From the Logbook
Where Buenos Aires vacations. Where SĂŁo Paulo summers. Where the South American elite park their superyachts and pretend the rest of the continent doesn't exist. Punta del Este is Uruguay's gleaming peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, all high-rises and boutiques and beaches named by number as if exclusivity could be quantified.
Yet there's something genuine beneath the gloss. At Casapueblo, the whitewashed artist's village cascading down the cliff like a Mediterranean dream transplanted to South America, I watched the sunset ritual—classical music swelling as the sun touched the horizon, tourists and locals united in momentary silence. Carlos Páez Vilaró built this place by hand over 36 years, and when the light is right, you understand why.
The Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at the main port near the peninsula's tip. The terminal area is basic but the town is compact and walkable. The iconic Hand sculpture (La Mano) on Brava Beach is about 15 minutes on foot. Avenida Gorlero (main shopping street) starts near the port.
Top Attractions
La Mano (The Hand)
The iconic sculpture of fingers emerging from sand on Playa Brava. Created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal in 1982. The most photographed spot in Uruguay. Walking distance from port.
Casapueblo
The extraordinary sculpture-house-museum-hotel built by artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. Whitewashed organic forms tumble down the cliff in Punta Ballena (15km from town). The sunset ceremony is legendary. Worth the taxi fare.
Beaches
- Playa Brava: Ocean side, larger waves, La Mano sculpture.
- Playa Mansa: Bay side, calmer water, family-friendly.
- José Ignacio: Bohemian chic beach town 30km east. Day-trip if time allows.
Avenida Gorlero
Main commercial street with shops, galleries, restaurants, and people-watching. Runs from the port into the peninsula.
Isla Gorriti
Small island in the bay with beaches and ruins. Boat tours available from the port.
Practical Information
Money
Uruguayan Peso (UYU). US dollars widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Cards accepted most places.
Weather
Temperate. Summer (Dec-Feb) is peak season: 25-30°C, crowded, prices peak. Shoulder seasons pleasant with fewer crowds.
Safety
Uruguay is South America's safest country. Punta del Este is very safe—walk freely, use normal precautions with valuables.
Language
Spanish. English spoken in tourist areas. Portuñol (Spanish-Portuguese mix) common near Brazilian border.
Port Map
FAQs
Is Punta del Este expensive?
Yes, by South American standards—comparable to European resorts in peak season. Off-season is more reasonable. Port area shops and restaurants are priciest.
Can I walk to the main attractions?
Yes. La Mano is 15-20 minutes from port. Beaches and Gorlero shopping are walkable. Casapueblo requires a taxi (15km).
What's José Ignacio?
A smaller, bohemian-chic beach town 30km east. Famous for fire-grilled restaurant Parador La Huella. Day trip if you have 4+ hours.
Author's Note: Punta del Este rewards strolling. Walk the beaches, photograph La Mano, and visit Casapueblo for sunset if time permits.