South America

Traveling to Punta Del Este

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Are you planning to travel to Punta Del Leste and want tips on how to make the most of this paradise on earth? Check out our article.

Considered a summer sensation for people of all ages, Punta del Este is the Monaco of South America. Modern, luxurious, expensive and beautiful, the city is the tourist highlight of Uruguay. Forget the cold days surrounded by old buildings and enjoy the atmosphere of a lively resort where the main difficulty is choosing between a freshwater beach and a saltwater beach.

In summer, the city, which belongs to the department of Maldonado, lives its days of splendor, the movement starts late, not before 10 am, just arrive at the Rambla to see a great parade of colorful flip-flops and people enjoying the sun.

Strollers, dogs, bicycles, inline skates, enthusiastic elderly people and young people complete the comings and goings of a city that does not limit the age to have fun.

About Punta del Este

Punta del Este is a seaside resort in Uruguay, popular among Argentines and Brazilians, it has parties and excitement and at the same time a hippie-chic atmosphere, it has excellent cuisine and tourist and cultural attractions such as Casapueblo by the artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, they call Punta the “Monaco of South America”, Punta del Este means “eastern point”, a name that lives up to its location on the map, as it is located in the extreme east of Uruguay.

The center of Punta del Este is located at a point (peninsula) that marks the division between the Atlantic Ocean and the Río de la Plata (the Bay), that is, in Punta del Este you can choose your type of beach: sea with waves (sea) and a beach with calm waters (Río de la Plata) and there are so many beautiful beaches that in the summer it is difficult to know where to go to find a place in the sun.

How to get to Punta del Este

Punta del Este is located on the coast of the Maldonado district in Uruguay, about 120 km from Montevideo, and is over 30 km long with several paradisiacal beaches. Travelers from other Brazilian states arrive by plane via Montevideo. If you are arriving by plane, you can take a bus from the airport or rent a car (pick up from the airport) and drive to the resort.

During the high summer season, airlines such as Azul, LATAM and Gol offer exclusive flights from POA, SP and Florianópolis to Montevideo.

Main distances Punta del Este
Porto Alegre to Punta del Este – 740 km
Pelotas to Punta del Este – 480 km
Montevideo to Punta del Este – 120 km
José Ignacio to Punta del Este – 40 km

When to go to Punta del Este?

Punta del Este is in full swing between Christmas and Carnival when all the restaurants and attractions are in full swing, February is a quieter month perfect for visiting without the New Year crowds.

Other popular dates are Uruguay's Tourist Week (Semana Santa – between March and April). The week is known in the country for being a time when Uruguayans are encouraged to take vacations.

Off-season, Punta del Este can also be a delight. But be careful: not all shops and restaurants are open (especially during the week). And also: In winter it can be very cold, the climate is very similar to that of southern Brazil.

During this low season, the main programs are:

  • Visit to the tourist attractions of the peninsula (Los Dedos, Porto, Centro),
  • Walk along the coast of Praia Mansa,
  • Visit to the Casapueblo Museum,
  • Admiring whales during winter at Punta Ballena Viewpoint
  • and enjoy the gastronomy and nearby wineries (Éden, Alto de la Ballena, Bodega Garzón).

Where to stay in Punta del Este

The most popular place to stay is the Punta del Este peninsula, as it is close to the main action points, year-round restaurants, shops, the port and the most popular beaches. There are numerous accommodation options in other areas, so a simple search for the best travel packages will help you find a great place to stay.

Places to visit in Punta del Este

Port of Punta del Este

This is one of the most important ports in Uruguay, receiving boats and yachts mainly from Buenos Aires and other South American countries. Many of these boats are owned by tourism companies that dock in Punta del Este for various tours, including to Isla Gorriti.

It is usually very busy day and night and receives people who come there to watch the boats or just to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the great bars and restaurants in the area. It is located on Praia Mansa, at the tip of the peninsula.

Plaza General Artigas Fair

The Plaza General Artigas Fair houses more than 200 stalls selling different types of products made by Uruguayan artists and painters every day, in high season from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, reduced hours in low season.

Gorriti Island

Located in front of the port of Punta del Este, Isla Gorriti has an area of 21 hectares that can be visited by visitors who disembark daily to enjoy its beautiful beaches.
The island has two beautiful sandy beaches, Puerto Jardín and Playa Honda, which offer great infrastructure with restaurants to spend the whole day – in the summer months. Access to the island of Gorriti is via boats that leave from the port of Punta del Este, the journey takes about 15 minutes.
During the high season, activity is intense and for those who want to spend a little more, they can secure their place on private boats.

Gorlero Avenue
The main street of the peninsula was named after the first mayor of Maldonado, Juan Bautista Florentino Gorlero, and is a must-see for anyone wanting to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city on its wide sidewalks.

And that's not all, many places offer the possibility of eating outdoors, leaving tables free on the sidewalks so you can see and be seen, but if you prefer you can also eat in restaurants that also have a pleasant atmosphere.

Cozy atmosphere and decor Oh, it's worth remembering that during high season Gorlero is full of people and vehicles, so it's advisable to park your car on the parallel streets and then walk to the avenue.

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