La Barra
La Barra, Departamento de Maldonado, 20000
With its fair share of celebrity residents and jet-setting vacationers, the upmarket beach town of La Barra has fast become a popular alternative to nearby Punta del Este. Sandy beaches, modern architecture, and a buzzing nightlife scene have transformed this former fishing town into one of Uruguay’s hottest destinations.
The basics
The photo-worthy views begin as soon as you arrive in La Barra, starting with a drive across the famous “wavy bridge,” Leonel Viera Bridge, before continuing along the palm-fringed coastal roads dotted with pastel-colored beachside villas. La Barra’s long sandy beach is the main draw, but in town you’ll find an array of hip cafés, contemporary art galleries, and antique shops, along with a range of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Things to know before you go
Just a short drive from Punta del Este, La Barra is great for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Foodies have plenty to enjoy in La Barra, whether it’s freshly caught seafood, traditional Uruguayan cooking, or cuisines ranging from Italian to sushi.
La Barra is small enough to get around on foot, but you’ll need your own car or to take a bus or taxi to reach the other beaches along the coast.
How to get there
La Barra is just a 15-minute drive east of Punta del Este, but buses can be unpredictable, so it’s best to take a taxi (reservations are highly recommended, especially in peak season) or join a tour. If you’re driving, Route 10 is the main road from Punta del Este to La Barra, and takes you across the Leonel Viera Bridge.
When to get there
La Barra fills up with vacationers through the summer (December through February), and it’s essential to book hotels, tours, and activities in advance if you’re visiting then. Expect prices to soar at peak times, too, particularly over the holidays. Whenever you visit, be sure to stick around to watch La Barra’s legendary sunsets and check out the town’s renowned nightlife scene.
The beaches of La Barra
La Barra’s four beaches are all walkable from the town. La Barra Beach, at the mouth of the Maldonado river, is a year-round spot for fishing and surfing, and hosts water sports like windsurfing and water skiing in the summer. To the east, Los Cangrejos and La Boyita beaches lie along the Atlantic Coast, but the most popular is Montoya Beach, which has a surf school and lifeguards through the summer months.
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