Uruguay Property Tour

Discover Latin America's Best-Kept Secret
A First World European Lifestyle… without the price

Dear Reader,

This time my job is easy…

I spend most of my time scouting real estate. I travel from country to country looking for great-value hidden property deals that haven't yet come to the attention of the mainstream. Often, my search takes me to places that are a bit rough around the edges… places where I need a little imagination to envision a comfortable lifestyle.

I've hiked the steaming jungles of Central America looking at building sites… prowled inner-city neighborhoods in search of colonial homes to restore… and wondered if my beat-up Cessna could clear the next mountain ridge.

One project was only accessible on horseback… another by taking a small launch around a rocky point in the Pacific.

And each time, I try to imagine—and then convey—how nice it will be… some day.

But this time is different… it's easy. I don't have to ask you to see beyond the rough appearance to what the future may hold, because it's nice today.

At last: a Latin American country that's safe… rich in natural beauty… with inexpensive properties… and without the Third-World tradeoffs

This time I landed at a convenient airport. I traveled from one destination to the next on fast, modern highways. The city buses have Wi-Fi installed, as do the town squares around the country.

I've seen hundreds of miles of wide sandy beaches lining warm South Atlantic waters… beaches that are safe, clean, and secure.

The houses aren't surrounded by walls, and the neighborhoods don't need a security guard. This country has one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America, due to the non-violent nature of the people, the high standard of living, and low poverty levels.

Plus, health insurance is available here for just $49 per month.

This is Uruguay. Latin America without the compromises.

Here's the least expensive and most efficient way to see what Uruguay has to offer

The task of exploring a foreign country can be intimidating.

Even if you speak the language, the choices of areas—and lifestyle options—can be overwhelming. Not to mention the logistics of transportation, lodging, and finding something to do while you're there.

So I'm offering an efficient alternative to the traditional do-it-yourself exploration trip. A way to see properties that's far superior to an ordinary property tour.

With absolutely no high-pressure sales tactics.

I'm offering eight days and seven nights of travel, entertainment, cultural experience, and property exploration… for less than $1500 bucks

The Uruguay Lifestyle and Property Tour

When you join the Uruguay Lifestyle and Property Tour, you'll explore three of the coast's most desirable regions—and five of its best projects—while experiencing the fun side of Uruguay that has been drawing people to its shores for years.

If you're ready to discover Uruguay, there's no more efficient use of your time and money. And no other way to have such a good time while doing it.

Discover three of Uruguay's hottest areas… with five fantastic property and lifestyle options

After we assemble and enjoy an evening together in Montevideo, the Uruguay Lifestyle and Property Tour will head directly to South America's #1 luxury beach resort.

First stop: Punta del Este

Cresting the hill at Punta Ballena, the sight of Punta del Este across the bay will take your breath away. The wide, gentle shoreline—curving for miles off into the distance—paints a beautiful picture. The sparkling white sand and tall buildings provide a sharp contrast to the clear, blue waters.

Punta del Este is South America's premier seaside resort, and its beautiful beaches, dazzling casinos, world-class restaurants, and upscale shops have kept people coming from around the world for more than a century.

Punta del Este is—by far—the number one destination in Uruguay. It's first with international buyers, first with tourists, and first with investors.

And with good reason. Simply put, Punta del Este—while more expensive than the rest of Uruguay —is a premium, branded destination where you get premium value.

Here are some of the reasons why people choose Punta del Este.

• Intrinsic value: It's a naturally beautiful place. Situated on a point jutting out into the ocean, its old (highrise-free) historic center and lighthouse mark the spot where Río de la Plata becomes the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches are wide, long, and beautiful, with calm waters on one side of the point and ocean waves on the other.

• Two lifestyles: The town itself is home to more fine-dining establishments than you'll find anywhere, offering cuisine from all over the world—although the freshly-caught seafood is what brings most people to their tables. There are highrise casinos, big-time shows, and concerts. The shopping is world-class, with everything from small boutiques to shopping malls.
  
