My family has been vacationing in Punta del Este for decades. It's a hidden gem in South America.

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• I've been vacationing in Punta del Este, Uruguay, since I was a toddler.
• I live in Maine now, but I make an effort to bring my family to the same beach every year.
• The endless beachfront and excellent food options make it a favorite destination for us.

Ever since I was 2 years old, my family has been spending the holiday break at the same beach: Punta del Este, in Uruguay.

The beach town is hands down one of my favorite places in the world...