Punta del Este is an upscale resort town on the southern tip of Uruguay, southeast of Maldonado and about 140 km east of Montevideo. Few resorts in South America rival Punta del Este for glamour. It is where the glitterati and elite of Buenos Aires make their homes for the summer. Vacation rentals, accommodations and condo rental reflect the beauty and glamour of this beach town.

Several towns together, on a small peninsula have over 50km (31 miles) of waterfront. The majority of the city's major accommodations, vacation rentals and condo rentals are on the calmer river side. As a general rule, the farther you get from the center, the less crowded the beaches. Little of historical value is left anymore except a few buildings, such as the lighthouse, churches, schoolhouses, and turn-of-the-20th-century buildings. The port is often jammed with yachts in the summer. The city has much colonial architecture contrasting with more modern buildings. Nowadays it has a scenic shore, typical resort houses, modern buildings, a port with mooring capacity, department stores, restaurants, and pubs. There are several large garden vacation rental, condo rental and accommodation options.

Artigas square, over Gorlero Ave is the place where there is a popular handicraft market. Seafood in Punta del Este is delicious. Chivitos (steak sandwiches) and asado (steak) are the locals' favourite dishes. Local and imported wines (specially Argentinean and European vineyards). There's a famous drink in all Uruguay called "medio y medio" (half and half) which is a sweet mix of grappa and other beverages. Punta del Este is famous for its clubbing scene. Most parties start very late, between midnight and 3AM and end around dawn.

About 10km (6 miles) up from Punta del Este is the small town of La Barra. Many young beachgoers flock here, and it's never quiet in high season. Farther along Ruta 10 is the very exclusive José Ignacio, a small quiet community that's even more expensive than La Barra. Summer season lasts from October to March, but "the Season," as it is known in the area, is a very specific time; from a few days after Christmas through the first 2 weeks of January, the Punta, La Barra, and José Ignacio swell with movie stars and models. Lodging is in abundance but you will have to book your vacation rental or accommodation well in advance.

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