Loops of variation, a pleasant morning, peaceful skies, pushed into my own decision to say goodbye to the Rio de la Plata and get myself in a PLUNA aircraft whose patent code was BOO (literally) to Punta del Este airport.
I went by plane, but you can go by land (7hrs), by river (5hrs in total, by ferry, then car or bus from Colonia or Montevideo), or by plane, as I did. Although PLUNA never has space when you try to reserve, if you go straight to the airport you’ll get your seat, and when you do get to the plane you’ll see dozens of vacant seats. Why?? Just because.
Ahh, finally the wide Rio de la Plata becomes the ocean, the sweet becomes salt and that is the first thing you will see of Punta del Este (specifically Punta Ballena), the rest will go straight to your mind and spirit.
Punta del Este is a point, a peninsula. The south coast in La Mansa is a family zone with calm waters and Mediterranean sunsets. The north coast is La Brava, yes, brave waters with surfers, an old casino, big houses and crowded roads full of teenagers hitchhiking. If you keep driving north you will come to the double bridge that takes you to La Barra.
Well… now we are talking, Punta del Este city and La Brava and La Mansa, though respectable, are Acapulco or some “chévere” city or beach place. But when you cross that “m” shaped bridge you finally reach the Punta del Este you have in mind.
The main road, with art galleries, fancy shops, trendy bars, beautiful people: this place is cool, day and night. Besides PRs and constant invitations to parties you can experience a real holiday.
After La Barra comes Manantiales, Punta Piedras, El Chorro… all different for each target and wishes. Keep heading north and you’ll reach THE spot: Jose Ignacio, a fisherman’s town, complete with lighthouse, perfectly different houses and, again, another peninsula, with sunrise on one shore and sunset on the other.
So what makes this place so great??
Gosh, I don’t know. Is it just that there is no need for a car? The great nightclubs? The way the sun hits (when there is sun) the people? La Hueya, the locals? The seafood, the caipiroskas, the waves, the whales? Bajo el almo, the shape of the sand, the chacras? That mixture of glam, hippie and chic? Or maybe the way Jose Ignacio makes boring people feel bored about it.
I don’t know. But I like it. I know it’s only Jose Ignacio but I like it, like it yes I do. I like it…