  Yet if you go just a half-mile away, you'll find yourself in a quiet residential setting, with large lawns and beautiful homes that don't need fences, walls, or bars on the windows. A bit farther away and you can live in a rural, wooded setting, yet still be next to the beach and within three miles of all the city has to offer.

• Liquidity: People come by the hundreds of thousands to visit Punta del Este every year, and lots of them have an eye out for property. They include visitors from Argentina and Brazil, as well as from Europe and beyond. This huge amount of international traffic results in thousands of properties being sold every year—just what you need if you're concerned about resale.

While in Punta del Este, the Uruguay Lifestyle and Property Tour will take you to three new projects... premium properties in the city's best areas.

First project: Tiburón3

Tiburón3 is a leading-edge oceanfront project created by vanguard architect Mario Roberto Álvarez. Right on one of Punta del Este's most popular beaches, Tiburón3 is located within walking distance of downtown Punta del Este, where the city borders its neighboring wooded area. The famous sea lion colony, Isla de Lobos, is easily visible just offshore.

The 24-story condominium offers a range of completely-equipped apartments, ranging from the three-bedroom, two-bath model all the way to the 11,000 square-foot penthouse, complete with its own salt-water pool.

All baths and kitchens come with imported tile floors and walls, granite counters, and high-end appliances… including a Jacuzzi in the master bath.

Other building amenities include a heated pool, sports salon, and Wi-Fi in all public areas.

Second project: Imperiale Luxury Condominiums

This modern, three-tower luxury condominium is located on the edge of town, within walking distance of the yacht club, marina, two casinos, and all the downtown restaurants and attractions.

The apartments range from a 1,970 square-foot, three-bedroom model (each bedroom with an en-suite bath) to an 8,000 square-foot penthouse with a private pool. All have large terraces and spectacular views to Playa Brava and Playa Mansa beaches, as well as to the island, Isla Gorriti.

Kitchens include a breakfast island and the latest-generation appliances. The apartments are finished using high-quality wood, ceramics, and appliances, and include radiant-floor heating.

All bedrooms and living rooms have Wi-Fi internet service, as well as telephone and cable TV.

Building amenities also include a 30-meter heated pool with Jacuzzi and snack bar, a business center, and a fully-equipped and staffed gymnasium.

Third project: Blue Bird

The Blue Bird project is a low-rise, high-spec, Swedish-built, oceanfront condominium. It's located in a quiet, rural area a few miles outside of Punta del Este. This residential area is home to other low-rise buildings, and private villas used by full time and part-time residents.

The grounds at Blue Bird are lush and well-landscaped… in character with its wooded, country setting.

The apartments have excellent views, and come in two- or three-bedroom models (plus service quarters), going up to 3,350 square feet in size. The top-floor apartments have rooftop terraces with Jacuzzis.

The kitchens are well-appointed, with high-end appliances and imported ceramic tile and granite counters. The Swedish developer prides himself on the project's superior construction quality.

Rental management services are available from the developer, if desired.

Other facilities include a spa, Jacuzzi, and swimming pool.

Next stop: Uruguay's North Coast
A new, leading-edge investment area… and the site of Laguna Tranquila

The country's most beautiful beaches lie between the famous resort of Punta del Este and Uruguay's border with Brazil. And thanks to the remarkable natural beauty and reasonable prices, an ever-increasing number of International Living readers are deciding to buy on this part of the coast.

This stretch of coastline is in the Uruguayan department of Rocha, and the beaches here are wide, natural, and mostly-empty. The sand is powder-fine, and the water is a deep blue, topped with sparkling white-capped breakers. Gentle dunes with sea grass lend a feeling of isolation and privacy.

Rocha is notable for a few reasons.

• The beaches. In my extensive travels up and down the coast, I've found no better beaches anywhere… including Brazil. This coastline is relatively undeveloped, so most of the beaches are natural and pristine, bordering clear, blue waters. You won't see highrises, and you'll seldom see many people.

