Summary
The St. Tropez of Uruguay
The eastern spit of land separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Rio del la Plata was once known to sailors and fishermen as Cabo Santa María. Today, called Punta del Este, this area is known worldwide as a scenic resort area with miles of beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and restaurants, glittery nightlife, and an upscale summer population.
For decades, Punta del Este was an exclusive resort for wealthy South Americans. Although it remains pricey, it is not as expensive as the famous resort areas found in Europe and the United States. The city and its resort appeal continue to draw multiple governments for summit meetings.
A new casino, luxurious restaurants, and endless sports activities, coupled with plenty of natural attractions, shops, and nightclubs, beckon international travelers. The local pines fill the air with refreshing scents, promoting a sense of relaxation.
To get to Punta del Este, check flights from your area to Montevideo or other locations in Uruguay. A car rental is recommended to explore the region easily.
Located just an hour and a half by car from Montevideo, Punta del Este boasts twenty miles of pristine beaches. You will need a vehicle to visit all the spots or to discover your personal favorite. Mansa, or gentle beach, is situated on the bay side, while Brava faces the Atlantic Ocean. These beaches experience heavy crowds during the summer season, which typically runs from December to March. Locals often opt for alternative beaches, such as La Barra del Maldonado, a stunning inlet that flows from the back bay area of Maldonado into the Atlantic. One of the city’s landmarks is the Dedos, or fingers, sculpture embedded in the sand at Playa Brava.
Attractions
- Beautiful beaches
- Various sports: golf, tennis, sailing, and more
- Shopping opportunities
- Current activities and events
- Faro de Punta del Este – This historic lighthouse dates back to 1860, built by Tomás Libarena, featuring crystal prisms imported from France.
- Casa del Pueblo – Once the residence of renowned Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaro, it is now a modern art museum in a striking seaside Mediterranean-style building.
- Isla Gorriti – A frequent boat trip brings you to this island, which showcases more beaches, ancient fortifications, and lush greenery.
- Isla de Lobos – Located 8 km offshore, this island is home to one of the world’s largest sea-lion colonies, featuring a lighthouse.
- Parque El Jagüel – A children’s playground designed with wooden play equipment and animal figures.
- Parque Municipal Zoológico Medina – A large zoo offering interactive exhibits.
- Zoológico Pan de Azúcar – This zoo features a variety of native species in natural settings.
- Take a sunset or evening stroll along Gorlero, Punta del Este’s main thoroughfare, where you can enjoy restaurants, bars, shops, and cinemas, as well as the Feria Artesanal.
The nearby city of Maldonado also presents several noteworthy attractions:
- From Plaza San Fernando, you can visit the Diligencia de Castells Capurro.
- The neo-Classical Catedral San Fernando, now a historic monument, dates back to 1895.
- Cuartel de Dragones, a military headquarters built between 1771 and 1797.
- Marco de los Reyes in Plaza Torre del Vigía, a white and rose marble marker erected in 1753 to signify the division between Spanish and Portuguese territories in South America according to the 1750 Treaty of Madrid.
Off-Season
In the off-season, Punta del Este adopts a more relaxed atmosphere, resembling a tranquil seaside resort. Although many restaurants and shops close, the magnificent beaches remain open for all to enjoy.
One might wonder if the residents of St. Tropez refer to Punta del Este as the St. Tropez of France?
