Is Punta del Este Safe in December 2026?

Unlicensed private drivers (remiseros informales) position themselves inside and immediately outside the arrivals hall at Carrasco International Airport (MVD), intercepting tourists before they reach the official taxi rank. They quote flat fares of $120–180 USD for the 65km transfer to central Punta del Este — roughly double the legitimate rate. Some display unofficial-looking printed price boards to appear authoritative.

How to avoid: Pre-book a transfer through your hotel or use the official Radio Taxi stand located at the far end of the arrivals hall (look for the yellow-and-black livery). A legitimate metered Radio Taxi or pre-arranged remis from MVD to central Punta del Este costs approximately UYU 2,500–3,200 (~$60–80 USD). Ignore any driver who approaches you inside the terminal before you reach the official rank.

During the December–February high season when Punta del Este accommodation is scarce, scammers post fraudulent apartment and house listings on social media, WhatsApp groups, and informal classified sites at prices slightly below market. They contact prospective renters claiming to be owners or agents, manufacture urgency by saying other parties are competing for the property, then request a "reservation deposit" of 20–30% wired to a personal bank account or paid via informal transfer. The property does not exist or belongs to someone else.

How to avoid: Book only through established platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com, Uruguay-based agencies with verifiable office addresses) or directly through your hotel. Never wire a deposit to a personal account or pay via informal transfer (including some WhatsApp-based payment links) before verifying ownership. If dealing with a local agent, verify their matricula (real estate license) with Uruguay's Ministerio de Vivienda. Be especially skeptical of deals that appear in January for "remaining weeks" at attractive prices.

On Avenida Gorlero — the main commercial pedestrian strip running through the Peninsula neighborhood — thieves work in pairs or small groups using classic distraction techniques: a "spill" of mustard or sauce on your clothing, a staged argument nearby, or an overly insistent street vendor. While one person engages you, an accomplice lifts wallets, phones, or bags. Activity peaks during the December–February high season when the avenue is densely crowded.

How to avoid: Keep bags zipped and worn across the body at the front. Store your phone in a front trouser pocket, not a back pocket or open bag. Politely refuse interaction with anyone who touches you or points at a stain on your clothing — this is the distraction phase of the theft. Be especially alert between Calle 20 and Calle 30 where pedestrian density is highest.

During the January–February peak season, fraudulent holiday rental listings circulate heavily on Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and local Uruguayan classified sites, targeting Argentine and Brazilian visitors seeking last-minute accommodation in Punta del Este, La Barra, and José Ignacio. Scammers demand 50–100% upfront deposit via bank transfer, then go silent. Properties either do not exist or are already legitimately rented to someone else.

How to avoid: Use only established rental platforms with verifiable host history and dispute resolution (Airbnb, Booking.com, or long-standing Uruguayan agencies). Never pay via bank transfer to an unknown individual for a vacation rental. Video-call the host and ask them to show the property live before any payment.

Boat tour operators at the Puerto de Punta del Este marina advertise half-day yacht excursions, fishing trips, and tours to Isla Gorriti at promotional prices, then add "fuel surcharges," "port departure taxes," and "equipment fees" at the dock that were not in the advertised price. January–February demand from Argentine visitors reduces pressure on operators to be transparent, and verbal quotes are deliberately vague.

How to avoid: Request a written itemized quote including all fees before boarding. Confirm in writing whether the quoted price includes fuel, port fees, and any equipment. Cross-reference prices with the Puerto marina official posted rates. Reputable operators in Puerto de Punta del Este will have a formal invoice system.