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Punta del Este

Punta del Este

Punta del Este (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpunta ðel ˈeste]) is a city and resort on the Atlantic Coast in the Maldonado Department of southeastern Uruguay. Punta del Este is also the name of the municipality to which the city belongs. Although the city has a year-round population of about 9,280,[1] the summer season greatly adds to this number.

The city has been referred to as "the Monaco of the South", "The Pearl of the Atlantic", "the Hamptons of South America", and "the St. Tropez of South America", being also compared to Miami and Cannes.[2][3][4]

Popular landmarks in the area include the La Mano giant sculpture, the Santorini-styled complex Casapueblo, the Enjoy Punta del Este hotel and casino complex, the chic neighbourhood of La Barra, the iconic Puente Garzón, Gorriti Island, Arboretum Lussich, and the Museum of the Sea. The Punta del Este World Trade Center complex is currently under construction.[5]

Punta del Este
City
Punta del Este is located in Southern Uruguay
Punta del Este
Punta del Este
Location in Uruguay
Punta del Este is located in Uruguay
Punta del Este
Punta del Este
Punta del Este (Uruguay)
Coordinates:34°58′0″S 54°57′0″W [34]
CountryUruguay
DepartmentMaldonado
Founded1907
Government
 • Mayor (Alcalde)Enrique Antía (NP)
Area
 • Total20.35 km2(7.86 sq mi)
Population
(2011 Census)
 • Total9,277
Demonym(s)puntaesteño (m)
puntaesteña (f)
Time zoneUTC−3
postal code
20100
Dial plan+598 42 (+6 digits)
ClimateCfb

Location

The city is located on the intersection of Route 10 with Route 39, southeast of the department capital Maldonado and about 140 kilometres (87 mi) east of Montevideo.

History

The first Europeans to set foot in what is now Punta del Este were the Spanish at the beginning of the 16th century. However, the colonization of the area actually began around Maldonado at the end of the 18th century due to Portuguese expansionism. Punta del Este and its surroundings (Maldonado and Punta Ballena) at the end of the 19th century were kilometers of sand and dunes, but in 1896 Antonio Lussich bought 4,447 acres (1,800 ha) of uninhabited land and there he started a botanical garden, Arboretum Lussich, and planted trees and plants from all over the world. Later the trees started to spread on their own, and now the area is full of mostly Pines, Eucalyptus, Acacias and various species of bushes.

On 5 July 1907, it was declared a "Pueblo" (village) by Act of Ley 3.186.[6] Its status was elevated to "Ciudad" (city) on 2 July 1957 by the Act of Ley Nº 12.397.[7]

Punta del Este hosted an American Summit in 1967 attended by U.S. President Lyndon Johnson. In September 1986, Punta del Este played host to the start of the Uruguay Round of international trade negotiations. These negotiations ultimately led to the creation of the World Trade Organization in 1994.

Population

Chiverta Ave. from Playa Brava (Rough Sea Beach) to Playa Mansa (back). Gorriti Island.

Chiverta Ave. from Playa Brava (Rough Sea Beach) to Playa Mansa (back). Gorriti Island.

In 2011 Punta del Este city proper had a population of 9,277[1] and 23,954 households and apartments.[8] According to the Intendencia Departamental de Maldonado, the municipality of Punta del Este has an area of 48 km2 (19 sq mi) and a population of 15,000.[9]

YearPopulation
19635,272
19757,197
19856,731
19968,294
20047,298
20119,277

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay[6]

Argentines, Brazilians and Europeans are gradually choosing Punta del Este as their permanent residence. Some of the reasons are peace in the midst of nature and increasing educational offerings.[10]

Climate

Punta del Este has an oceanic climate (Cfb, according to the Köppen climate classification), with pleasant summers and cool winters. Because of the average temperature of the hottest month near 22 °C, the climate is close to a humid subtropical climate (Cfa).[11] It is similar to southeastern Australia.[12] The precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of 1,010 mm (40 in). The hottest month, February, has an average temperature of 21.7 °C (71.1 °F), and the coldest month, July, has an average of 11.5 °C (52.7 °F). The average yearly temperature is 16.4 °C (61.5 °F).

