Landmark
La Mano
The giant hand emerging from the sand at Playa Brava. The most photographed sculpture in Uruguay.
Playa Brava
Maldonado · Uruguay
Punta del Este
South America's best known peninsula. Beaches on both sides, a working harbour, and a season that runs from December to February.
About the destination
Good to know
01
Getting there
Direct flights from Buenos Aires and São Paulo in season, or an hour and a half drive from Montevideo.
02
When to go
January is the peak. December and February are busy but easier. Out of season the town is quiet and the prices drop sharply.
03
Getting around
Walkable in the centre, but a car helps for La Barra, Manantiales and Punta Ballena.
What to see and do
Worth your time
The places we send our travellers to, and the ones we would go back to ourselves.
Architecture
Casapueblo
Carlos Páez Vilaró's white cliffside sculpture-house, museum and workshop, with a sunset ceremony every evening.
Punta Ballena
Harbour
Puerto de Punta del Este
Fishing boats, sea lions waiting for scraps and the yacht walk at dusk. Best just before sunset.
Peninsula
Beach
Playa Mansa
River water on the western side of the peninsula. Calm, warmer, and where the sunsets happen.
Peninsula
Beach
Playa Brava
Open Atlantic on the eastern side. Waves, wind and the wide beach where La Mano stands.
Peninsula
Nature
Isla de Lobos
One of the largest sea lion colonies in the world, reachable by boat from the harbour.
By boat
NaturePhoto
Isla Gorriti
Twenty minutes offshore, quiet beaches, a couple of restaurants and no cars.
By boat
ArtPhoto
Fundación Pablo Atchugarry
A sculpture park and contemporary art foundation, one of the best cultural stops in the region.
Manantiales
Nightlife
La Barra and Manantiales
The villages east of Punta, with beach clubs, galleries and the summer restaurant scene.
10 to 20 minutes
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