|
|
|
|
|||
|
Punta Del Este - local attractions
Extends over 2,000 hectares northwest of Punta. It was the property of Antonio Lussich, a poet and successful ship salvage businessman. Over 100 years ago, he planted a forest of exotic tree species collected from five different continents. The forest grew beyond everyone’s expectations and now features birch, carob trees, 200 species of eucalyptus, bamboo, elm, magnolia, and maples interspersed with local trees. It is considered by some the seventh most important forest of its kind in the world. His residence, a colonial home, has been turned into a museum managed by the municipality. The house is open to visitors, and a stroll below the forest will delight any naturalist. Guided tours are available. It is free and open to the public from 8 am to 8 pm during the summer and 9 am to 6 pm in the winter.
Is located near the arboretum on a rock bluff in Punta Ballena. This white whimsical building is the inspired dream of Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaró, who said he wanted to create a sculpture big enough for him and his friends to live in. It has become one of the tourist symbols of Punta del Este. The complex has grown to incorporate a club/hotel, the older residence is a private art museum open to the public.
The "sea lions’ lair" is visible from the tip of the Punta peninsula. Discovered in 1516, it became the exclusive hunting grounds of the king of Spain. Sea lions were harvested for pelts and meat up until 1996 when this practice was banned by international conventions. Now a favored tourist attraction, this colony of sea lions and southern fur seals is one of the largest in South America. Tours to the island are organized several times daily from the Punta harbor, though restrictions prevent landing and strolls amongst the animals. In the early morning, before embarking on a tour, watch these wild ocean mammals feed on fish scraps tossed by the local fishermen at the embarkation site. A working dairy and petting zoo, this popular attraction caters to families on a rainy day. The tambo (dairy) produces the famous and very sweet dulce de leche Lapataia. This caramel-like delicacy is a favorite sweet in South America. Here it is served in pancakes, ice cream, and the ubiquitous Alfajores. During January Lapataia hosts an international jazz festival now in its 12th year. Famous musicians from 21 countries have participated in this three-day festival.
Uruguayan art is surprisingly good and inexpensive compared to international standards. The introspective disposition of the native character seems to nurture a healthy artistic and creative inclination. Uruguay is known for its painters. Many are still influenced by the master Joaquín Torres García, a pioneer of South American modern art, whose work is characterized for a subdued palette and geometric designs.
Galleries dot the landscape like mushrooms. The trendiest ones are located in La Barra and José Ignacio. Trench Gallery, Galería Sur and Galería de Las Misiones with a stylish building in José Ignacio are worth visiting. Several artists make their home in Punta and generally open their studios to the public. Museo Ralli and Museo Casapueblo are private collections turned museum, both sit on the outskirt of town.
|
Detail Lussich colonial home
Casapueblo
|
||||