• The lagoon. The Laguna de Rocha is a unique and diverse ecosystem, thanks to its varying blend of fresh and salt water. It supports over 220 species of birds, both resident and migratory. The surface of the lagoon itself is over 9,000 hectares (more than 22,000 acres), one of Uruguay's largest inland bodies of water. Since it's a protected area, the land and water remain in their natural state for all to share.

• The towns. The seaside towns of La Paloma and La Pedrera are the most popular attractions in Rocha. La Paloma is cheerful, active, and bustling, while La Pedrera is a bit more quiet, upscale, and exclusive. But both are clean and bright, and have a good selection of excellent restaurants, cafes, shops, and markets… not to mention their great beaches.

• The potential. There is no doubt that development is moving up the coast from Punta del Este in the direction of Brazil, with the Department of Rocha positioned right in the path. And what's more, tens of thousands of Brazilians travel through this area each year on their way to Punta del Este… representing a huge, untapped market for the region.

Rocha's 120 miles of beautiful coastline and attractive towns—combined with the peaceful, still lagoons and investment potential—make it the choice of an increasing number of people each year.

Fourth project: Laguna Tranquila

Located in this active, new investment zone—with exposure to the Brazilian, Argentine, and Uruguayan markets—is the Laguna Tranquila project. A project whose inaugural phases are already quite popular with the International Living readership.

Laguna Tranquila is an innovative development created by a world-class developer… near my favorite stretch of Uruguayan coast. It offers nearby untamed beaches, and a pristine and tranquil lagoon. Even better, a wildlife preserve surrounds the site… which will protect Laguna Tranquila's natural beauty and guard against encroaching development.

As a Laguna Tranquila resident, you can:

• Enjoy the views of the ocean, the La Paloma lighthouse, and the peaceful lagoon, one of the country's largest and most pristine bodies of water.

• Relax and appreciate the flora and fauna of the adjoining wildlife preserve…or maybe spend an afternoon fishing or canoeing.

• Explore the area by hiking, biking, or even on horseback.

• Relish the peace and quiet. Not only is Laguna Tranquila private and gated, but the lane on which it's located dead-ends onto the beach. So it's private…with no traffic and no noise.

• Enjoy one of Uruguay's best beaches, with its fine sand and deep blue waters. The surrounding terrain naturally isolates this beach, so it sees few people and feels private. On a recent summertime visit, I saw no one at all.

Laguna Tranquila will also host a boutique hotel and spa. These will not only provide great facilities for use by the residents, but will also give you a place to house occasional guests…eliminating the need for extra bedrooms.

Final stop: Piriápolis
A step back to a simpler time… and the site of Sugar Loaf Ocean Club and Spa

Piriápolis is Uruguay's first seashore resort, founded in 1893. It lies about a half hour from Punta del Este and almost an hour from Montevideo. It has long been popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and attractive seafront.

Writers often compare Piriápolis to an old-fashioned American seashore town from the 1950s, with its stately brick buildings, waterfront boardwalk, and grand hotels from a bygone era. Piriápolis fills with bathers and sun-worshipers for the entire summer. And year ‘round, people come from all over Uruguay to enjoy its fine seafood restaurants, casinos, cafes, and local museums and attractions.

Piriápolis is a boater's paradise, noted for its large marina with affordable rates…one of the few marinas on the entire coast. Sailing enthusiasts frequently enjoy the one-hour sail to Punta del Este, or the day's voyage to Buenos Aires.

Yet Piriápolis is small. Unlike Montevideo or nearby Punta del Este, it has a small-town, neighborly feel, where everyone knows everyone.

Fifth project: Sugar Loaf Ocean Club and Spa

In Piriápolis we will visit Sugar Loaf Ocean Club and Spa, the first project to bring luxury, planned-community living to Uruguay… using exacting North American standards.

Sugar Loaf has succeeded in its objective of preserving peace and tranquility, while offering expansive ocean views and convenience to nearby resort amenities. Perched in front of Uruguay's famous Sugar Loaf Mountain, the project offers a commanding view of the town of Piriápolis, the nearby hills, and the deep blue sea.

