I appreciate the info and recs. We have been to Tandil (nice, but we’ve seen it), Carlos Paz and all of the locales in Patagonia. We seriously considered Brazil, but the price of flights and the fact that it’s packed right now just doesn’t make it worth it for 5-7 days. I’d be tempted by La Paloma, but again, the crowds. We spent a Christmas 15 years ago near Maldonado and Piriapolis. I don’t remember much about it, since we were with friends with a pool. Anything inland from Colonia? We would like to stay away from needing to fly or rent a car. Indeed, it could be an impossible dream, but here’s to still hoping.
Pinamar prices are insane. For anyone tempted, I would look elsewhere. We’ve been coming here for more than 20 years, but we’ll take a break from it in the future.