A Complete Guide To Punta Del Este
Quick answer: Punta Del Este is one of the richest and busiest cities in Uruguay, set between two iconic surf beaches, Playa Mansa and Playa Brava. This complete guide to Punta Del Este covers how to get there from Montevideo, how long to stay, the top sights, and where to eat, drink and sleep on a backpacker budget.
The promenade is home to the country’s wealthier class, and with its clean streets, impressive skyline and restaurants serving eclectic cuisines, the city is a world away from some of its neighbouring towns like Cabo Polonio.
Get to Know Punta Del Este
- Surfing: The most popular sport here. Punta Del Este is known as the Surfer’s Paradise of Uruguay.
- Tipping: Most restaurants do not include a tip in the bill, but it is advisable to tip 10% if the service was good.
- Alcohol: By law, shops cannot sell alcohol between 22:00 and 08:00; only bars and restaurants can serve it during those hours.
- Smoking: Strictly prohibited in enclosed areas.
How to Get to Punta Del Este
COT and Copsa run regular buses between Punta Del Este and the capital, Montevideo (Tres Cruces terminal). The ride takes about two hours and costs approximately USD 10. You can buy tickets at the bus terminal or online through their websites.
The Punta Del Este bus terminal is in the centre of the city, at the intersection of Bvr. José Artigas and La Angostura.
How Long to Spend There
Three days gives you enough time to absorb everything this mesmerising city has to offer.
What to See in Punta Del Este
1. La Mano
La Mano is a striking sculpture of human fingers partially emerging from the sand at Playa Brava, right opposite the bus station. Chilean artist Mario Irarrazabal created it in 1982 as a warning to swimmers about the rougher waves on this side of the coast.
2. Faro De Punta Del Este
This 45-metre lighthouse was built in 1860 using materials of volcanic origin. The faro (lighthouse) stands in the heart of the historic centre, on a street that houses some of the oldest summer residences in the country.
3. Isla Gorriti
This tranquil island is just a mile from bustling Punta Del Este. You can explore it in two hours, but it is worth spending a whole day enjoying the panoramic views of Maldonado Bay or strolling through its pine forests.
- Boats: Depart daily from Punta Del Este bay from 09:00, every 30 minutes in summer and every hour in winter.
- Cost: About USD 12 return; tickets are sold at the bay.
4. Isla De Lobos
Isla De Lobos lies 8 km from Punta Del Este bay in the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the largest sea lion reserves in the world. Its 59-metre lighthouse, built in 1906, is among the tallest in the world; 240 steps lead up to a balcony with panoramic views of the island and the Punta Del Este coast.
- Tour: Two hours, departing daily at 12 noon from Punta Del Este bay (weather permitting).
- Cost: USD 50.
5. Esquina 4 Mares
A block from the Faro De Punta Del Este, at the intersection of Capitán Miranda and El Trinquete, “Esquina 4 Mares” translates roughly as “Corner of the Four Seas”. This distinctive corner gives you the feeling of being surrounded by sea on all four sides.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Mi Sushi Punta: A special spot created by local surfers. For delivery, call 4248 7622. Av. Francia, 20100 Punta del Este.
- Crepas Punta: Popular with locals for its crêpes and fruit juices. Calle 27 Los Muergos y Gorlero. Tel: 4244 9164.
- El Miró: A mixed Mediterranean and Oriental menu with a view of Playa Brava. Playa El Emir, Calle 26 y 27. Tel: 4244 9380.
- Capi Bar: Brews over 20 varieties of artisanal beer, with a wide range of food including vegetarian options. Los Muergos 580 (27) y Gorlero (22).
Where to Sleep in Punta Del Este
| Hostel | Dorm price | Address |
|---|---|---|
| The Trip Hostel (top rated) | USD 10 per night | Emilio Sader entre Bvar. Artigas y Avda. Francia |
| El Viajero – Brava Beach & Hostel Suites: | USD 10 per night | Av. Francia y Charrua |
| B&B Punta Hostel: | USD 12 per night | Emilio Sader s/n Esq. Francia |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Montevideo to Punta Del Este?
Take a COT or Copsa bus from Tres Cruces terminal. The trip takes about two hours and costs around USD 10.
How many days do you need in Punta Del Este?
Three days is enough to see the main sights, visit the islands and enjoy the beaches.
Should you tip in Punta Del Este restaurants?
Tips are usually not included, so leaving 10% for good service is advisable.
How much does the Isla De Lobos tour cost?
The two-hour tour costs USD 50 and leaves daily at noon from Punta Del Este bay, weather permitting.
Conclusion
With surf beaches, historic lighthouses, sea lion colonies and a lively food scene, Punta Del Este deserves a place on any Uruguay itinerary. Give it three days, stay in one of the budget hostels, and you will see why it is called the Surfer’s Paradise of Uruguay.
Thanks for sharing such a comprehensive guide! If I could surf, I’d definitely visit Punta Del Este. Hadn’t even heard of it before!
What a great place – we had never heard of it!
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LOVE this! I got so excited to read this post because I spent about 24 hours in Punta Del Este. We did some the clubs at night which were really cool. I would love to go back and really explore the city. Will definitely bookmark this for later!
If I’m ever there its probably to do a bit of surfing. I’ve always wanted to give it a try!
Punat del este looks like a perfect place for island lovers! First time to hear this place but it does sound interesting to make a visit and spend a week or so.
I’ve read about the glamour of Punta del Este, but it’s nice to hear about the casual/easygoing side of it as well. I like how succinctly you’ve provided a lot of information.
I was so intrigued by the La Mano sculpture, that I looked it up. I found that the sculpture was made in 1982 by a Chilean artist called Mario. The depiction is that of the hand of a drowning man and was supposed to be a warning to swimmers against the rough seas.
We didn’t stop here during our short excursion into Uruguay.
I wish you’d included some more photos to see if we’d really missed something or not!
Perfect timing! I’ll be visiting Uruguay for a day off of my visit to Argentina in a few weeks, so this gives me a great idea of where to start!
This place is quite new to me. While reading through your post I came across the La Mano. This caught my attention instantly . I would love to see it once. It sounds very interesting. That apart, you have just given me a new place to add to my to see list 🙂
Punta Del Este is quite compelling. I’d love to wander along that skyline someday.
It indeed is. It’s a home to many Argentinian millionaires. You surely would appreciate the distinct beauty of the city.