These May Be the Best Beach Towns in Latin America

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Most of the beaches along Uruguay’s coastline are free of high-rises, and mega-resorts

Dear Reader,

I spend almost half my time scouting; mostly checking out beach properties. I also enjoy heading to the beach to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and to relax. I’ve found that Uruguay is the perfect place to do a bit of both.

Uruguay is home to the best beach towns in Latin America. The smaller ones have a nostalgic feel that’s reminiscent of old-fashioned seaside towns from the 1950s. Punta del Este, on the other hand, can hold its own with any of the top modern resorts.

Piriápolis is back-dropped by Sugar Loaf, one of Uruguay’s few mountain peaks, and surrounded by gaucho country, unchanged for centuries. It was Uruguay’s first seaside resort—and remains a favorite for many.

Piriápolis boasts not only some of the region’s most lovely and popular beaches, but also one of its few marinas. In the evening, you can enjoy a fresh seafood dinner, or try your luck at the casino. As you stroll along the boardwalk, you’ll see the grand Hotel Argentino, built in 1930, with European-style spas and thermal pools.

You’ll find some re-sales in and around Piriápolis, but not much in the way of upscale properties with the type of amenities that North American buyers want. Sugar Loaf Ocean Club is an exception—it’s the first high-end gated community in this area, targeting North Americans.

Sugar Loaf Ocean Club sits high on a hill in front of Sugar Loaf Mountain, with views to Piriápolis and the deep blue sea. The developer currently has lots starting at $69,900.

Punta del Este is the St. Tropez of Uruguay. The 30 miles of beaches (50 km) wrapped around the Punta (Point) are beautiful, the boardwalk a great place to hang out, and the shops a fascinating mix of the usual tourist fare and luxury brands (Fendi and Valentino).

High season is December to February, and Punta’s New Year’s partying is world-famous. A property rental can fetch $20,000 for the week over Christmas and New Year.

Punta’s reputation as the most upscale sea resort in Latin America attracts royalty, the ultra-wealthy, and stars such as Brad Pitt, and George Clooney. Out of season, Punta is relaxed and tranquil. I enjoyed Punta more without the high season crowds. The beaches and marina were mostly empty while I was there, even on warm sunny days.

Northeast of Punta in the province of Rocha you’ll find the best beaches in Uruguay. They’re natural, wide, and pristine; and dotted with small seaside towns that have a sleepy, friendly, small-town feel that’s charming.

You’ll find surfers and backpackers in La Pedrera, and tourists from Brazil and Argentina… but not many at all from the US. It’s off the radar now; a little bit out of the way, and overshadowed by Punta. Out of season, La Pedrera shuts down almost completely—but you’ll have a perfect crescent of sand and sapphire-blue ocean all to yourself.

I expect to see more development along this stretch of coast in the next 5 years, aimed at the US, Argentine, and Brazilian markets. Right now, there isn’t much. You won’t see high rises, large hotel chains or mega-resorts.

One of the few developments you will find is Laguna Tranquila. Overlooking Laguna de Rocha (a 42 square mile lake), and surrounded by a protected area and national park, there’s nothing like Laguna Tranquila for peaceful country living. One of Uruguay’s most pristine and isolated beaches is close by. Developer Carl Wescott has lots from $25-30 a square meter (starting around $62,000 for a half-acre lot).

So, whether you’re looking for a nostalgic 50s-style seashore town…a luxury resort…or a tranquil beach setting, you’ll find it on Uruguay’s coast.

Margaret Summerfield

P.S. If you’d like to explore the three seaside towns of Piriápolis, Punta del Este and La Pedrera, and Uruguay’s real estate opportunities for yourself, check out the 7-day Uruguay property tour offered here.

You’ll experience the best that Uruguay offers, first-hand… tango, gourmet cuisine, and a spot of wine tasting. Best of all, you won’t have to think about the practicalities of transportation, lodging, meals, or what to do while you’re in Uruguay—it’s all taken care of, for $1495 per person ($995 per couple sharing). If you buy a property on the tour, the tour cost is deducted from the property’s purchase price.