Uruguay: Montevideo, Colonia and Punta del Este

[Canarsie]

I will be in Uruguay within the next few weeks, and I will have a car. I will be there for one full day and two half days. I will stay in Montevideo for both nights.

I realize it is the off-season, but I am interested in visiting Colonia and Punta del Este in addition to Montevideo.

Although I realize that Punta del Este is primarily a beach resort town, I am interested in seeing Isla de Lobos, which is an island 8 kilometers from land by one of the world’s largest sea-lion colonies. What are the chances that I will be able to go to this island and see the sea lions in the off-season in the late Uruguayan autumn?

Also in the Punta del Este area, I am interested in seeing the Faro de Punta del Este, a lighthouse that dates from 1860, built by Tomás Libarena. The structure is 43 m high and has 150 steps to the top. The crystal prisms were brought from France.

Thank you in advance for any recommendations about what to do and where to eat in Montevideo, Colonia and Punta del Este.

[mgmsteven]

Be sure to try the chivito (Uruguayan fast food) for lunch. They are available in the brasserie/bar type restaurants. Also take to heart the warnings about street crime in the Old Town section of Montevideo. Two weeks ago I experienced an attempted robbery. That excitement aside I really enjoyed Montevideo. It has the "feel" of a foreign country and reminds me a lot of France. Outside the hotel desk, English seems to be non existent.

[stwaldman]

I agree, get a chevito, it is awesome. My wife and I stayed at the Four Seasons in Carmelo which was incredible.

[CApreppie]

I went to Colonia del Sacramento on a day trip from BA. It was historical and worth a visit. One of the few places the colonial architecture is intact. It won't take you longer than 1/2 day to do the walking tour of the historical district/museums. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site if you are interested in checking those off. Very little museum text/signage is in English, however.

I can't help you out on restaurants. I think I grabbed a sandwich somewhere and ate some ice cream later.

Safe and fun travels!