Discover boutique hotels in Punta del Este, Uruguay

When to go

Come here in March or April for warm water and less crowds; peak season (mid-December until mid-January) is lively to say the least.

Getting there

• Planes

  Fly into Carrasco International Airport at Montevideo | and drive or take a bus to Punta del Este. Alternatively | land in Buenos Aires and hop on an hour-long connecting flight to Punta del Este – fly with Pluna | a stylish new airline (www.pluna.aero).

• Boats

  You can take the high-speed ferry to Colonia or Montevideo and pick up your hired car from there (www.buquebus.com).

• Automobiles

  It’s definitely worth having a car so that you can traverse wide swathes of land and seek out your favourite pocket of the coast. The capital | Montevideo | is a two-hour drive away.

• Taxis

  Taxis are expensive; hiring a car or scooter is a more economical way to get around. If you do need a lift, try Conrad (+598 (0)42 490 302), Parada La Barra (+598 (0)42 771 122) or ask your hotel to call a local firm for you.