Climate data for Punta del Este (Península), elevation: 16 m, 1961–1990 normals
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high °C (°F)37.0
(98.6)
34.4
(93.9)
34.4
(93.9)
30.6
(87.1)
29.8
(85.6)
26.6
(79.9)
28.3
(82.9)
27.4
(81.3)
31.0
(87.8)
31.8
(89.2)
32.2
(90.0)
37.6
(99.7)
37.6
(99.7)
Average high °C (°F)25.2
(77.4)
25.1
(77.2)
24.0
(75.2)
21.2
(70.2)
18.2
(64.8)
14.8
(58.6)
14.4
(57.9)
14.7
(58.5)
16.0
(60.8)
18.4
(65.1)
21.0
(69.8)
23.8
(74.8)
19.7
(67.5)
Daily mean °C (°F)21.6
(70.9)
21.7
(71.1)
20.6
(69.1)
17.9
(64.2)
15.0
(59.0)
12.2
(54.0)
11.5
(52.7)
11.6
(52.9)
12.8
(55.0)
15.0
(59.0)
17.4
(63.3)
20.0
(68.0)
16.4
(61.5)
Average low °C (°F)18.1
(64.6)
18.4
(65.1)
17.6
(63.7)
14.9
(58.8)
12.1
(53.8)
9.5
(49.1)
8.7
(47.7)
8.8
(47.8)
9.9
(49.8)
11.4
(52.5)
14.1
(57.4)
16.4
(61.5)
13.3
(55.9)
Record low °C (°F)10.2
(50.4)
11.6
(52.9)
10.4
(50.7)
6.8
(44.2)
3.4
(38.1)
−0.2
(31.6)
1.4
(34.5)
1.4
(34.5)
1.6
(34.9)
4.0
(39.2)
7.4
(45.3)
7.0
(44.6)
−0.2
(31.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches)75.4
(2.97)
84.8
(3.34)
79.3
(3.12)
84.0
(3.31)
91.4
(3.60)
80.3
(3.16)
90.3
(3.56)
93.9
(3.70)
93.1
(3.67)
85.0
(3.35)
86.8
(3.42)
66.6
(2.62)
1,010.9
(39.82)
Average precipitation days89999101099988107
Mean monthly sunshine hours263.8212.5243.0181.3147.0103.8118.8157.5169.3234.5217.5289.32,338.3
Source #1: WMO[13]
Source #2: NOAA (extremes, sun and mean temperature)[14]

Panorama

Coastline

Playa El Emir.

Playa El Emir.

Manantiales Beach at the sunset

Manantiales Beach at the sunset

Punta del Este's scenic coastline is divided in two regions: Brava (Spanish for "fierce") and Mansa (Spanish for "tame"). The limit between the two marks the end of the Río de la Plata and the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean, and split is signaled by the Mano de Punta del Este, which the sculptor designed to warn swimmers about the danger of rough waves. Beaches on the Mansa side feature thick and golden sand, while on the Brava side the sand is white and fine. Every beach of the peninsula has public access.

La Barra is popular for nautical sports and fishing during the day. At later hours, La Barra becomes a central attraction for the younger generation. Starting from the end of December through to the second week of January, this location becomes a place for the local people as well as tourists to gather at the night life festivities. Other areas include the resort of El Tesoro, Montoya beach, Bikini beach and Manantiales beach. These beaches are a favourite spot for younger people as well as for many celebrities from both Uruguay and Argentina.

Once abundant, southern right whales are re-colonizing in the area,[15] which helped create a whale sanctuary off Latin America,[16] whose establishment had been prevented for near a decade by whaling nations like Japan. Unlike the majority of Uruguayan coasts, appearances of orcas have been documented in the area; most notably around Isla de Lobos.[17][18]

Landmarks

The fingers of Punta del Este.

The fingers of Punta del Este.

The city has much colonial architecture contrasting with more modern buildings. Nowadays it has a scenic shore, typical resort houses, modern buildings, a port with mooring capacity, department stores, restaurants, and pubs. There are several large houses, and gardens lined with plants.

