South America - Argentina/Uruguay beaches in March

Hello. I'm off to Buenos Aires for a short (six-day) trip during the last week in March.

I was thinking of taking a small hop to somewhere with a beach--just a two-night excursion. I was thinking of Mar del Plata or Punta del Este. I'm just concerned that the weather might not be warm enough to really enjoy the beach, and I might be better off staying in BsAs.

The airfares to Punta del Este are significantly pricier; the hotels in Mar del Plata are more expensive, so it's kind of a wash.

I've already been to Iguazu (twice), so I was thinking of something more seaside.

I'm eager to hear your recommendations. Thanks.

I've been to Punta del Este at the end of March, it was beautiful but cool with pretty stiff breezes - it was about 70F while I was there, very few actually swimming. The later in March, the cooler it may be, of course. Watch out for Easter week, as things might be crowded and expensive due to Portenos on vacation. Try the Argentina forum, several Buenos Aires residents follow that and would have more detailed info for you. If you are heading to Uruguay, consider spending a day in Colonia - nice little historic town, can get ferries directly from Buenos Aires, then hop a bus to Punta del Este.

http://www.visit-uruguay.com/tourist-information.aspx

Mar del Plata will be quieter in March and prices somewhat lower. Punta del Este has the reputation of being a bit of a St Tropez with prices to match. Personally, from what I've heard I wouldn't go out of my way to visit either but they are obviously popular resorts.
If you want to get out of the capital then Tigre (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigre,_Buenos_Aires_Province) is just up the road and probably more interesting.

Forget the beach in Argentina and Uruguay..... and in March... that makes a visit to the beach even more out of the question. The water is cold, weather is not that good, its windy.... if you want to go to the Beach, go to Northern Brazil.

Punta del Este is a ghost-town in March.......

Easter week is kinda busy in Punta but I agree that outside of that time it's not worth it. Why not do Colonia, Montevideo (it has OK beaches if the weather is great), or an Estancia near BA?

It may be useful for the OP to explain what he wants to do in Punta..... in the end, I dont think the trip to Punta is worth it unless you own a house there or unless you go there in January.... but of course to each his own.