Punta del Diablo
Encyclopedia
Punta del Diablo is a village and seaside locality in Uruguay
, Rocha Department
, 298 kilometres (185.2 mi) east from the capital Montevideo
. According to the 2004 census, its permanent population consisted of 389 inhabitants, mostly fishermen and artisans, while during high tourism season, the population swells to approximately 25,000, mostly with Argentinians, Brazilians and Europeans on holiday. As with the country it is located in, the primary language spoken in Punta del Diablo is Spanish.
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay
, the capital of Uruguay, 172 kilometres (106.9 mi) from the upscale seaside resort town of Punta del Este, and 43 km from Chuy (which borders the Brazil city of Chuí
).
Punta Del Diablo is perched on a gentle rise overlooking the ocean and centered around a square of brightly colored buildings, including houses, shops, restaurants, bars, shops and grocery stores that line sandy lanes.
Due to strict building codes, there are no high rises or sprawling luxury resorts or high rises. Instead there are small hotels, a boutique hostel, cabanas and vacation houses.
The white sands of the beach below are separated by the main rocky point, “Punta Del Diablo,” which extends more than 600 feet, and two other rocky points, together forming “The Trident.”
Tourists rent homes and cabanas or stay in hostels and small hotels. Most of the hotels and hostels are open only during the high season; however, some like El Diablo Tranquilo are open year-round to accommodate the increasing number of backpackers visiting the seaside village.
In 2008, Lonely Planet ranked Punta del Diablo among the top 10 cities to visit.
During that year, tourism was up to about 20,000 visitors during the December to February seasonal peak.
Punta del Diablo’s popularity with holidaymakers has steadily increased. And the single farming family that has owned the entirety of Punta del Diablo has been steadily selling land to investors.
This tourism growth and Uruguay’s positive investment climate are attractive to foreign investors. Foreign investors are treated the same as national investors, prior authorization is not required, and they enjoy fully free remittance of capital and profits. Uruguay itself is host to about 100 American firms with investments totaling approximately $656 million; and the small village of Punta del Diablo has attracted a steady stream of American and other foreign investors.
The picturesque, white sand beaches are a major attraction here and include: Los Botes, called “Fisherman’s Beach” and from which most of the boats depart; Rivero, which in the high season is lined with open bars and popular with surfers; and La Viuda, also popular with surfers and where locals and visitors are often seen in the summer gathered around beachfires playing guitars and singing songs.
Parque Nacional Santa Teresa (Saint Teresa National Park)
A natural and historical attaction, this coastal National Park is less than a 5k walk along the beach from Punta del Diablo. The 3,000 hectares is home to approximately 2 million trees, as well as flora and fauna from around the world (including rare cormorants), and it is the site of one of Uruguay’s major battles for its independence. Visitors can explore the Park via 60 km of hiking trails. Another attraction of this National Park are the dunes found on the desolate beaches. Whales can be seen along the shore during Uruguay’s summer. 1
Fortaleza de Santa Teresa (Fortress of Santa Teresa)
A significant historical site in Uruguay, the fortress sits on top of a hill inside Saint Teresa National Park. The Portuguese began building the hilltop fort in 1762 and worked on it until the Spanish captured it in 1793. Fortaleza de Santa Teresa was also part of later battles between the two empires, as well as the Spanish and Creoles, and in civil wars after Uruguay became an independent nation. The fortress was restored in 1928 and features a museum that illustrates its history.
Laguna Negra
Boaters and birdwatchers enjoy this lake and its swamps.
Bosque de Ombúes (Ombu Forest)
The native Ombu that populate this forest is a hardy tree that survives on very little water. Jeep and tractor tours are offered, and visitors may also view the forest on foot. The forest includes flora and fauna endemic to the region.
Centro de Tortugas Marinas (Center for Sea Turtles)
This is located near a popular foraging site for sea turtles, the waters off the beaches of Barra del Chuy to Punta del Diablo. The Center educates visitors and runs a volunteer program.
