Think coastal resort in Uruguay and what's the first name that comes to mind?
Punta del Este, of course.
However, developed before Punta del Este, and now considered Uruguay's second premiere
resort, Piriápolis, between Montevideo and Punta del Este (see
map),
attracts visitors who want excellent beaches, a relaxed vacation, and a variety of things to do and see.
Developed by Francisco Piria, who bought the land surrounding a protected bay, the resort town revolves around the classic waterfront promenade, the Rambla de los Argentinos named for the clientele Sr. Piria catered to. He built the Argentino Hotel and a home referred to as Castillo de Piria or Piria's Castle.
Built at the time of the "belle époque," Piriápolis
(photos - please allow time to download)
has the look and feel of Europe's Côte d’Azur. Soon after it was complete, Piriápolis was acknowledged
as the most sophisticated beach resort, called a balneario, in South America.
Getting There
By bus or car along Route 9. In high season, there are dozens
of busses between Punta del Este and Montevideo, plus others to
Cerro Pan de Azúcar, 10 km out of town, and to Minas, named for the nearby quarries, and popular for the April pilgrimage to Cerro y Virgen del Verdún and Parque Salius, for mineral water and brewery.
By i]buquebus ferry to and from
Buenos Aires to Montevideo, Colonia and Piriápolis.
By air to Montevideo or Punta del Este, and then by road to Piriápolis.
When to Go
High season is from mid-December to March 1st, when prices are most
expensive and average temperatures are 70-80°F (21-27°C).
After March 1st, prices drop and the weather is still
pleasant. An added bonus is the absence of crowds.
Shopping Tips
Stroll the Paseo De La Pasiva for a selection of handicrafts. Look
for hand-knitted or hand-loomed items, gaucho souvenirs, jewelry, leather, and yerba maté accessories
Places to Stay and Eat
Many of the hotels are open only during the season, but you can camp, or arrange for a vacation rental.
The Hotel Argentino, an elegant European-spa type hotel, is worth a visit for the thermal baths, the casino and the restaurant
There are a number of restaurants
in Piriápolis You'll enjoy the traditional grilled beef, asado, in a parrillada.
Italian food is also popular, as is seafood and international cuisine, all of it enjoyed with wine from Argentina or Chile.
Uruguay's wine industry is growing, and you might enjoy trying some local vintages.
You can try some of the <a href"//library/blrecipesUru.htm]Recipes from Uruguay[/link] at home
For dessert, dulce de leche is a favorite
Uruguayans enjoy maté at any time. It is served hot and strong, and sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla.
Things to Do
Most of the visitors come for the beaches of Piriápolis, San Francisco, Punta Colorada, Solís, Playa Verde, Bella Vista, Playa Grande, Playa Hermosa,
Las Flores, and others for sunbathing, surfing, swimming and people-watching
Take part in the lively nightlife, Nightclubs are open until dawn
Enjoy a game of chance at the Argentino Hotel Casino
Visit the attractions of the Municipal Park and Museum at
Castillo Piria
Drawing attention from any point in town is the
493-meter high Cerro Pan de Azúcar, 10 km out of town. You can climb to the top of the peak of Uruguay's third highest point. While there, visit the Reserva De Fauna to see
the wildlife reserve protecting about 400 different kinds of species
Take the chair lift to Templo de San Antonio
for a panoramic view of the city and the bay, and take a dip in the pool
Stroll the esplanade of the Rambla de los Argentinos
La Cascada in the
Municipal Park offers refreshment on a hot day. The park has a lake with waterfowl, food and beverage, a museum and at time, music and dancing
Arrange a tour of the port, go sailing, or go saltwater fishing
In Minas, see the Salto del Penitente waterfall.
Enjoy Piriápolis. If you've been there, or
planning to go, tell us about your trip in the
Forum.
