Punta del Este, Uruguay

An upscale playground for the rich and glamorous, Punta del Este is the South American vacation spot for anyone who's anyone. Exclusive luxury casinos, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs may be the lure for many visitors, but the resort city also offers plenty for those looking for simpler pleasures. Stroll through the heart of the city and you'll discover galleries, a popular handicraft market, colonial architecture, and the historic lighthouse. Sun worshipers can also enjoy over thirty miles of beaches stretched along the peninsula.