Time to relax at the beach

sunset from Playa Mansa
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After spending 3 weeks in Patagonia, I was in much need of some sun. From Buenos Aires I took the express ferry across the Rio Plata to Colonia before jumping on a 5 hour bus to the world famous beach resort town of Punta del Este.

This beach haven is set on a peninsula with the Rio on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Many wealthy Argentinians come here for a quick vacation away from the hectic streets of Buenos Aires. It´s an interesting mix of well-dressed Argentinians and scruffy backpackers in thier beach clothes.

resorts along the beach
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Our hostel, was located barely a few blocks away from both beaches which was convenient. I made good use of that luxury by going to the beach everyday. The water was quite cold especially on the Atlantic side. But, I was able to take a little dip when the weather got really hot on the Rio side as it also warmed the water.

Small boutiques and a variety of restaurants and ice cream shops lined the main streets in town. I felt it was my duty to try out these various ice cream shops. Not bad at all.