THE ATLÁNTICA GUIDE

Tourist information.
Enjoy every corner.

Punta Express. What you shouldn't miss on a short stay in Punta del Este.

Start exploring
View of Punta del Este
01

Peninsula classics

Iconic views, waterfront walks and an island escape.

Harbour and waterfront

Peninsula · Punta del Este harbour

Harbour and waterfront
Lou Fernando · CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

Isla Gorriti

Maldonado Bay · Departures from the harbour

Isla Gorriti
Ezarate · CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

02

Sunsets and iconic art

Two ways to enjoy the landscape, architecture and art.

Casapueblo

Punta Ballena

Casapueblo
Talkingheads · CC BY-SA 3.0

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.

MACA · Atchugarry Museum

Manantiales · Route 104, km 4.5

MACA · Atchugarry Museum
Fadesga · CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

03

The route east

La Barra, Manantiales and José Ignacio, with stops to take in the surroundings.

04

Beaches for every plan

Waves, bays and sunsets to enjoy your way.

Playa Montoya

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.

Playa Bikini

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.

Solanas and Chihuahua

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.

Punta Colorada / San Francisco

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.

05

Dining in the East

From chivito to pizza, bakeries and dining among vineyards.

Parador La Huella

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.

El Palenque

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.

Con Historia

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.

Rex

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.

Las Pavas · Restaurante & Bakery

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.

Baipa

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.

06

Beyond the beach

Art, parks and a sweet break between outings.

Pueblo Gaucho

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.

07

If you have more time

Getaways worth a full day or an overnight stay.