What to do in Punta del Este: 17 unmissable tourist attractions and tours

Are you trying to figure out what to do in Punta del Este, Uruguay?

Punta del Este is a destination full of attractions, highly sought after by travelers, especially during the summer, when you can enjoy its beautiful beaches and all the excitement of the city.

17 best things to do in Punta del Este

Punta del Este offers attractions for those who enjoy history, beautiful landscapes, and culture, making it the perfect destination for your next vacation. Refer to this list of things to do in Punta del Este, which includes essential details about each suggested attraction, if you are considering traveling to Uruguay in the near future.

Tourist attractions in Punta del Este

1. Admire the “La Mano” sculpture and visit Brava Beach

The 'La Mano' sculpture, known as 'Los Dedos,' shows five giant fingers emerging from the sand at Brava Beach in Punta del Este, captured at dawn with the serene ocean horizon in the background.

The La Mano sculpture, also known as Los Dedos or Hombre Emergiendo, is one of the most famous monuments and a postcard symbol of Uruguay. That’s why it’s our first tip on what to do in Punta del Este.

Created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal in 1982, the artwork—which is the main tourist attraction in Punta del Este—features five fingers partially buried in the sand and is located at the beginning of Brava Beach.

Almost everyone takes a picture in front of the sculpture. During the high season, the area gets quite crowded at certain times, so be prepared to wait in line. Take the opportunity to explore Brava Beach, which features strong waves, bars, and restaurants.

2. Visit the casino at Enjoy Punta del Este and stay at the hotel

This image showcases a bustling beachside venue in Punta del Este during sunset. People are mingling on a wooden boardwalk that leads to a venue branded "OVO Beach." The venue's architecture features a modern, minimalist design with a large "OVO" sign illuminated in white light against a wooden facade. String lights add a cozy ambiance above the boardwalk, and the skyline in the background is bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun.

If you’re looking to visit a different kind of attraction, Enjoy Punta del Este is a must on the list of what to do in Punta del Este. The hotel is truly luxurious, offering a spa, two pools, two tennis courts, and seven restaurants. In addition, the complex is home to the only Las Vegas-style casino in South America.

To make the most of the experience, I recommend staying at Enjoy Punta del Este to enjoy all the amenities and services. With its complete infrastructure, the hotel ranks among the best in the destination.

Location: Parada 4 Playa Mansa, Rb. Dr. Claudio Williman, 20100 Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Check the casino’s event calendar on its website.

3. Visit the Ralli Museum

For those who enjoy cultural outings, be sure to visit the Ralli Museum. Opened in 1988, the museum is located in the Beverly Hills neighborhood in a building surrounded by nature. The museum, which has free admission, features works by artists from around the world. Check the museum’s website for opening hours and current exhibitions.

Location: Los Arrayanes, 20000 Punta del Este, Maldonado Department, Uruguay.
Opening hours: the museum has different hours for each month. Check the schedule for your travel dates on its website.
Admission: free

4. Take a sunset walk around the port

Twilight at the peninsula in Punta del Este, featuring a wooden pier leading to a gazebo with silhouetted figures enjoying the view, against a backdrop of moored sailboats under a vibrant orange sky

If you are staying in the Peninsula area, which is the best place to stay in Punta del Este or in one of the surrounding neighborhoods, do not miss taking a stroll around the Port of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria at sunset. In addition to enjoying an incredible sunset, you might also spot sea lions.

Around the port, there are several bars and restaurants. So, after your walk, pick a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the rest of your day while tasting the local cuisine.

5. Visit Mansa Beach

Aerial view of Playa Mansa, showing a curved pier stretching into the calm ocean waters. The coast features gentle waves lapping the beach, creating a serene coastal setting that can be discovered on a stroll, making it one of the best things to do in Punta del Este.

In addition to visiting Brava Beach with the iconic La Mano sculpture, be sure to check out Mansa Beach, one of the most popular in Punta del Este. Unlike Brava Beach, it features calm waters from the Río de la Plata, making it a perfect spot to spend the day with family and relax.

During the summer, the beaches of Punta del Este are lively, with parties and various attractions. In winter, they become quieter and take on a more picturesque charm, quite different from the high-season buzz.

6. Watch the sunset at Casapueblo and explore Punta Ballena

This image shows the unique architecture of Casa Pueblo in Punta Ballena, Uruguay. The white-washed, whimsical building features irregular shapes and organic forms, complemented by a tall, lush tree in the foreground under a clear blue sky.

Located in Maldonado, 15 kilometers (9.320 miles) from Punta del Este, Punta Ballena is one of the most beautiful tourist spots to visit in Uruguay. The peninsula is home to Casapueblo and features upscale hotels, amazing restaurants, and charming beaches.

