I agonized about posting this review because Punta del Diablo is currently perched precariously below the tourism radar and has the charisma to explode into a guidebook favorite. You won’t find high-rises here, just loads of cabanas for rent along miles of perfect beaches. The town has only about 200 residents year round but summer months and holidays (i.e. semana santa) bring loads of beachgoers and a lively atmosphere.

About two hours north of the uber-sceny luxury vacation destination Punta del Este—aptly coined the San Tropez of South America—Punta del Diablo is overlooked by many a traveler. It’s a surfing mecca (though if you need to rent a board, it’s quite expensive…$40 US for four hours!) with great seafood, miles of coastline and friendly locals. I consider this place an alternative, authentic beach spot: beer and bonfires instead of clubbing and artisan booths instead of resort shopping. It’s a place to meet other chilled-out travelers, star-gaze, and engage in spontaneous behavior (i.e. approaching random people in the supermercado and asking if they want to have an asado. Don’t have a place to stay? Ask if other travelers want to share a place.)

This gem of a hangout is best experienced open-mindedly, but be respectful and shhhhhh...don’t tell anyone!

Rent a cabina (www.puntadeldiablo.com.uy for complete list) or stay at the Casablanca, US$15 per person/night for a nice condo with kitchen and beach view.