PUNTA DEL ESTE

Punta del Este is on the southernmost tip of Uruguay. It’s comprised of several small towns on a peninsula where the Rio de la Plata meets the Atlantic Ocean. Punta del Este has 31mi/50km of waterfront, making it one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country.

Beaches are the main draw card of this port of call. The “mansa” side of the peninsula faces Rio de la Plata, and the waters are calm and relaxed. Off the coast you’ll see Isla Gorriti. It was once home to a prison, but now it’s a nature reserve that you can visit via ferry. The “brava” side faces the Atlantic, and it’s much windier with waves high enough to surf. “La Play de Los Dedos”, or “The Beach of the Fingers”, is the most famous beach on the brava side. It’s where you’ll find the famous sculpture La Mano of fingers rising from the sand. This statue is a symbol of Punta del Este, and it’s designed to warn swimmers of the rough waves.

In between the mansa and brava side, you’ll find a pleasant town with shopping, restaurants, and plenty of ice cream shops. As the sun goes down, be sure to check out the artisan markets at Plaza Artigas. Other notable sites to visit include the lighthouse, which was built in 1858, and Our Lady of the Candle church.

Interested in getting out of town? Consider heading to Museo del Mar to see unique marine displays and historic exhibits. For art lovers, visit the Ralli Museum to marvel at the extensive collection of contemporary Latin-American art. Another popular place to visit is Casapueblo- a stunning white home atop Punta Ballena that was created by Páez Vilaró, a famous Uruguayan painter and sculptor. It is both a villa and art gallery, and it took 36 years to complete.

Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to enjoy your day in Punta del Este.

PORT FAST FACTS

DOCKED OR TENDERED?

Tender Port. Two potential arrival points- the marina, and also the beach pier on the Mansa side.
TERMINAL BUILDING OR PIER?

Pier.
WIFI AVAILABLE?

Not right by the port. Lots of restaurants and bars around Gorlero street have access to WIFI.
PUBLIC RESTROOMS ASHORE?

At the Marina pier there are restrooms on the lower level, by the fish market.
TOURIST INFORMATION?

Not right by the port. Many around town though. The main tourist office is located at Plaza Artigas.
MAPS AVAILABLE?

Sometimes tourist staff hand out maps near the pier. Otherwise from the downtown tourist information office.
TAXIs / PUBLIC TRANSPORT?

Some taxis available near the pier. Only public buses otherwise.
ATMs / MONEY EXCHANGE?

Not right near the Marina Pier. However lots of banks with ATMs available along Gorlero Street.