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..Maid of the Fishermen,
Piriápolis
The Rivièra, The South-East of Uruguay
This part of Uruguay receives most tourists in summer. The main resorts are Punta del Este and Piriápolis. Tourists mainly come from Argentina and less numerous from Brasil. Tourism is focused on the Sun & Sea activities. But there are lots of other activities to do, like visiting historical sites, visiting nature reserves and cultural buildings. Some of these activities have been listed below.
Punta del Este
Located on a peninsula in the very South-East of Uruguay. It's thé seaside resort of Uruguay. The rich and wealthy of South-America come here, strolling over the boulevard, enjoying the perfect weather and miles of sandy beaches and visiting the casino and eachother.
Piriápolis (see pictures)
First seaside resort in Uruguay, build in the early 1900's, by Francisco Piria. A more quiet resort, beautifully located between the Rio de la Plata and the forest covered hills. From the hill San Antonio, directly on the shore, it is a marvelous view over the river, the city and it's surroundings. A beautiful place with more to do then just visiting the sandy beaches.
Casa Pueblo
Casa Pueblo has been build on a rocky peninsula Punta Ballena. The name refers to the house as a small village. It's developed by the artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. The style somewhat resembles the mediterinian style. The artist however refers to the "Hornero", a bird native to Uruguay, which builds a oven-like nest. The view over the Rio de la Plata is marvelous. Casa Pueblo is open to visitors.
Castillo de Piria
The castle was inaugurated August 17th, 1897, after a building period of three years led by the arquitect Monzani. The castle is a total replica of a castle in the Italian Rivièra, including it's alternating cilindrical and prismatical shape towers. The parc surrounding the castle holds various palm tree species from all over the world. Nowadays the castle is a museum and partly open to visitors.
Reserva Autoctona Pan de Azucar
A reserve for indigenous animals from Uruguay and rare species in South-America. Beautifully located against the hill Pan de Azucar. This open-air reserve holds over 600 animals. Research is being done so animals can be better protected in the wild. Also breeding programs are being set-up from this reserve. A beautiful parc, worthwile a visit of at least half a day.
Isla de Lobos
The island is located about 3 kilometers South-East off the coast of Punta del Este. This island is one of the two most important reserves for seals and sea lions. It is part of a chain of coastal islands forming a national park and home to an estimated 350,000 South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) and 15,000 South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens).
About 180,000 seals live on Isla de Lobos. A boat sight-seeing visit can be booked in Punta del Este.
Sierras de las Animas - Ghost Hills
In the period the Andes was formed, cooled down magma from a solitary vulcano created the Sierras. These Sierras were a centre of indian civilization in the 1400's, and gave refuge to the indian Charrúa tribe, as they struggled to survive the Spanish conquerors. This quiet, overwhelming place is worth a visit.