Situated on a sprawling, 75-acre property, the homes are built on large lots in harmony with the surrounding hills, farms, and pastureland. It is secluded from the noise of traffic, loud neighbors, and the bustle of downtown Piriápolis… while being only five minutes from the attractive town center.

Sugar Loaf's residents will enjoy these benefits:

• An elegant onsite restaurant, El Alquimista, which will offer a fusion of traditional Uruguayan recipes and international fare… along with a superb selection of Uruguayan and Argentine wines.

• A convenient, well-equipped, modern business center and conference room, along with wireless internet service that will be available throughout the community.

• The Enchanted Rock Spa, which will cater to every desire of the body, mind, and spirit. The spa will offer a variety of soothing massages, aromatherapy, and yoga and meditation, among other services.

• World-class golf. Homeowners at Sugar Loaf enjoy a free membership at Club del Lago, the golf club that boasts the only 20-hole, three-circuit course in the area, and South America's first ISO-14001-certified course.

But in the end, it's the view… that's what draws buyers to Sugar Loaf. Located at one of the country's high points, the property enjoys a full 180 degree ocean view to the front, and a view of the rolling hills to the back… including a view of the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain.

And what's more, you've got Punta del Este at your doorstep, with Montevideo less than an hour away.

But this unique tour is about much more than seeing Uruguay's best properties…

The Uruguay Lifestyle and Property Tour will show you a refreshing new lifestyle in South America's premier, first-world haven.

You'll experience Uruguay… by seeing the real Uruguay that residents enjoy every day.

Whether it's tango, theater, live music, casinos, or the symphony, you'll get to see—first hand—why so many North Americans are now coming to Uruguay to retire, to live, or to own a second home where they can escape North American winters.

And you'll also enjoy the benefits that make Uruguay stand out in Latin America:

• One of the lowest crime rates

• Exceptionally low levels of corruption

• Enviable poverty levels

• One of the highest standards of living

Frankly, there is no better way… and no less-expensive way… to discover Uruguay than the Uruguay Lifestyle and Property Tour.

See its most popular regions… its best communities… and its fascinating culture

For a limited time, some of the country's top international developers are sponsoring the Uruguay Lifestyle and Property Tour, in order to bring North American exposure to both Uruguay and their projects.

This is why you pay only a small portion of what it costs to host the tour.

• Discover Latin America without the compromises; a first-world getaway that doesn't come with a first-world price tag;

• See Uruguay's top five projects, located in three of the country's hottest coastal locations;

• Explore the cultural charms of ‘hidden' Uruguay. Experience the beaches, restaurants, sights, entertainment, and relaxed lifestyle that Uruguayans enjoy every day of the year.

The all-inclusive cost of the tour is just $995, based on double-occupancy, and $1495 for a person traveling alone. ( If you like, we will try to connect you with a roommate to keep the cost down.)

And if you purchase a property at any of the five sponsoring projects you will pay nothing for this tour.

Yet you have my word that there will be no high-pressure sales tactics.

The price includes seven nights' accommodation, as well as all meals, transportation, and guided tours.

The next tour runs October 30th-November 6th, 2010.

The tour price also includes all of our scheduled nighttime activities. These typically include tango shows, theater, live music, casino nights, opera, or symphony… depending on availability and the group's preferences.

The only thing you'll need to pay for is the transportation to Uruguay and alcoholic beverages.

Please take a moment now to sign up here, for the Uruguay Lifestyle and Property Tour. We will respond immediately by e-mail to book your preferred departure.

There's no other way to discover Uruguay so easily.

Sign up now for the Uruguay Lifestyle and Property Tour.

Sincerely,

Margaret Summerfield
Pathfinder International

P.S. I know that the prospect of tackling a trip like this on your own can be daunting. There's no way to beat the Uruguay Lifestyle and Property Tour if you're ready to discover Uruguay. Sign up today.