Uruguay has much to attract the holidaymaker and second home owner, not least the wide sandy beaches and picturesque colonial towns. Punta del Este, 130km to the east of Montevideo, ranks up there with South America’s premier holiday resorts attracting up to 700,000 visitors each year and has been bestowed with numerous nicknames from ‘the Pearl of the Atlantic’ and ‘the Hamptons of Latin America’ to ‘the St Tropez of Uruguay’ and even ‘the Ibiza of Latin America’. Sitting on a peninsula that reaches out into the ocean, separating the surf of the Atlantic Ocean from the calm waters of Rio de la Plata, Punta del Este is an area of outstanding natural beauty offers all of the nightlife and all of the tranquility that you desire.
In January and February Punta del Este’s 20 miles of sandy beach turn into a playground for beautiful people, wealthy South Americans and a sprinkling of celebrities. The modern marina beckons yacht owners from all over the world who bring their impressive cruisers over for some winter sun and fun. Whichever experience you require – lounge music on warm beaches til dawn, trying your luck on the baize in the American-style hotel casinos, admiring one of the world’s largest sea lion colonies on Isla de los Lobos, joining the jetset, roller skating with the children or simply taking in the incredible sunsets - Punta del Este has it sewn up.
Buying Property in Uruguay
The process of buying property is kept simple by the Uruguayan Government; a foreigner has the same rights and incentives as a Uruguayan national. There are no restrictions on transferring capital in and out of the country and there is no income tax or capital gains tax for individuals, only businesses. Purchasers should mentally add a maximum of 5% to the listed price to cover notary fees, VAT, legal fees, etc.
Transport to Uruguay from Europe
Punta del Este has a modern International Airport at Laguna del Sauce, within minutes of Swan Lake Forest which can be reached from Europe with a stop off in between.
Uruguay Geography and climate
Uruguay is a Spanish speaking South American nation bordered by Brazil to the north, Argentina to the west and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east. Of its population of 3.5 million, almost half live in the capital Montevideo set on the wide mouth of Rio de la Plata estuary. At 176,220km² Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America and is characterized by rolling plains, low ranges of hills and a fertile grassy coastal lowland suitable for raising sheep and cattle. The weather is temperate, but warm, and summer temperatures, December to March, can reach the high 30s.
Uruguay Economy and politics
Uruguay has traditionally been better off than its South American neighbours thanks to an educated workforce, 98% adult literacy, advanced social security system and liberal laws. Uruguay is an open, tolerant country without racial or religious tension and welcomes foreigners without prejudice. The economy is fuelled by an export orientated agricultural sector, the export of IT software and more recently a growing tourist industry. Politically, Uruguay has been a democracy since the mid 1980.
Sport in Uruguay
There is absolutely no doubt as to Uruguays most popular sport football - the saying goes, Other countries have their history and Uruguay has its football. Uruguay staged and won footballs first World Cup in 1930, and secured their second win in 1950 beating Argentina in the final, although sadly they have had little to shout about since. Of course as tourism becomes a priority for Uruguay, the golfing community becomes a target and the country boasts some fine courses, private and state-owned, some of which have been established for decades. Three top notch 18-hole golf courses are within the Punta del Este catchment area namely La Barra Golf Club, Cantegril Country Club and Club del Lago, all are very popular and offer very early tee times to try and satisfy demand.
|
