Top 5 Things to do in Punta del Este
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South America Travel News

Top 5 Things to do in Punta del Este

4 min read

Jan 4, 2016

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By Clara Tort

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Last updated on October 15th, 2020 at 01:29 pm

Do you ever wonder what is there to do in Punta del Este? The truth is there are plenty of things to do in Punta del Este. In fact, Punta del Este might possibly be South America’s most glamorous and exclusive beach resort town. The town sits on a peninsula that divides the RΓ­o de la Plata from the Atlantic Ocean. The population is around 21,000 year-round, but during the high season from December – February, this jumps to nearly 160,000 people. While tourists from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and around the world come to Punta del Este for the beaches, there are other popular activities here. Read below for our top 5 things to do in Punta del Este and start planning your Uruguay tour today!

1. Relax at the beach

things-to-do-in-Punta-del-Este
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. Β The sea is calmer, with almost no waves.

2. Spend the day island-hopping

things-to-do-in-Punta-del-Este
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

things-to-do-in-punta-del-este
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 PΓ‘ez 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

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One of the iconic symbols of Punta del Este is the massive concrete sculpture of a hand reaching out of the sand along theΒ Brava side of the beach. Chilean artist Mario IrarrΓ‘zabal designed this famous statue in 1982; it commemorates the lives of drowned local sailors. Stop by La Mano and strike a pose. Β Continue to the harbor, Uruguay’s largest recreational yachting facility, and a perfect place to find fresh mariscosΒ (shellfish).

5. Explore La Barra and San Ignacio

things-to-do-in-Punta-del-Este
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 RΓ­o 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 JosΓ© Ignacio, a small fishing village that has become popular for jet-setters because of the seclusion. Β This stylish vacation hot spot has the JosΓ© Ignacio Lighthouse, another popular landmark in town. Β Spend some time visiting the other attractions like JosΓ© Garzon Lagoon and the Sea Museum.Β San Ignacio is a short drive from town, but you will enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean during the drive.

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Last updated on October 15th, 2020 at 01:29 pm

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