Los Dedos
Playa Brava · Stop 1

The hand emerging from the sand is one of Punta del Este's best-known sights. Stop for a photo, then continue your walk along the ocean.
An ideal starting point for a walk around the Peninsula.
THE ATLÁNTICA GUIDE
Punta Express. What you shouldn't miss on a short stay in Punta del Este.
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Iconic views, waterfront walks and an island escape.
Playa Brava · Stop 1

The hand emerging from the sand is one of Punta del Este's best-known sights. Stop for a photo, then continue your walk along the ocean.
An ideal starting point for a walk around the Peninsula.
Peninsula · Punta del Este harbour

Walk among the boats, explore the breakwater and choose a restaurant overlooking the harbour. Sea lions can often be seen near the fish stalls.
Stroll along the waterfront at sunset. Watch the animals from a distance and do not feed them.
Maldonado Bay · Departures from the harbour

Set aside half a day to walk among the pines and discover Playa Honda and Puerto Jardín. The boat trip offers a different perspective on the coast.
Check departure and return times at the harbour: services depend on the weather and season.
Two ways to enjoy the landscape, architecture and art.
Punta Ballena

Carlos Páez Vilaró's creation brings together art, passageways and terraces overlooking the sea. Take your time exploring the studio museum, especially as the sun goes down.
Arrive about an hour before sunset and check tickets for the Sun Ceremony.
Manantiales · Route 104, km 4.5

Explore contemporary art exhibitions, timber architecture and an extensive sculpture park. A place to walk, pause and enjoy at your own pace.
Admission is free. Check opening hours and registration requirements for special activities.
La Barra, Manantiales and José Ignacio, with stops to take in the surroundings.
La Barra · Maldonado stream

The Leonel Viera bridge marks your arrival in La Barra. Continue along the main street past shops, surf stores and ice cream parlours.
Observe the speed limit when crossing and find a safe place to photograph the bridge.
José Ignacio · Route 10

Quiet streets, low houses and a lighthouse beside the rocks: a lovely reason to explore the village on foot, discover its beaches and have lunch near the sea.
Check locally whether the lighthouse is open for climbing and what access conditions apply.
Laguna Garzón · East of José Ignacio

The circular bridge offers views of the lagoon from different angles. Combine an architectural stop with a moment to enjoy the landscape and watch the birds.
Use the pedestrian areas and avoid stopping your car on the bridge to take photographs.
Waves, bays and sunsets to enjoy your way.
La Barra
An ocean beach for those who enjoy waves and the surfing scene. A good stop on a trip east along the coast.
Ask local surf schools about lessons and equipment; activities depend on sea conditions.
Manantiales
Sand, waves and a youthful atmosphere on one of Manantiales' best-known beaches. In summer, beach bars add to the seaside experience.
Music, services and activities vary with the season.
Punta del Este · Stops 3 to 7

Explore the bay, alternating time on the sand and in the water. On calm days, ask about kayaking or paddleboarding and stay to enjoy the sunset.
Check rental availability, including jet skis, and minimum age requirements. Respect swimming areas and lifeguards' instructions.
Punta Ballena · Portezuelo Bay
Solanas invites you to walk along the bay and stay for sunset; farther west, Chihuahua offers dunes and a naturist beach with a gay-friendly atmosphere 🏳️🌈.
Nudity is optional at Chihuahua; respect the privacy of other beachgoers.
Piriápolis
These beaches near Piriápolis are worth a detour: sand, rocky headlands and a different coastal landscape to explore at your own pace.
Combine the outing with lunch in Piriápolis.
From chivito to pizza, bakeries and dining among vineyards.
AN UNMISSABLE CLASSIC
Punta del Este · Bv. Artigas and Joaquín Lenzina

Even on a short stay in Punta, make time for a Uruguayan chivito: this classic sandwich is part of the experience. At Bar Arocena, sit down and enjoy it with fried sweet potatoes on the side.
Check the location and opening hours of the Punta del Este branch.
José Ignacio · Playa Brava
Beachside cooking centred on fire and seafood. Add it to your visit to José Ignacio for a meal beside the sand.
Book ahead, especially in high season.
Playa Mansa · Stop 7

A restaurant and beach club on Playa Mansa, for lunch by the water or dinner as the sun sets. Check the menu for the current selection.
Book ahead if you want to visit at sunset.
Av. Roosevelt · Stop 7
Uruguayan barbecue and Spanish cuisine in Punta del Este. An option for grilled meats and a traditional meal.
Check the current menu and prices before booking.
Maldonado · Av. Roosevelt and Camacho
A family barbecue restaurant for a shared meal after exploring. An option to consider if you are looking for all-you-can-eat dining.
Confirm the current service format and price directly with the restaurant.
La Barra
A vintage diner-style restaurant to include in a trip to La Barra. A casual option for family or friends after the beach.
Check opening hours and the current menu before visiting.
Punta del Este · El Trinquete y La Salina

Wood-fired pizza and Italian cooking in the harbour area: a casual option to share after a walk around the Peninsula.
Punta del Este · El Trinquete 828
A bakery stop near the harbour for bread, pastries and a sweet treat to take away, or breakfast before continuing your walk.
Punta del Este · Av. Roosevelt, Stop 8
For a light lunch with specialty crustless sandwiches, a coffee break or a cake to share, the Roosevelt bakery offers sweet and savoury options.
Piriápolis · Rambla de los Ingleses

A table by the coast to add to your Piriápolis outing, with a menu that includes fish and seafood.
Piriápolis · Rambla de los Ingleses
Another seafront option, with fish, seafood and pasta: a pleasant way to finish a coastal outing with a relaxed meal.
Punta Negra

The restaurant at Bouza's wine estate combines cuisine, vineyards and views from the hills towards the coast; allow time for the outing and book ahead.
Art, parks and a sweet break between outings.
Punta del Este · Beverly Hills

Latin American and European art in galleries, courtyards and sculpture spaces in leafy Beverly Hills; admission is free and opening days vary by month.
Punta del Este · Aparicio Saravia / Pedragosa Sierra
A leafy park with playgrounds and room to move outdoors: a good break between outings, especially with children.
Maldonado · Av. Aparicio Saravia / Elías Regules
A theme park recreating a rural Uruguayan village and its trades and traditions; check the activities programme before visiting.
Punta Ballena

A countryside outing for pancakes with dulce de leche; the area also has a long connection with the Punta del Este International Jazz Festival.
For jazz events, check each edition's dates, tickets and venue: Finca El Sosiego is part of that history.
Getaways worth a full day or an overnight stay.
Lavalleja

Hills, open views and walks around the lake offer a change from the sea to Lavalleja's scenery; allow a full day or an overnight stay to enjoy it without rushing.
Maldonado · Pueblo Edén
A small village amid rural scenery for a slow walk and a countryside lunch; a different outing from the beaches and bustle of the coast.
Maldonado

Quiet streets, rural character and dining options for a trip inland; the village and nearby wineries are separate visits, best planned individually.