An iconic and historic building rises on the 19th stop of the Brava Beach, the famous Hotel L'Auberge [1] [35] with its 70 year old water tower, continues to be a leader in hospitality and gastronomy with its unique rooms and still serving its traditional Belgian waffles [2] [36] with home made sauces.

Punta del Este is home to the only Conrad Hotel in South America, also famous for its casino.

Gorlero Avenue, the main avenue of Punta del Este has commercial galleries, restaurants, cinemas, casinos, shops.

Artigas square, over Gorlero Ave is the place where there is a popular handicraft market.[19]

Punta del Este is well known for organizing the summit in which the WTO was created. The Formula E has hosted several races, broadcast worldwide, in the city, based on its "absolutely landmark cityscape".[4] In 2017, the China-Latin America Forum took place in the Punta del Este Convention Center.[20]

Enjoy Punta del Este

Enjoy Punta del Este (formerly Conrad Punta del Este) is a hotel and casino designed by Guillermo Gómez Platero. The hotel's construction started in 1993 and finished in 1997. It offers 294 rooms, including 41 luxury suites. It was originally operated by Hilton Hotels & Resorts under the brand "Conrad". The property was owned by Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Hilton Hotels & Resorts until it was sold to the Chilean group Enjoy S.A. in 2017. Hilton's affiliation ceased on April 1, 2018.[21]

The casino hosted the partypoker Latin American Poker Championships (LAPC) which lasted between February 24 and March 4, 2018,[22] and had an attendance of 1,137 players.[23]

Fundación Pablo Atchugarry

One of the leading artistic institutions of Uruguay, the Fundación Pablo Atchugarry (Pablo Atchugarry Foundation) is dedicated to the promotion of arts and culture in Punta del Este. The foundation was created in 2007 by international sculpture artist Pablo Atchugarry, with the aim to keep a dialogue between art and nature. During the summer season (December to February) the foundation proposes a series of exhibitions and events such as concerts of lyrical to popular music, ballet representations and more. Once a year, the institution present an iconic exhibition from a major artist or collection. Over the past five years, the works of František Kupka, Le Corbusier, Collection MACBA, José Gurvich and Pablo Atchugarry have been exhibited in the main building. The premises of the institution are composed of the sculptor's workshop, a building with three exposition rooms, an auditorium, an open-air stage for a variety of shows, a restaurant, a didactic room where sculpture, painting, drawing and ceramic classes are held, and a last space which holds the permanent collection and the work of the founder. A 30-hectare sculpture park surrounds the compound.

Punta del Este Lighthouse

Sea lions on Isla de Lobos (Isle of the Seals)

Sea lions on Isla de Lobos (Isle of the Seals)

Lighthouse of Punta del Este

Lighthouse of Punta del Este

The lighthouse is 45 metres tall, and the crystal panels which are part of its illumination system were brought from France. It works by electricity, with acetylene gas as emergency backup. It is possible to climb the 150 steps of its spiral staircase.[24]

Gorriti Island

This island of 21 hectares of surface is daily visited to enjoy its two beaches: Garden Port and Honda beach. It consists of a natural port, with ships anchoring close to it, and it also became a popular area to practice water sports.

Transportation

The city is served by Capitán de Corbeta Carlos A. Curbelo International Airport, being the second most important of Uruguay, located near Laguna del Sauce on the outskirts of the city. This modern airport opened in 1996. It offers domestic and international flights within the region.

Punta del Este can be reached from Buenos Aires by ferryboat to Montevideo (the capital city), 140 km (87 mi) from Punta del Este, and then by car or bus.

Most international flights land at Carrasco International Airport around 115 km (71 mi) from Punta del Este. The bus companies Copsa and Cot connect the airport with Punta del Este, and there are several private taxi and remise services available.[25]

Also in the area is El Jagüel airport, which is very close to Punta del Este and Maldonado; decades ago it used to be its only international airport, now it is only used by small-sized private aircraft.

