24 Hours in Uruguay’s Punta del Este

If you’re flying to Punta del Este in Uruguay for one night, there’s a large chance your plan is to experience the sunshine from the white-sand beaches during the day and hit the buzzy nightlife lounges and clubs at night. If you’re doing what the celebs do and are flying in for a quick weekend getaway, here’s how to spend 24 hours.

9 a.m.: Arrive to Punta del Este to settle in and order breakfast at Punta del Este Resort & Spa.

10 a.m.: Hit Playa Mansa (the main beach) for three hours of lounging in the sunshine and watching the waves roll in. Bonus points if you take your picture with the famed La Mano landmark.

1 p.m.: Head to the beachside café Olivia for a light lunch and ask to be seated on the scenic rooftop to people-watch and watch yachts come into port.

2 p.m.: Start the party by heading to the beach club Ovo at Conrad Resort & Casino to day-party on the waterfront. The lively atmosphere can only be described as Vegas meets Tulum.

5 p.m.: Head back to the hotel to shower and hit the refresh button before continuing the party with a night out on the town.

7 p.m.: Start off classy with appetizers and cocktails at Guappa to dine on some upscale Uruguayan food. The restaurant has a beachside deck to cozy up on.

9 p.m.: Check out Soho Bar for the first cocktail stop of the night. The vibe gets more loud and wild as the night goes on, but as 9 p.m. is early in Punta del Este standards, you’ll be left to some delicious cocktails in relative peace.

11 p.m.: Now it’s time for the real dinner. La Bourgogne is a fine-dining restaurant with a French flare, and the food and service won’t disappoint.

1 a.m.: Head to Mobey Dick, the most famous watering hole in Punta del Este for locals and the elite alike. A known gathering place to pre-game a night out, you’ll be part of the social scene as soon as you walk through the doors.

3 a.m.: As crazy as it sounds, no one goes to the clubs before 2 a.m. — and most locals don’t show up until 4 a.m. Head to Ocean Club or Mambo Club to party into the wee hours of the morning.

Early Morning: Head back to the hotel and try and squeeze in a few hours of sleep before you catch your flight the next day. Good luck!