Punta del Este

Punta del Este (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpunta ðel ˈeste]) is a seaside city and peninsula on the Atlantic Coast in the Maldonado Department of southeastern Uruguay. Starting as a small town, Punta del Este later became internationally known as a resort for the Latin and North American jet set and tourists. The city has been referred to as "the Monaco of the South", "The Pearl of the Atlantic", "the Hamptons of South America","the Miami Beach of South America", or "the St. Tropez of South America".

There is an extensive list of famous people who visited, resided or acquired vacation properties in Punta del Este and its surroundings.

Among many other historic events, Punta del Este hosted the Whitbread Around the World yacht races from 1985 to 1994 and participated in the race with a yacht under the name 'Uruguay Natural'. Punta del Este also hosted the 1967 American Summit attended by U.S. President Lyndon Johnson, and the start of the Uruguay Round of international trade negotiations in 1986 that ultimately led to the creation of the World Trade Organization in 1994. The city was also host for the 2014 Formula E Championship and the Gran Premio de Punta del Este receiving national, South American and international competitions.

In addition to international film festivals, gastronomy and first-class hotels, the region has protected natural reserves such as Isla de Lobos, Gorriti Island, La Barra, or the Arboretum Lussich. Popular landmarks in the area include the La Mano giant sculpture, the Santorini-styled complex Casapueblo, the Rafael Viñoly designed Puente Garzón bridge, and the Museum of the Sea.

Although the city has a year-round population of about 12,400, the summer season greatly adds to this number.