Maldonado

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In 1755, Spanish authorities founded Maldonado, 30km west of Piriapolis at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, as an outpost to provision ships. Downtown retains colonial airs, but the town has sprawled because of tourist development in the area. It remains an economical alternative to Punta del Este (5km to the southeast, but strictly speaking also part of Maldonado) for food and accommodations. Sportfishing, surfing, windsurfing, diving and other water sports are all possible in the area.