Dune boarding. Similar to snow boarding only done on the sand dunes. The surf shop in Punta del Diablo sells dune boards. Popular locations in Punta del Diablo for sand duning include the south end of La Viuda beach.
Surfing
. The surf breaks off Punta Diablo’s beaches offer relatively consistent and uncrowded surf. Best conditions are in the autumn and winter. Visitors can rent or purchase surf boards at the Surf Shop on, Main Road.
Punta del Diablo has regular bus service to Chuy (bordering Brazil), Rocha and Montevideo. During the summer, there is service to the seaside towns of La Paloma, La Piedra, and Punta del Este. During the high season of tourism, January, all bus seats are sometimes booked days in advance.
Car rentals are found in Montevideo.
Going into Punta del Diablo, some of the buses go into town and others drop off passengers about 5 km from town at a square from which dirt roads fan out to various parts of the village. It is about a 4 ½ bus ride from Montevideo.
From Buenos Aires
By car: The village is reached by heading towards Rosario, and then traveling on Route 14
to Gualeguaychú and across the Puerto Unzué (Argentina) – Fray Bentos (Uruguay) border bridge. Route 2
is then taken, heading towards Florencio Sánchez until the road intersects with Route 11
. This is taken to Route 9
and then into Punta del Diablo.
By bus: The schedule for Tres Cruces Bus Terminal lists the travel times from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, and then from Montevideo to Punta del Diablo. This is a day long ride, with the stretch from Montevideo to Punta del Diablo averaging 5 hours. The may stop at the center of Punta del Diablo or at the intersection 5 km outside of town.
By ferry: The schedule for Buquebus outlines trips to Montevideo or Piriápolis. From one of these points, a car or bus can be taken to Punta del Diablo.
From Florianopolis, Brazil
By car: From Florianopolis drivers can get to Punta del Diablo via Porto Alegre by first driving to Porto Alegre. This can be done via either the heavy trafficked BR-290 or by taking BR-101 to Osorio and then taking BR-290 to Porto Alegre. The section from Osorio to Porto Alegre is a six-lane, toll-road.
From Porto Alegre, drivers can head south on BR116 to BR 392 and continue south to BR 471 to Chuy at the Brazil border where they are directed to the immigration office for their exit stamps required for crossing the border. From Chuy on Route 9 it is about 42 km to Punta Del Diablo.
By bus: There are buses that run from Florianopolis to Chuy, Brazil, and from there, after traveling to immigration for their exit stamps (either by bus, cab, or hitch hiking) to Punta del Diablo.
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
, Rocha Department
Rocha Department
Rocha is a department in the east of Uruguay. It has natural beauties like Cabo Polonio, Valizas, Santa Teresa. Rocha is well known for its beach towns which swell during the summer holidays...
, 298 kilometres (185.2 mi) east from the capital Montevideo
Montevideo
Montevideo is the largest city, the capital, and the chief port of Uruguay. The settlement was established in 1726 by Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, as a strategic move amidst a Spanish-Portuguese dispute over the platine region, and as a counter to the Portuguese colony at Colonia del Sacramento...
. According to the 2004 census, its permanent population consisted of 389 inhabitants, mostly fishermen and artisans, while during high tourism season, the population swells to approximately 25,000, mostly with Argentinians, Brazilians and Europeans on holiday. As with the country it is located in, the primary language spoken in Punta del Diablo is Spanish.
Population
In 2004, Punta del Diablo had a population of 389.| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 199 |
| 1996 | 318 |
| 2004 | 389 |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay
Geography
The village of Punta Del Diablo is situated 298 kilometres (185.2 mi) from MontevideoMontevideo
Montevideo is the largest city, the capital, and the chief port of Uruguay. The settlement was established in 1726 by Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, as a strategic move amidst a Spanish-Portuguese dispute over the platine region, and as a counter to the Portuguese colony at Colonia del Sacramento...
