Welcome to Gorriti Island! Founded on Feberuary 2nd 1516 by Juan Diaz de Solis, Gorriti Island is located off the coast of Punta del Este in a spot where we have a great view of from our hotel rooms. Not all of us chose to explore the wonderful island, but it was quite the trip to such a unique exotic island.
What is so unique about Gorriti Island? Well these 22 hectares of land in Maldonado bay not only has a bio diversity-rich natural eco system, but we were told by some locals that it is one of the only places in the entire world that is unaffected by climate change. This is due to the very strong winds blown along on the northern coasts of the island, but the trees here provide such a clam atmosphere for exotic life to survive.
Gorriti island provides a wonderful beach strip, open fields, as well as uniquely spaced out trees. Some of us decided to explore some more to capture the great views that this island had to offer. We experienced its clam cool beach on the islands south side while feeling out the tough strong winds from the north. We all in the end had a blast no matter what activity we decided on.
While we tried to leave the island, we were faced with a very long line on the islands small port while barring against its strong winds for about 45 minutes. While we waited, we had a great view of the main land’s coastline as well as our own hotel. Along the waters of this port, there were dozens, if not hundreds of jellyfish in the surrounding waters. These strong winds made the ferry ride to and from vary choppy, rocking the boat back and forth for the majority of the ride to the point where you cannot stand up without holding onto the boat itself.
From a finance students’ point of view, it is difficult for businesses to thrive on this exotic island. There is only one small business building on the island which only provide your very basic food and drinks. Although this building may make some money, they cannot expand anymore since it will harm or potentially destroy the valuable ecosystem. So, if there is no more room for expansion, how can businesses make money? Well the main source of income for companies here reside from the ferry rides. These ferries hold about 20 or so people to come and go from the island every half hour for a very low cost (about $10 per person). This very affordable cost in an exceptionally expensive city allows the ferry businesses to survive year-round. During Uruguay’s summer months, these ferry companies are able to become very successful in an area where they literally cannot expand upon.
All in all, Gorriti Island is one of a kind and provided those who went with lifelong memories of this exotic environment. This trip is not yet completed, so there is still room for even greater memories to be made.
Adios!
- Anthony Brazao
SIE 2020, Latin America 