Situated in the east of Uruguay, about four and a half hours away from Montevideo, Punta del Diablo is a village with a split personality. For 10 months of the year it is a remote, lazy fishing village with wooden shacks and dirt streets where people come to relax. However, during the remaining two summer months the village explodes; restaurants spring open, clubs appear and the population can swell to as many as 22,000 as people flock from miles around to party.
So be aware that if you are heading to Punta during the summer this village is quite the opposite of the unspoiled, relaxing spot you may have heard about from fellow travelers. During winter, and for most of the year, this is exactly what Punta del Diablo is like. The tourists who do visit find empty beaches, take tranquil horse rides, walk in the Parque Nacional Santa Teresa, surf and enjoy a place where nothing happens in a hurry.
Although not immediately obvious, development in this village is controlled by strict planning regulations and building codes that are constraining the over-development of hotels in Punta del Diablo. These restrictions are helping this village to keep is charm and relaxed atmosphere despite becoming increasingly well-known as a tourist destination.
NOTE: Punta del Diablo has no ATM's, however, some hotels do offer cash advances