Jan 4, 2016
|Last updated on October 15th, 2020 at 01:29 pm
1. Relax at the beach
As you can imagine, our number one thing to do in Punta del Este is to visit the beach. The beaches here are famous for their natural beauty. Depending on what you’re looking for will determine which beach you should visit. For a mix of surfing, delicious foods, outdoor art, and a young crowd, visit Playa Brava. There are more waves at this beach and some days can be a bit windy, but this area is great for people watching. Bikini Beach is another good beach nearby; there you will find celebrities and socialites. If you like something more relaxed, you should check out Playa Mansa, this is better for families. The sea is calmer, with almost no waves.
2. Spend the day island-hopping
Isla Gorriti and Isla de los Lobos are two fun islands near Punta del Este. In fact, they are just a short boat ride away! Isla Gorriti is perfect for travelers that would like to go on a relaxing island stroll. If you are interested in seeing more wildlife, visit Isla de los Lobos. This has the largest seal colony in the southern hemisphere.
3. Visit the famous Casapueblo
If you have ever googled “Punta del Este,” chances are, you’ve seen a photo of Casapueblo. This charming all-white, nine-story villa sits atop Punta Ballena and overlooks the sea. Casapueblo was previously Uruguayan artist, Carlos Páez Vilaró’s villa. Now it is an art gallery and hotel. Enjoy a meal at the cafe or spend the night at the hotel. Sit on your balcony, take in stunning ocean views, and enjoy watching the sunset with a glass of wine or a champagne toast. This is one of the city’s landmarks and a must-see place for all visitors.
4. Visit the Port & La Mano
One of the iconic symbols of Punta del Este is the massive concrete sculpture of a hand reaching out of the sand along the Brava side of the beach. Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal designed this famous statue in 1982; it commemorates the lives of drowned local sailors. Stop by La Mano and strike a pose. Continue to the harbor, Uruguay’s largest recreational yachting facility, and a perfect place to find fresh mariscos (shellfish).
5. Explore La Barra and San Ignacio
The La Barra hamlet is artistic and trendy, with an array of boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife spots. The local’s favorite beach sits here, where the Río Maldonado spills into the ocean. La Barra has been growing as Punta del Este’s most sought after gastronomy area, so here you will find some of the town’s best and most visited restaurants.
Visit José Ignacio, a small fishing village that has become popular for jet-setters because of the seclusion. This stylish vacation hot spot has the José Ignacio Lighthouse, another popular landmark in town. Spend some time visiting the other attractions like José Garzon Lagoon and the Sea Museum. San Ignacio is a short drive from town, but you will enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean during the drive.
Combine Uruguay with a tour to Argentina or Brazil
See our sample Uruguay Tour ideas here:
- Punta del Este, Wine and Golf Tour
- Montevideo and Punta del Este Uruguay Trip
- Colonia, Montevideo and Punta del Este Uruguay Tour
- South America Coast to Coast Tour
