Punta del Este Tours

Punta del Este has been the favourite summer destination for scores of Uruguayans and their Argentine neighbours for a king's age. And it's easy to understand why. Though a resort town, the unspoiled nature and the fabulous beaches along the River de la Plata all add up, along with a bumping night life, to the atmosphere of plain, old fun in the sun.

If that gets a bit much, take a tour to the Isla de los Lobos, the largest colony seals in the southern hemisphere. Or stay in town for the Arboretum Lussich, considered one of the most important botanical gardens in the world. Their work for preservation of many exotic species is unparalleled. Or head to the Reserva de Fauna Autoctona - Pan de Azucar, a nature reserve on the highest point of the country.

A tour into Montevideo, the Uruguayan capital, is a taste of Spanish colonialism and the resulting clash between cultures. The old city is charming and invites exploration, and the food is spicy and excellent. And from there it's merely three hours by ferry to Buenos Aires, so don't be surprised to meet many visitors from the metropolis on the other side of the huge River de la Plata.