Casapueblo is a stunning structure overlooking the sea, known for its grandeur and beauty. With its irregular curves and predominantly white facade, the building juts out over the ocean, offering an unforgettable sunset view.

Thousands of tourists visit the attraction, which is regarded as one of Uruguay’s postcard landmarks, and stay at the site, as well as visit the museum and café. If your itinerary allows, set aside at least one day to explore Punta Ballena. In addition to Casapueblo, the area features beaches and other must-see attractions.

Best tours in Punta del Este

7. Take a bike tour around Punta del Este

To get a better feel for the neighborhoods and attractions of Punta del Este, go on a bike ride. It allows you to explore the city more leisurely, passing through the Peninsula (the central neighborhood where most attractions are located), San Rafael (a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets and elegant houses), and other areas of the city.

You can either go on your own by renting a bike or choose a guided tour with a travel agency. On the tour, you’ll visit iconic spots like Paseo de las Américas, Plaza de Gran Bretaña, the Punta del Este Lighthouse, and the beautiful beaches of El Emir and Los Ingleses.

8. Take a sunset stroll along Rambla General Jose Artigas

A vivid sunset over the ocean with the sun low on the horizon, casting a golden reflection across the calm water. The sky is filled with scattered clouds in warm tones of orange and red, gradually fading into deep blue at the top.

Rambla General Jose Artigas is the seaside avenue in Punta del Este. It runs along the entire peninsula, bordered by both the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean.

I recommend taking this walk at sunset, when you can enjoy a beautiful sunset view. Between Mansa Beach and the Port, one of Punta del Este’s primary tourist destinations, is the most fascinating walking stretch.

9. Explore La Barra and cross the wavy bridge

Located 12 kilometers (7.456 miles) from downtown Punta del Este, La Barra was once a fishing village but is now one of the most popular destinations for tourists. The area features excellent beaches, such as the lively Bikini Beach and Montoya Beach, which are perfect for water sports.

On Ruta 10, Avenida Eduardo Víctor Haedo, you’ll find bars, restaurants, shops, and art galleries. However, the most famous attraction in the area is the Leonel Viera Bridge, known as the wavy bridge—one of Uruguay’s most impressive architectural works.

It’s worth crossing the bridge and taking a closer look at its unique structure. While in La Barra, be sure to visit the Museum of the Sea, which displays a fascinating collection of objects found on the ocean floor.

10. Take a tour to Gorriti Island or Isla de Lobos

Two black-and-white shorebirds with long orange bills stand on a rocky shoreline with waves crashing behind them on Gorriti Island, a great option for what to do in Punta del Este. The birds are likely American oystercatchers, and the scene is bright and airy, with sparkling water in the background.

Among the top attractions in Punta del Este, tours to Gorriti Island or Isla de Lobos are musts on any itinerary. Both islands offer stunning scenery and the chance to explore Uruguay’s beautiful coastline.

Gorriti Island, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, can be seen from Mansa Beach and enchants visitors with its two paradisiacal beaches: Puerto Jardín and Playa Honda. Isla de Lobos, on the other hand, is home to an impressive population of over 200,000 sea lions, making it the largest reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. The island’s landscape is also marked by its lighthouse, one of the tallest in the world at 59 meters high.

To take these tours, simply go to the Port of Punta del Este, where some boats offer the service. Keep in mind that they usually depart only once a day and require a minimum number of passengers.

Gastronomic experiences in Punta del Este

11. Try Uruguayan cuisine in Punta del Este

A close-up of a Chivito, Uruguay's classic sandwich, with a tender slice of steak topped with melting cheese, a perfectly cooked egg, and crispy bacon peeking out of a toasted bun. — Chivito

A quality gastronomic experience is a must on your list of the best things to do in Punta del Este. The city has several areas filled with bars and restaurants, perfect for tasting the best of Uruguayan cuisine.

Some of the most typical foods we recommend trying are chivito (traditional Uruguayan sandwich made with bakery-style bread, grilled meat, ham, cheese, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and often a fried egg), alfajor (traditional sweet), asado (barbecue), and Uruguayan wine. On the vibrant Avenida Gorlero and the charming Calle 27, you’ll find a wide variety of establishments to explore. In La Barra, there are also excellent restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a special meal.

Food tours, which are provided by different organizations, are yet another fantastic way to enjoy Uruguayan cuisine. One of the most popular options is the winery tour, where you can enjoy a paired lunch among the vineyards.

12. Take tours to visit the wineries around Punta del Este

This is one of the best tours in Punta del Este, as it combines beautiful landscapes with delicious wines. For this adventure, you can choose from several wineries in the region, such as Bodega Garzón and Viña Edén. In addition to booking guided tours, you can also go on your own, but you must schedule your visit in advance—and keep in mind that you won’t be able to enjoy the wine tasting if you’re driving.

