093-1724; azullatinamerica.com.), are based in Buenos Aires. Leonor Lichner, at Jetmar Viajes (42-492-222), is based in Punta del Este.
Getting There
You can fly into Montevideo, then rent a car for the hourlong drive to Punta del Este. From Buenos Aires, take a forty-five-minute flight on Pluna or Aerolineas Argentinas directly to Punta's Aeropuerto Internacional de Laguna del Sauce. Keep in mind that Buenos Aires has two airports: flights from the United States arrive at Ezeiza, but a connecting flight to Punta del Este may leave from Jorge Newbery. Check your reservations to make sure you have enough time to transfer. Once in Punta, rent a car or take a taxi at the airport, which is northwest of Punta Ballena. Depending on where your hotel is, the drive lasts between thirty minutes and an hour.
Where to Stay
Because the town's high season is so short, the top hotels book up fast. Returning visitors often make reservations a year in advance. Consider renting your own villa by the week or month through a reputable company, such as Terramar (42-770-707).
Punta Ballena
To get to the Hotel-Art Las Cumbres, situated near the airport, you follow a winding road up a forested hill (which you must also walk or drive down to get to the nearest beach). It may be Punta's most impractical hotel to reach, but many stay there for the singular views. A cross between a log cabin and an enchanted castle, romantic Las Cumbres has twenty-eight plush guest rooms, a pool and a restaurant, plus striking panoramas of the surrounding land and sea. Double rooms from $1,190 to $2,600 a week, suites from $3,300 to $4,450. Ruta Nacional N.12, km 3.9, Laguna del Sauce; 42-578-689.
La Barra
The Mantra Punta del Este Resort, Spa & Casino, a few blocks from the buzzing shops and cafés of La Barra, is the grande dame of Punta. While not quite as luxurious as you might expect from a resort formerly known as the Cipriani, this 100-room property is the preferred option for those who like the services and amenities of a larger hotel and want to be near both the port and José Ignacio. The lively pool area, wonderful spa, fitness center, kids' supervised club, casino and attentive staff ensure that families and couples will be comfortable. Double rooms from $250 to $4,000. Ruta 10, km 182; 42-771-000; 800-745-8883; mantraresort.com.
José Ignacio
The elegantly rustic Arbol Casa Loft has four spacious suites, a loft and an apartment. The latter features a terrace with an outdoor shower. The outside walls are splashed with bright pinks, blues and oranges; interiors have chunky wood furnishings and heated floors. This is a great choice for families and groups of friends who like a smaller, less commercial hotel with rooms of generous proportions. Rooms from $250 to $630. Faro de José Ignacio; 42-486-2278; arbolcasaloft.com.
La Posada del Faro is José Ignacio's most modern hotel and is perfect for couples looking for privacy and lots of beach time. The twelve minimalist white rooms have bamboo ceilings, and some have marble bathrooms and balconies with hammocks. Enjoy cocktails while sitting on underwater stools in the pool. Double rooms from $200 to $450. Calle de la Bahia Esq. Timonel; 42-486-2110; posadadelfaro.com.
Located in the town of Garzón, a thirty-minute drive northeast of José Ignacio, the five-room Garzón Hotel & Restaurante gives guests a feel for the Uruguayan countryside. The famous Argentine chef Francis Mallmann owns it, so be sure to take all your meals at the phenomenal in-house restaurant, whose grilled meat and fish dishes alone are worth the trip. Rooms have king-size beds. Double rooms from $220 to $360. The road to the chapel and José Ignacio, Pueblo Garzón; 42-410-2811; restaurantgarzon.com.
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