UY
Punta del Este
Uruguay’s glamorous beach resort, with two coasts, a yacht harbour and lively summer nights
Uruguay’s glamorous beach resort, with two coasts, a yacht harbour and lively summer nights
The giant fingers rising from the sand of Playa Brava were made by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal in 1982. They are the resort’s best-known landmark.
Visit early to avoid crowds.
Photo: Rosina Peixoto, CC BY-SA 3.0
At Punta Ballena, about 15km west, artist Carlos Páez Vilaró built this white, curving house-studio by hand. It is now a museum, gallery and hotel, famous for sunset views.
Arrive before sunset for a good spot.
Photo: Davi Sanchez, CC BY 2.0
The marina is lined with seafood restaurants, and sea lions often wait by the fish stalls.
Photo: Ezarate, CC BY-SA 4.0
A short boat ride from the port, this wooded island has quiet beaches and ruins of old fortifications. Boats to Isla de Lobos, home to a large sea lion colony, also leave from the harbour.
Photo: Ezarate, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try fresh fish, chivito, grilled meat at a parrilla and Uruguayan Tannat wine.
Prices are high in summer; La Barra and José Ignacio have trendier restaurants.
Buses from Montevideo take about 2 hours. Capitán Corbeta CA Curbelo airport, near Punta del Este, has seasonal flights, mainly from Buenos Aires and Brazil.
Local buses connect the peninsula with nearby beaches.
Uruguay uses the peso (UYU). It is one of South America’s more expensive countries; US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas.
Summer prices can double.
Beaches, art and islands.
See La Mano, walk the port and relax on Playa Mansa.
Visit Casapueblo in the afternoon and stay for sunset.
Take a boat to Isla Gorriti, then dinner in La Barra.
Playa Mansa is calm; Playa Brava has waves.
Many places close between April and November.
Book early for January and February.
Watch for flags on the Atlantic side; currents can be strong.
Quick answers for planning time in Punta del Este.
By bus in about 2 hours, or by car.
A sculpture of giant fingers on Playa Brava, made in 1982.
The hand-built house-studio of artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, now a museum and hotel.
Yes, especially in January and February.
December to March for beaches; March is quieter.
Planning a wider trip? Our Uruguay travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.