Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(UR$30, 20 minutes) and José Ignacio (UR$48, 45 minutes); other Codesa buses run
year-round to points west, including Punta Ballena.
CAR
Several major international car-rental companies have counters at Punta del Este's air-
port. Downtown along Gorlero you'll also find Uruguayan rental agencies such as
Punta
860)
.
WORTH A TRIP
FARO JOSÉ IGNACIO
The rich and famous flock to this highly fashionable little beachside town with its
pretty lighthouse 30km east of Punta. Staying here is not for the faint of wallet;
US$1000-a-night accommodations are the norm, such as the oceanfront
Playa Vik
( 094-605212; playavik.com; cnr Los Cisnes & Los Horneros; r US$750-1500, house from US$1300;
)
, launched by billionaire Scandinavian businessman and art patron
Alex Vik. For slightlysaner prices and a unique sleeping experience, head 8km
north of José Ignacio and take the free ferry to the floating hotel
Laguna Garzón
where 12 mini-houseboats bob on a vast lagoon, with meals available at the adja-
cent Garzuana restaurant. Back in town, a great place for day-trippers to soak up
José Ignacio's rarefied atmosphere along with fine ocean views is the beachside
noon-5:30pm & 8pm-1am daily Dec-Mar, noon-3pm Fri-Sun & 8pm-midnight Fri & Sat Apr-Nov)
, which
specializes in sushi, grilled fish and clay-oven-fired pizza. COT runs two buses daily
from Punta to José Ignacio (UR$82, 40 minutes).
TOP OF CHAPTER
La Paloma
POP 3500
In the pretty rural department of Rocha, on a small peninsula 225km east of Montevideo,
the seaside town of La Paloma is rather bland and sprawling, but it has attractive sandy
beaches and some of Uruguay's best surfing. On summer weekends the town often hosts
free concerts on the beach, making accommodations bookings essential.
