Ready for a weekend away from my job, school, and the bustling big city of Buenos Aires, I packed my bags and boarded the ferry for Uruguay.  A ferry and two bus connections later, I arrived into the tranquil fishing town of Punta Del Diablo – a place where roughly 700 locals call home. 

Located a few hours north of the ever so famous and trendy, Punta Del Este, Punta Del Diablo offers a much different feel.  In place of the over-crowded beaches, expensive hotels, and three story clubs… you have miles of beautifully undeveloped beachfront, one amazing hostel, and a small handful of kick ass bars. 

My favorite bar, El Pico’s, is where everyone seems to end up by the end of the night.  Here you will rock out to live reggae and rock (sometimes a mix of the both) while dancing  the night away in flip-flops and board shorts (at least I did).  The city center (if I dare call it a city) is located just off the pier - here you can purchase cool arts and crafts, enjoy amazing empanadas at about 30 Uruguayan pesos each, and check out the local restaurant seen for your favorite sea food dishes.   

Not too far from the bus station (or drop off rather) is the amazing El Diablo Tranquilo Hostel.  Run by two Americans, Brian and Heidi, they have all the coolest perks a hostel could offer.  Roughly 5 hammocks, free internet, a communal  kitchen, their own local bar and restaurant (worth a nights visit at the least and my favorite  pre–El Pico destination) and a deck overlooking the ocean.  You could not ask for more from a hostel… and if hostels are not your seen there are a few good options for renting Cabanas as well.

*Special note:  There is no ATM in town so bring cash, or if in a bind, go see Brian at El Diablo Tranquilo.  He will allow you to paypal him money or exchange your foreign currency. 

While in Punta Del Diablo make sure you hit up the following. 

1.  The Empanada shack on the board walk. Located just after the docked fishing boats heading south along the beach.  It is a small wooden hut frying up amazingly delicious fish, chicken, and carne empanadas, all made from scratch mind you. 

2.  Hike north to the Santa Theresa National Park.  Four hours round trip and don’t forget your water, sun-block, and camera.  

3.  El Pico’s bar.  Don’t show up before 1am but it is where you will catch live music and the only late night party in town. 

4.  “El Viejo y el Mar” is an amazing little restaurant located right off the ocean near the arts and crafts shops.  One of the best dining experiences of my life.  I shared a huge platter of sea food with a couple of friends and listened to live music no more than 5 feet away.  Make a reservation as this is not a very large venue.

5.  Finally, make sure to take the time to enjoy the beautiful sunsets with a beer / joint in hand (whatever your fancy) and a good group of friends. 

You are going to enjoy this place.  I guarantee it!

Happy travels!

Anthony Lewis