BA and Punta?
 

Along with a few days in BA we are are looking to spend about a week in Jose Ignacio in late February, right after the height of the Punta "season." Presumably we would fly over from BA or take the Buqebus. Yet, as for the destination as a combination with BA, there are a number of mixed reviews on Punta and its surroundings.

For those who have been, how is Jose Ignacio? Very cute town with some beautiful beaches worth seeing? Or, not worth the trip? We would head over to Jose Ignacio after a few days in BAires. We want good food, pretty scenery, things to do (horse back riding, touring), some shopping and just relaxing. We understand the water can be cold but hope that it wouldn't be cold like ocean water in Maine cold.

As compared to Carilo or Pinamar is Jose Ignacio the better option? If we head to Carilo/Pinamar, is the easiest route just to rent a car and drive?
Thanks for any feedback.

Punta will be ending the season in February... but its a good option. Pinamar and especially Carilo is more family oriented.

Hello,

Personally I don't think it has much to offer besides a grey party beach! The beaches in Punta del Este are nothing compared to those in Brazil, and it costs about the same to fly there - $400 usd return roughly...
You should enjoy Argentina's best places - Buenos Aires, Salta, Iguazu, Patagonia, Ushuaia!

Have a great trip!

Our trip would overlap with Carnival. Thus, essentially, Brazil is off limits because we aren't so interested in doing that. We have also had the pleasure of visiting a number of different Brazilian beaches and we would like to try something different this trip, but still head to South America. And, we love ARG as a destination.

Carilo seems like a good option but there may be better lodging options in Jose Ignacio. There is a new spot, Estancia Vik, that looks tremendous. We have wanted to go to an Estancia in ARG but had hesitated because we also wanted a beach option. This may be a good combination.

Is Jose Ignacio pretty, and relaxing? Is Cario similar? Thanks

Both Jose Ignacio and Carilo are relaxing.... Carilo is surely more quite, has zero night life right there (you have to drive out of the woods into Pinamar for that).... so it kinda' depends on what you want.

yes, in that case it makes sense to avoid Brazilian beaches even if they are more picturesque... Beach and estancia sounds like a nice plan, would give you a good mixture! If I were you I'd go for Jose Ignacio, that way you'll keep your options open and not be too isloated.

Have a great trip!

Jose Ignacio is quite nice. It reminds me of a south american version of sea ranch in california (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Ranch,_California)

You'll want to rent a car because the bus / ferry will only take you as far as punta itself. From Maldonado city, there is a bus which runs to Jose Ignacio, but with luggage it's a pain.

Jose Igancia is the best - a real in-place with a laid back atmosphere. You go there for the vibe and to part of the scene - it's not a great spot for sight seeing. Vik is the place to stay - you won't be disappointed. There are a (very limited) number of good restaurants in/near Jose Igancio but you definitely need a car. La Barra and Punta are 30 minutes away - so that's a good option if you want to shop/eat as well.

Don't miss it.

Great description!