, the capital of Uruguay, 172 kilometres (106.9 mi) from the upscale seaside resort town of Punta del Este, and 43 km from Chuy (which borders the Brazil city of Chuí
Chui
-Places:In Kyrgyzstan:*Chui Province*Chui RiverIn South America:*Chuí, Rio Grande do Sul*Chui Stream, on the Brazil-Uruguay borderIn SwahiliChui means Leopard...
).
Punta Del Diablo is perched on a gentle rise overlooking the ocean and centered around a square of brightly colored buildings, including houses, shops, restaurants, bars, shops and grocery stores that line sandy lanes.
Due to strict building codes, there are no high rises or sprawling luxury resorts or high rises. Instead there are small hotels, a boutique hostel, cabanas and vacation houses.
The white sands of the beach below are separated by the main rocky point, “Punta Del Diablo,” which extends more than 600 feet, and two other rocky points, together forming “The Trident.”
Climate
Punta del Diablo is in the Southern Hemisphere’s temperate zone and has four seasons. Temperatures average 21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) in summer and 10°C and 16°C (50°F to 60°F) in winter.Tourism
The high season for tourism runs from December through February, as well as through Easter week. During high season, the population of the small fishing and artisan village of approximately 400 people, grows to approximately 25,000.Tourists rent homes and cabanas or stay in hostels and small hotels. Most of the hotels and hostels are open only during the high season; however, some like El Diablo Tranquilo are open year-round to accommodate the increasing number of backpackers visiting the seaside village.
In 2008, Lonely Planet ranked Punta del Diablo among the top 10 cities to visit.
During that year, tourism was up to about 20,000 visitors during the December to February seasonal peak.
Punta del Diablo’s popularity with holidaymakers has steadily increased. And the single farming family that has owned the entirety of Punta del Diablo has been steadily selling land to investors.
This tourism growth and Uruguay’s positive investment climate are attractive to foreign investors. Foreign investors are treated the same as national investors, prior authorization is not required, and they enjoy fully free remittance of capital and profits. Uruguay itself is host to about 100 American firms with investments totaling approximately $656 million; and the small village of Punta del Diablo has attracted a steady stream of American and other foreign investors.
Places of interest
BeachesThe picturesque, white sand beaches are a major attraction here and include: Los Botes, called “Fisherman’s Beach” and from which most of the boats depart; Rivero, which in the high season is lined with open bars and popular with surfers; and La Viuda, also popular with surfers and where locals and visitors are often seen in the summer gathered around beachfires playing guitars and singing songs.
Parque Nacional Santa Teresa (Saint Teresa National Park)
A natural and historical attaction, this coastal National Park is less than a 5k walk along the beach from Punta del Diablo. The 3,000 hectares is home to approximately 2 million trees, as well as flora and fauna from around the world (including rare cormorants), and it is the site of one of Uruguay’s major battles for its independence. Visitors can explore the Park via 60 km of hiking trails. Another attraction of this National Park are the dunes found on the desolate beaches. Whales can be seen along the shore during Uruguay’s summer. 1
Fortaleza de Santa Teresa (Fortress of Santa Teresa)
A significant historical site in Uruguay, the fortress sits on top of a hill inside Saint Teresa National Park. The Portuguese began building the hilltop fort in 1762 and worked on it until the Spanish captured it in 1793. Fortaleza de Santa Teresa was also part of later battles between the two empires, as well as the Spanish and Creoles, and in civil wars after Uruguay became an independent nation. The fortress was restored in 1928 and features a museum that illustrates its history.
Laguna Negra
Boaters and birdwatchers enjoy this lake and its swamps.
Bosque de Ombúes (Ombu Forest)
The native Ombu that populate this forest is a hardy tree that survives on very little water. Jeep and tractor tours are offered, and visitors may also view the forest on foot. The forest includes flora and fauna endemic to the region.
