Punta del Este

Not more than 2hrs away from Montevideo sits Punta del este, Uruguay and Argentina´s top seaside city, with the best resorts and fine beachfront apartments. This place becomes the playground of the wealthy people of the region during the summer.

I came here out of season and it was deserted. besides fine beaches, the port is small but interesting with the odd sea Lion sitting on the docks.

The lighthouse is another favourite place for nice pics, and  of course do not miss the sunsets.

Piriapolis

About 100 clics East of Montevideo you´ll find the city of piriapolis, named after its creator Piria, its an interesting stop if your going to Punta del este, or just for a day trip. One of its attractions is Piria´s castle, that was built as his residence.
Francisco Piria was a wealthy man of his time that bought some land in the 1890s and decided to create a Summer resort to entice the locals and nearby argies. The place had  a big hotel,casino and all the necessary tourist trap attractions of the time.

On the occasion of the marriage of his daughter Piria built a church for the ceremony, but was never consecrated as a Catholic Temple, cuz of his a affiliation with masons and alchemists, and unfortunately is now in ruins.

Needless to say that the place has very nice beaches, and a breathtaking view of the whole city from the cerro San Antonio.