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Peaceful Piriapolis

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Piriapolis is a small beach resort on the Uruguayo coast between Punta del Este and Montevideo. It is set among three granite hills and has a nice boardwalk to walk east and west along the coast.




	The beach at Piriapolis

Piriapolis is a small beach resort that caters to mainly Argentinian and Uruguayo tourists. Most tourists walk the boardwalk with thermos and mate in hand and a gaggle of overactive children in tow. There is a small marina, and a casino. On the beach, there are usually a few games of soccer (futball) being played teenagers, and a few games of lawn (beach) bowling by the elderly. The ocean always seems a little chilly, but that means that there is usually a nice cooling breeze to keep the days from too hot.

Favourite spots:




	Taken from the hill

I enjoyed climbing the hill east of town and sitting in shade created by the Jesus Christ statue. It was a nice to read a book with occasional breaks to watch the fishing boats, and the seabirds work along the rocky coast thereabouts.

What's really great:




	Fishing Boat

I liked the absence of many of the things that have become stereotypical of many beach resorts around the world. No touts on the beach, and no jet skis or banana boats nearly taking your head off as you are swimming. The traffic will also actually stop to let you cross the road to the beach which is also becoming unusual around the world. There is nothing really special about Piriapolis. The beach is a average. The ocean is also average not particularly clear or clean. In many ways, Piriapolis is special in that more like the beach resorts of a few decades ago and of today.

Sights:




	Castillo Piria

To the north of town is the Pan de Azucar which is a very short ride or a long walk. Pan de Azucar is a granite hill which is the third largest hill in Uruguay. On the slopes is a small zoo, entrance free, dedicated exclusively to the native wildlife of Uruguay. From the zoo, there also is a nice trail to the top of the hill. The Castillo Piria which has turned into a museum is also nearby the Pan de Azucar.

Accommodations:




	A Coati sleeping at the zoo

There are a few high rise hotels, a very ritzy placel called the Hotel Argentino, and maybe a hundred smaller hotels. I stayed at the Hotel Centro which had great apartments with cable tv for about $10.50 a night in March 2006. The prices go up in high season, Christmas until March, and most everything closes in Piriapolis from Semana Santa until December.

Restaurants:




	Pan de Azucar

There are many restuarants in town. The bad news is that like most of Uruguay, they are very few are priced for budget travellers. Most budget and family tourists seem to rent apartments and eat there meals in their rooms. There are a many good supermarkets around town.

Published on Monday April 17th, 2006 by danilbruce

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