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Jose Ignacio Peninsula
Northeast of Punta del Este, the Atlantic coast becomes markedly more rugged. Development thins, pampas grasses wave above the dunes, and the wind blows inland toward thick pine forests. After 25 miles (35 minutes) on Route 10, you’ll find Jose Ignacio—an elevated stub of land jutting squarely into the ocean.
The peninsula of Jose Ignacio, a tiny fishing village with an estimated population of 200, is fast becoming one of Latin America’s hottest beach destinations. Between December and February, the glitterati descend for private parties and concerts. During these months, the town’s small collection of boutique hotels and villas are booked a year in advance. After Carnival, the movida (high season) ends, superstars vanish, and the town returns to its quaint natural rhythm.
A walk across town takes just five minutes, including time to pat a cart horse and admire the hand-painted street signs. Like Punta del Este, one side of the peninsula is calm and ideal for swimming; the other is favored for surfing and kiteboarding. On the eastern side of the peninsula, the town’s faro (lighthouse) has been guiding ships since 1877.
Toes-in-the-sand restaurants serve grilled fish, rustic pizzas, and juicy casados. Sunsets and stargazing round out most days.
Garzon
The small city of Garzon, 30 minutes (22 miles) inland from Jose Ignacio, is quietly becoming one of South America’s culinary capitals. Founded in 1892, this tranquil village of 200 residents hit the map in 2004, when famed Argentine grill master Francis Mallmann opened a restaurant in a renovated hotel. Since then, artists, artisans, and other chefs have settled here. After lunch, or before dinner, visitors can tour Garzon’s wineries and orchards, sampling olives, oils, wines, and almonds.
La Barra Nightlife
If you crave active nightlife, the party-til-dawn club scene of La Barra is only a 25 minutes’ drive to the southwest.
What to do in Jose Ignacio
Among other activities, visitors to Jose Ignacio can enjoy:
- Horseback riding along the coast
- Surfing and kite surfing lessons
- Sailing and fishing with local guides
- Canoe and kayak outings
- Bird-watching tours
- Private yacht charters
- Paddleboarding
- Jets skiing
- Hiking in the surrounding hills with views of the countryside
- Biking through beach and rural trails
- Traditional asado cooking classes
- Market visits, cooking classes, and chef’s table experiences
- Enjoying local boutiques and restaurants
- Visits to nearby estancias where local families raise cattle and horses
- Winery tours and tastings
- Visits to local art studios, exhibitions, and museums
- Day trips to see the dunes, lighthouse, and sea lions of Cabo Polonio
- Golfing
What is the Weather Like?
Jose Ignacio enjoys a mild coastal climate, with warm sunny days and fresh ocean breezes. The summer months (December to February) are ideal for beachgoers, with high temperatures in the low- to mid-80s °F. Spring and fall bring mild weather and thinner crowds. Winter months (June through August) are windier and cooler, with daytime highs in the 60s °F and cooler evenings. July to October marks the migration of franca whales along the coast.
These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
Getting There
Jose Ignacio lies approximately 100 miles east of Montevideo. The drive from Montevideo takes roughly two and a half hours. During the Austal summer months direct flights from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este are common. Guests arriving from Punta del Este can reach Jose Ignacio in under 45 minutes by road.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Jose Ignacio.
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