Best day trips from Punta del Este

13. Take a day trip to José Ignacio

Aerial view of José Ignacio, Uruguay, featuring a prominent lighthouse on a rocky point surrounded by waves crashing along the shoreline. The image shows a mix of modern beach houses, green lawns, and sandy beaches, all bordered by the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.

If you enjoy exploring charming villages, be sure to include a visit to José Ignacio on your list of best things to do in Punta del Este. Located just 30 kilometers (18.641 miles) from the city, this delightful fishing village by the Atlantic Ocean offers several attractions, including the José Ignacio Lighthouse and the stunning José Ignacio and Garzón Lagoons.

14. Visit the naturist beach of Chihuahua

For those looking for a different kind of experience among Punta del Este’s attractions, it’s worth visiting the Chihuahua area, located 22 kilometers (13.670 miles) from downtown. The main attraction is Chihuahua Beach, a naturist beach with fine sand and over 2 kilometers (1.242 miles) of shoreline.

Chihuahua Beach offers good infrastructure, including bars and restaurants equipped to welcome visitors who practice naturism. In addition, the Chihuahua area features restaurants, accommodations, shops, and basic services, ensuring a comfortable stay for those who are keen to explore the region.

15. Relax at Laguna del Sauce

A sailboat with a vibrant sail glides across the tranquil blue waters of Laguna del Sauce in Punta del Este, with lush greenery and a serene shoreline in the background, under a clear sky.

Located 22 kilometers (13.670 miles) from downtown Punta del Este, Laguna del Sauce is one of the largest freshwater reserves in Uruguay and a perfect destination to enjoy nature and practice water sports.

Laguna del Sauce has a small designated area for swimming and relaxing, but it’s important to be cautious, as swimming is prohibited in certain parts.

Around the lagoon, you can visit places such as Cerro Escondido, Cerro de la Gloria, Aconcagua, Las Cumbres, and Cerro de los Zorros—all offering incredible panoramic views of the region.

16. Take a day trip to Piriápolis

A scenic view of Piriápolis in Punta del Este, featuring a sandy beach with numerous people enjoying the water and shoreline. In the background, there are buildings and a lighthouse set against a backdrop of lush trees under a cloudy sky.

Piriápolis is a charming destination with beautiful beaches and natural landscapes, located 45 kilometers (27.961 miles) from Punta del Este. In the city, you can explore calm-water beaches, hike scenic trails, or visit the iconic Cerro San Antonio, which offers a stunning view of the region.

To visit Piriápolis, you can rent a car in Uruguay and explore the area independently or opt for a private tour. If you choose to go on your own, it’s worth considering spending at least one night in the area to make the most of the experience.

17. Take a day trip to Cabo Polonio

A tall, striped lighthouse stands on a rocky headland in Cabo Polonio, Uruguay, with the ocean stretching into the horizon under a bright blue sky. The foreground shows a dry grassy area with scattered boulders and a rustic wooden fence leading toward the lighthouse.

Cabo Polonio is a perfect destination for those who love rustic places, beautiful beaches, and close contact with nature. This small village is located in the department of La Rocha, within a protected area.

The town, 147 kilometers (91.34 miles) from Punta del Este, has no electricity, limited internet access, no cell signal, and restricted access—only authorized 4×4 vehicles can reach it. So, for those exploring Punta del Este, we recommend adding a day trip to Cabo Polonio to your list of things to do.

Did you enjoy these tips on what to do in Punta del Este? Also check out all our recommendations on areas and hotels to stay in Punta del Este and plan your trip to Uruguay with ease.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO URUGUAY

Book your hotel in Uruguay in advance

To ensure the best stay in Uruguay, we recommend using Booking or Hotels.com, reservation sites we trust for all our trips. With a wide selection of hotels and the best available rates, you will find the perfect option for your stay, ensuring an incredible and economical travel experience. Our favorite hotels in Uruguay are:

The Grand Hotel (Punta del Este)
Charco Hotel (Colonia del Sacramento)
Leading Hotels of the World (Montevideo)

For greater convenience, rent a car in Uruguay

Uruguay is a wonderful country to explore by car, offering stunning landscapes and charming cities. If your plan is to explore more than one city and maximize your comfort and freedom, renting a car is the ideal choice. The companies we recommend for car rentals are Discover Cars and Rental Cars.

Book your tours and experiences

Planning your tours in advance can save you a lot of time during your trip. Imagine being able to book all your activities directly from the comfort of your home and even pay with your credit card. The companies we use and recommend for booking tours and buying tickets are Viator, Civitatis, and Get Your Guide.