Jose Ignacio is sometimes described as Montauk but as far as I can tell it’s got way more going for it. A quiet small fishing village, full of boho chic tiendas full of linen frocks, beachside paradors meant for long, late afternoon, breezy, post-beach lunches followed by late dinners at outdoor restaurants in the sand.

Jose Ignacio, a short drive east from more well known Punta Del Este, for comparison purposes- like Miami, is a dream beach spot for me: Fantastic beaches, memorable restaurants, and fantastic shopping. Although heavily considered a hot spot for well-heeled Argentinians (you’ll see them sipping their carafes of Mate Yerba tea at the beach) it has been gaining traction with US travelers in recent years. However, you definitely need to learn a little bit of Spanish before you go.

See

Sunsets at Playa Vik

Service was fantastic. Have a glass of Vik (my favorite Chilean wine) or a cucumber margarita and watch the sunset.

Polo

Horses are synonymous with Uruguay. Take a lesson at Estancia Vik or attend one of the tournaments they host.

Dancing on the beach

Post sunset dancing at La Choze de Mar- a beach bar right on Playa Mansa

Visit the Lighthouse

Climb to the top of the Lighthouse at Playa Brava

Art

There are some great coastal-themed art galleries worth a quick drive to Manantiales about 20 minutes west of Jose Ignacio as well as the artist co-op that exists in Garzon with regularly scheduled events.

Make it unique:

Jose Ignacio can be pretty windy so kite surfing is pretty big in the area and lots of companies set up shop offering lessons in the small bays and inlets surrounding Jose Ignacio.
Beach bonfire. Firewood is readily available and unlike the US, there aren’t really rules around permits. (at least that we know of!)

Drink

Bodega Garzon

Bodega Garzon was recently awarded the best new world winery award from Wine Spectator- the wine is spectacular, and the restaurant is overseen by Francis Mallman.

Vina Eden

Vina Eden is also another great winery to visit not far from Jose Ignacio, but worth the drive for a long lunch and wine tasting overlooking the vineyard

Tip: Make reservations before you head to Jose Ignacio, drop-ins are not a thing here

Eat

Jose Ignacio is a dining destination. Asados are typical in Uruguay, most vegetables and meats are cooked on an open wood fire and to die for. You’ll find some of the best beef you’ve ever eaten in Uruguay.

La Huella

The most famous spot perfect for a breezy late lunch right on the beach. Don’t miss the roasted provolone, squid, and fresh grilled fish

Marismo

A favorite dinner pick, the restaurant is open-air in the sand lit only by candlelight and a fire pit. Don’t miss the empanadas, grilled octopus slow-cooked lamb

La Susana Beach Club

Hands down the best calamari in all of Jose Ignacio, La Susana has a great selection of sushi, meats, grilled fishes, and salads.

Garzon

Destination dining since its a bit of a drive from Jose Ignacio. On our last trip there, Francis Mallman himself was dining there with his children and grandchildren. Graciously, he still stopped to greet us, ask where we were from, and chat for a bit. Take your time, have a cocktail near the firepit, then sit down to dinner in the courtyard. Don’t miss the ribeye, empanadas, zucchini ribbons salad, and most importantly the dulce de leche crepe stuffed full of dulce de leche. It doesn’t matter how full I am, I will eat this for dessert.

Cruz del Sur

Perfect for a light healthy lunch, the restaurant serves fresh salads, sandwiches, or smoothies with vegetables grown straight from their farm a few miles outside of Jose Ignacio. Last summer they cooked in Amagansett for a special chef mash up

Mostrador Santa Theresita

My favorite lunch spot in Jose Ignacio for fresh grilled meats, salads, cocktails, and desserts. You pick the size plate you want and then pick all the salads you want before going outside to pick your meats and fishes.

Namm

Japanese Uruguayan fusion in a treehouse. Order the sushi and grilled meats.

Tip: South Americans tend to eat a late lunch around 3, so you’ll find that to be the busiest time to get a reservation. You must get reservations. Although, we were able this trip to pop in to La Susana and La Huella I would absolutely not recommend this route. Also note, that smaller parties can be difficult to secure reservations for. Larger parties tend to be prioritized, while smaller parties may get bumped to lesser desirable time slots. Furthermore, portions tend to be large and meant for sharing, so we will typically split an entrée- if it’s steak or fish to share along with some starters.

Jose Ignacio is not a cheap destination, but foreigners benefit from automatic tax refunds when you use your foreign credit card in Uruguay. This includes costs on car rentals, restaurants, and shops. Most credits will post within a few days automatically. Also to note, hotels are tax-free in Uruguay.