Piriápolis

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Piriápolis
pushpin_



image_caption =
subdivision_type= Country |subdivision_name=Uruguay |subdivision_type1 = Department
subdivision_name1 = Maldonado Department
elevation_m =
latd=34 |latm=54 |lats= |latNS=S|longd=55 |longm= 17|longs= |longEW=W
established_title= Founded
established_date = 1893
founder = Francisco Piria
population_total = 8252
population_as_of = 2004
area_code = +043
postal_code_type =postal code
postal_code = 20200

Piriápolis is a coastal city located in Maldonado, Uruguay, an hour's drive east of the national capital, Montevideo. It is a summer resort in the country, predating the larger and more popular resort town of Punta del Este. Because of its resort status, it has a relatively small permanent population.

History

Piriápolis was founded in 1893 by Francisco Piria and quickly became a successful beach resort. When Piria died, his natural and legal children started fighting each other over the inheritance. It was then that Punta del Este became the new hot spot for tourism in Uruguay. Fact|date=September 2007

Places of interest

The city is centered around the Rambla de los Argentinos, a waterfront promenade. With a tourism-centered economy, Piriápolis has opulent hotels, large casinos, an active nightlife scene, and public parks. The Templo de San Antonio, situated atop one of the hills surrounding the city, can be reached by chair lift and offers a panoramic view of the coast. For more adventurous travelers, Uruguay's third-highest point, the Cerro Pan de Azucar, can be found 10 km outside of town. The peak presents a challenging climb as well as a nature reserve. Boat tours and saltwater fishing are available at the Piriápolis port. Fact|date=September 2007

References

See also

* Punta del Este

External links

* [http://www.caminandosinrumbo.com/uruguay/piriapolis/index.htm Information on Piriápolis, Maldonado] es
* [http://www.maldonado.gub.uy/cpiriapolis.php Piriápolis, in Maldonado Hall Town official website] es
* [http://www.reservas.net/alojamiento_hoteles/piriapolis_hotels_uruguay.htm Tourist Information about Piriápolis] es en