Punta is like the Hamptons and Saint Tropez had a baby.
It’s flashy, it’s fun, and it’s definitely not cheap like the rest of Latin America.
You’ll see some of the most beautiful women (and people in general) you’ve ever seen, and the party rages until all hours of the morning.
Like Buenos Aires, a lot of people don’t start their dinners until between 22:00-24:00, and then rage until well past the sun comes up.
Punta del Este and the (important) periphery [let’s just call this greater “PDE” {as it’s known locally}] is essentially in my view split in to three sections.
The first is the main part of Punta del Este, which stretches from the Peninsula down the beach up to La Barra. This is where a lot of the major concerts are held on the beach, and there is some decent nightlife near the marina on the peninsula.
The second is La Barra (and to a smaller extent the sister town Manantiales) – This area (and close to it) is where a lot of people stay because there are some great restaurants here, but most importantly it’s tactically located between Punta and the third area; Jose Ignacio.
The third is Jose Ignacio which is probably the bougiest of all three areas. Jose Ignacio is where you’re usually find the most after party’s, often times with world renowned DJs spinning starting anywhere from 05:00 to 07:00 and going until Brunch when people may finally pass out!
Unfortunately there weren’t as many Ubers (or Cabs) there as i’d like, but it’s not completely impossible.
I would recommend getting a car for Punta, and reserving weeks in advance, also reserve an automatic if you stink at driving manual like i do.
The best to go to Punta is for New Years, which coincidentally is the worst time to be in Argentina (specifically BA) given most of the country apparently leaves for vacation in January.
The most economical way to get to Punta is buying a round trip to Buenos Aires, and then either taking a ferry over or flying over to Punta. If you are going for NYE / New Years, book the flights of ferries months in advance or you will either not find a ferry/flight, or it will be much more expensive than usual.
Depending on how long your vacation is, you could go to Argentina before Christmas, and make your way to Punta for NYE.
Also, many of the main events, or concerts, are cash heavy, and they don’t take Uruguayan Pesos, so i would bring some Benjamin Franklins (USD) if you plan on going to concerts, because if they decide to take card, it’s usually a huge mark up / tax they charge.
Beaches:
Jose Ignacio
Brava
Mansa
Bikini Beach
Beach Clubs:
OVO Beach Club
Bagatelle
La Susana – Super Popular for Sunset
Restaurants:
Lo de Tere
El Paleque
La Huela – Most famous restaurant in Jose Ignacio, make a rez weeks in advance, on the beach
Mar Y Fuego
Fasano – Beautiful restaurant on a hill top
Cactus Y Pescados
481 Gourmet – Outpost of Churrascaria in Rio de Janiero, FYI they have a very solid cigar selection, feel free to smoke one outside while eating or buy some to go
Bars:
Bar scene is eh here, Moby Dick is kind of fun.
All about clubs, concerts that go all night long, and making friends with locals to get in to the sick after parties.
Clubs:
Tequila