Centro de Tortugas Marinas (Center for Sea Turtles)
This is located near a popular foraging site for sea turtles, the waters off the beaches of Barra del Chuy to Punta del Diablo. The Center educates visitors and runs a volunteer program.
Activities
Horseback Riding. Year round, visitors can rent horse or take guided horseback riding tours on the beach or in the forest.Dune boarding. Similar to snow boarding only done on the sand dunes. The surf shop in Punta del Diablo sells dune boards. Popular locations in Punta del Diablo for sand duning include the south end of La Viuda beach.
Surfing
Surfing
Surfing' is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore...
. The surf breaks off Punta Diablo’s beaches offer relatively consistent and uncrowded surf. Best conditions are in the autumn and winter. Visitors can rent or purchase surf boards at the Surf Shop on, Main Road.
Transport
It is about an hour’s walk from one end of the town to another. There is a regular bus service that transports people from the main village road to the beach. There is a taxi, which often parks at the bus stop.Punta del Diablo has regular bus service to Chuy (bordering Brazil), Rocha and Montevideo. During the summer, there is service to the seaside towns of La Paloma, La Piedra, and Punta del Este. During the high season of tourism, January, all bus seats are sometimes booked days in advance.
Car rentals are found in Montevideo.
Going into Punta del Diablo, some of the buses go into town and others drop off passengers about 5 km from town at a square from which dirt roads fan out to various parts of the village. It is about a 4 ½ bus ride from Montevideo.
From Buenos Aires
By car: The village is reached by heading towards Rosario, and then traveling on Route 14
Route 14 (Uruguay)
Route 14 is a national route of Uruguay. In 1983, it was assigned the name Brigadier General Venancio Flores. It connects Mercedes, Uruguay and joins Route 9 on the east coast near La Coronila.-References:...
to Gualeguaychú and across the Puerto Unzué (Argentina) – Fray Bentos (Uruguay) border bridge. Route 2
Route 2 (Uruguay)
Route 2 is a national route of Uruguay. In 1983, it was assigned the name Grito de Asencio. It connects Fray Bentos with Rosario. The road is approximately in length.-References:...
is then taken, heading towards Florencio Sánchez until the road intersects with Route 11
Route 11 (Uruguay)
Route 11 is a national route of Uruguay. In 1983, it was assigned the name José Batlle y Ordóñez. It connects Atlántida to Ecilda Paullier.-References:...
. This is taken to Route 9
Route 9 (Uruguay)
Route 9 is a national route of Uruguay. In 1975, it was assigned the name Coronel Leonardo Olivera, a national hero of Uruguay. It connects Dr. Francisco Soca with Chuy in the northeast....
and then into Punta del Diablo.
By bus: The schedule for Tres Cruces Bus Terminal lists the travel times from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, and then from Montevideo to Punta del Diablo. This is a day long ride, with the stretch from Montevideo to Punta del Diablo averaging 5 hours. The may stop at the center of Punta del Diablo or at the intersection 5 km outside of town.
By ferry: The schedule for Buquebus outlines trips to Montevideo or Piriápolis. From one of these points, a car or bus can be taken to Punta del Diablo.
From Florianopolis, Brazil
By car: From Florianopolis drivers can get to Punta del Diablo via Porto Alegre by first driving to Porto Alegre. This can be done via either the heavy trafficked BR-290 or by taking BR-101 to Osorio and then taking BR-290 to Porto Alegre. The section from Osorio to Porto Alegre is a six-lane, toll-road.
From Porto Alegre, drivers can head south on BR116 to BR 392 and continue south to BR 471 to Chuy at the Brazil border where they are directed to the immigration office for their exit stamps required for crossing the border. From Chuy on Route 9 it is about 42 km to Punta Del Diablo.
By bus: There are buses that run from Florianopolis to Chuy, Brazil, and from there, after traveling to immigration for their exit stamps (either by bus, cab, or hitch hiking) to Punta del Diablo.