Beach
Playa Brava
The Atlantic side. Open water, real waves and the wide beach that gave the village its surf reputation.
East of the village
Maldonado · Uruguay
José Ignacio
A village of sand streets between two beaches, with the lighthouse as its only tall building. Barefoot by day, quietly refined by night.
About the destination
Good to know
01
Getting there
Fly into Punta del Este airport, twenty minutes away, or Montevideo and drive an hour and a half along the coast.
02
When to go
December to February for the full season. October, November, March and April for the same landscape without the crowds.
03
Getting around
You will want a car. The village itself is walkable, everything else is not.
What to see and do
Worth your time
The places we send our travellers to, and the ones we would go back to ourselves.
Beach
Playa Mansa
Calm bay water on the western side. The one for swimming, paddleboarding and the sunset ritual.
West of the village
Landmark
The lighthouse
Working since 1877 and open to visitors. The only elevated view over the coastline.
In the village
Nature
Laguna José Ignacio
A quiet lagoon and bird refuge behind the village, with fishermen's houses on one shore.
5 minutes by car
Landmark
Laguna Garzón bridge
The circular bridge over the lagoon. An engineering curiosity worth the drive on its own.
20 minutes by car
Culture
Rizoma
Bookshop, café and cultural space. Unexpected in a village this size, and a good place to wait out the wind.
In the village
Wine
Bodega Oceánica
A coastal winery and olive oil producer minutes from the village. Tastings by appointment.
10 minutes by car
Outdoors
Haras Godiva
Guided horseback rides through the countryside. Book at least twenty four hours ahead.
Nearby
Wellness
The Shack Yoga
Yoga, meditation and massage by the dunes, with cold pressed juices and a small boutique.
By the beach
Art
Micaela Marine Art Collection
A gallery of marine paintings in acrylic and watercolour, with commissions available.
In the village
Day tripPhoto
Casapueblo
Carlos Páez Vilaró's white cliffside sculpture-house at Punta Ballena, and its sunset ceremony.
39 km away
Art
Fundación Pablo Atchugarry
A sculpture park and contemporary art foundation on the way to Manantiales.
22 km away
Request
Check availability
No payment at this stage. Tell us your dates and we come back within 24 hours with options and a final price.