Punta del Este

Punta del Este ranks 5th in the list of the most beautiful coastal towns in Uruguay. Punta del Este is South America's favorite beach resort for the rich, famous, and impossibly beautiful. It's swaggering, carefree, and always fun. Many models' careers have been launched (and a few wealthy businessmen's have been ruined) here. The Saint Tropez of South America, it has the prices and snobbiness to match, but away from the bar and club scene, there are plenty of down-home restaurants and some lovely beaches.

Punta del Este has an interesting history, despite its rather frivolous reputation. Che Guevara famously chastised American and regional leaders after the Day of the Pigs debacle, and the World Trade Organization was founded in Punta in 1994. But it has always been at its most exciting during the summer season (Dec-Feb) when hordes of Argentineans, Brazilians and North Americans descend en masse in search of fun, carnality and the perfect selfie in front of a setting sun.

Punta's best hotel is also its most popular attraction. Casapueblo is a hotel/art museum located 10 miles west of the main peninsula. With white-washed turreted peaks and a labyrinth of 80 rooms spread across 13 floors, this eccentric property is a surrealist's dream. The Hotel Conrad is Punta's most iconic hotel, known for its star-studded parties and bikini catwalks. It's a massive complex with a gym, a beauty salon, a casino, and glass-fronted restaurants overlooking La Mansa beach.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: Maldonado, Uruguay