Uruguay

MONTEVIDEO Stopover and PUNTA DEL ESTE Tour

MONTEVIDEO and PUNTA DEL ESTE
Tuesday 20th March 2012

So as to see something of the countryside of URUGUAY as well as its capital city of MONTEVIDEO a tour was taken to PUNTA DEL ESTE, the most famous and important seaside resort in South America and some 2 hours drive north-east of the city. 

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay

Despite the cloudy weather, the journey out of the city along the MONTEVIDEO beach front offered some good views and the extremes of the various city areas, passing through both its poor areas and more affluent areas too. 

The countryside, once out of the city and initially hugging the coastline, was very flat and rather sandy, yet ideal for eucalyptus trees. But it soon turned into rolling hills crossing into the Maldonando State, becoming more lush and green with farms, ranches and vineyards dotting all around.

PUNTA DEL ESTE, Uruguay 

PUNTA DEL ESTE is located on a beautiful area of coastline with an endless succession of smaller and larger bays each with beaches of soft white sand and some with promontories, often housing rockpools. 

The large and extremely popular (particularly among Argentines and Brazilians) resort of PUNTA DEL ESTE is actually located on a peninsula, with one side facing the bay of the RIO DE LA PLATA and the open waters of the ATLANTIC OCEAN on the other side.  

At the tip of the peninsula is the historical El Faro (Lighthouse) and in this part of the city no building may exceed its height.

All the beaches are ideal for bathing and along with an excellent yacht marina and fishing club, the resort also has several casinos, a golf course and many beautiful holiday homes.

It was then time to head off from PUNTA DEL ESTE and back on the coach after a great day out to MONTEVIDEO.

To re-join the Holland America Line "MS VEENDAM" cruise ship about to set sail under clearing sunnier skies for PORT STANLEY, Falkland Islands, which will be  reached in 2 days from now.

Good Night to you all....