Argentina Aviation Adventure 2006
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Quick trip to Uruguay.. by Pluna 737-200
After Buenos Aires, we set out for a few days in Uruguay, having purchased our Pluna tickets back in Canada before leaving. We decided to fly from the Aeroparque to Punta Del Este for two days of sun and relaxation on the spectacular beaches for which “Punta” (as the locals call it) is famous. During the high-season summer months, tourists from Argentina, Uruguay and to a lesser extent Brazil, flock to the miles of un-crowded and unspoiled beaches that flank both side of “Punta.”
Pluna’s one-way fare between Punta or Montevideo and Buenos Aires is approximately $70 US if booked online or well enough in advance, and our travel agent secured our desired seats over the wing (window and aisle) at the time of booking, so there was no stress needing to get to the airport early to secure suitable seating. Seated in 13A in a full cabin on Pluna 737-200 CX-BOP on the morning of January 27, 2006, the enjoyable flight across the River Plate passed in no time. As a side note, I last flew on this same 737 with Pluna back in 1990, between the Aeroparque and Montevideo, and all three of Pluna’s 737-200s have been in continuous service with the airline since delivered new from Boeing in 1982!
Seconds after departure from Aeroparque’s runway 31, we gently banked to the left as is typical for departures to the east to avoid over-flying the city. It was a sunny, warm and clear morning, and ten or fifteen after our 937 am take-off we were over-flying downtown Montevideo. Pluna's efficient flight attendants were distributing a simple but tasty drink and breakfast service. The hot croissant filled with egg, ham and cheese was very good! We then paralleled the rather desolate Uruguayan coast with the beautiful beaches below, and after another ten minutes of our spectacular aerial tour (at about 20,000 feet), we commenced our let down about 20 miles back from the Punta Del Este International Airport.
We touched down after 32 minutes in the air to a generous round of applause. After a short taxi, we were on our stand and deplaning to the awaiting coaches to take us the short distance across the ramp to Punta’s clean, bright and new terminal building.
Arriving in Punta del Este, Uruguay
Climbing down BOP’s rear air-stairs into the warm Punta sunlight, the sky was deep blue, and a warm ocean breeze welcomed us to our beach paradise. There is a large open-air observation deck facing the apron, the only problem being it was closed! Pluna’s inflight service was quite impressive. Kudos to Pluna. The flight attendants were very friendly, and performed their quick meal and drink service with smiles, where many other airlines would have no meal or food service on such a short flight. The flight attendants even smiled for the camera during the flight, and posed for photos on the air-stairs on arrival in Punta!
Punta Del Este is a 90 minute bus ride from the Uruguayan Capital of Montevideo. As it is only 30 minutes by air from Buenos Aires, Punta Del Este is a favourite holiday get-away destination for afluent Argentines. Sun worshipping toursists also come from Brazil and within Uruguay, and during the peak-season summer months, the hotels in and around Punta swell to over-flow capacity. Punta's sidewalk cafes and bars buzz until well past mid-night as tourists enjoy their always too short visits! During the peak summer season, hotels are pricey and start at about $100 US per night, all the way up to $300 US per night at the swanky joints like the Conrad. One thing is for certain, and that is all who visit will be impressed with Punta because the beaches are beautiful, the food and drink prices are more than reasonable, and the people are extremely friendly. Also, there is no crime problem to worry about!
After a wonderful two days in Punta staying at the Playa Hotel, sampling its fine beaches, pleasant restaurants and night markets, we took the intercity bus to Montevideo (a pleasant journey with bus service running every twenty minutes throughout the day) for a one-day visit. Montevideo’s Sunday market is not to be missed, and its upscale seaside beach area at Playa De Los Pocitos is a wonderful place to relax day or night. For one of the most memorable dinners of a lifetime, try the El Viejo Y El Mar beach-side restaurant, and ask for one of the open dining cabanas.
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