Places of worship

Punta del Este has numerous temples:

  • Parish Church of Our Lady of Candelaria (Roman Catholic)

  • Fátima Chapel (Roman Catholic)

  • St. Raphael Chapel (Roman Catholic)

  • Rafael Temple[26][27] (Jewish)

  • Beit Yaacov[26][27] (Jewish)

  • Beit Jabad[26][27] (Jewish-Chabad)

Activities

The 2014 Punta del Este ePrix was the first race of the Formula E history in the Americas.

The 2014 Punta del Este ePrix was the first race of the Formula E history in the Americas.

Among its attractions, the city offers music and cinema festivals, whale sightseeing, and "haute cuisine".[3]

The city is host to the 2014 Punta del Este ePrix; the third round of the Formula E championship and opening date of the category in the Americas. The event's street circuit of 2.8 kilometers of length runs along Punta del Este's harbour and has been nicknamed the Monte Carlo of South America,.[28][29][30]

There is also the traditional Punta Del Este Sevens, a rugby competition that takes place in January since 1989.

Notable people

  • Margaret Cooper (1918–2016), British cryptographer, born in Punta del Este[31]

References

[1]
Citation Linkwww.ine.gub.uy"Censos 2011 Cuadros Maldonado". INE. 2012. Archived from the original on 10 October 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
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[2]
Citation Linkwww.bimbimbikes.comhttps://www.bimbimbikes.com/destination-tips/punta-del-este-a-luxury-destination-south-america/
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[3]
Citation Linkwww.mansionglobal.comhttps://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/17089-punta-del-este-where-south-america-s-elite-kick-off-the-summer
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[4]
Citation Linkwww.theguardian.comhttps://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/jan/20/punta-del-este-uruguay-elitest-gated-city-urban-future-st-tropez-south-america
Sep 29, 2019, 2:00 AM
[5]
Citation Linkwww.elobservador.com.uyhttps://www.elobservador.com.uy/punta-del-este-tendra-su-world-trade-center-donde-trabajaran-1200-personas-n1152473
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Citation Linkwww.ine.gub.uy"Statistics of urban localities (1963–2004)". INE. 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 March 2015. Retrieved 8 September 2012.
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[7]
Citation Linkwww0.parlamento.gub.uy"LEY N° 12.397". República Oriental del Uruguay, Poder Legislativo. 1957. Archived from the original on 8 February 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
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[8]
Citation Linkwww.ine.gub.uy"Censos 2011 Maldonado". INE. 2012. Archived from the original on 7 September 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
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[9]
Citation Linkwww.maldonado.gub.uy"Presupuesto-2011-2015". Intendencia Departamnetal de Maldonado. 2012. Archived from the original on 24 April 2011. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
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[10]
Citation Linkwww.elobservador.com.uy"Foreign residents in Punta del Este" (in Spanish). El Observador. 28 November 2013.
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[11]
Citation Linkwww.weatherbase.com"Punta del Este, Uruguay Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase. Retrieved 2019-02-15.
Sep 29, 2019, 2:00 AM
[12]
Citation Linkwww.vividmaps.com"Find cities with a similar climate". Vivid Maps. Retrieved 2019-02-15.
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[13]
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[14]
Citation Linkftp.atdd.noaa.gov"Punta del Este Climate Normals 1961-1990". NOAA. Retrieved April 8, 2014.
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[15]
Citation Linkuruguay-foto.comhttp://uruguay-foto.com/blog/2012/9/whales-in-punta-2012
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Citation Linkblog.ilcwriters.org"Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-04-07. Retrieved 2014-04-05.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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[17]
Citation Linkwww.researchgate.netIriarte V. 2006.Killer whale (Orcinus orca) occurrence at Isla de Lobos, Uruguay
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[18]
Citation Linkwww.montevideo.com.uyWilly E.D..Las orcas visitaron Punta del Este
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[19]
Citation Linkwww.indooruruguay.com"Punta del Este Highlights. Tours at Punta del Este". Archived from the original on 2013-04-09.
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Citation Linkwww.chinalac2017.comhttp://www.chinalac2017.com
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