Punta del Este is the ideal place to spend the summer in South America. It is the playground of the rich and famous in Uruguay, but you don't need to be part of the elite to enjoy a summer vacation here. From taking a walk to the tip of the peninsula to visit the Punta del Este Lighthouse, to visiting the Ralli Museum, there are plenty of things to do in this glamorous city. Here is a guide to 12 of the best attractions in Punta del Este.
Take a walk to the tip of the peninsula to visit the Punta del Este Lighthouse. Built in 1860, this picturesque lighthouse offers great views of Punta and is worth a visit. Visit the Ralli Museum, which was founded by art collector and philanthropist, Saul Ralli. He began to acquire works by local artists and decided to share his collection with the world, opening the first Ralli Museum in Punta del Este.
Rent a bike from one of the many bicycle companies in Punta del Este such as Rent a Bike Punta del Este or Specialized Punta del Este for one day. Casapueblo is an incredible work of architecture located just half an hour from Punta del Este. Take a short drive north of Punta del Este over the undulating Puente de La Barra hanging bridge, and you will find yourself in La Barra, a tourist town with plenty of attractions. One of the most popular places is Moby Dick Pub, a bar on the harbor with a cozy terrace. Take part in one of the free walking tours of Punta del Este and familiarize yourself with this fascinating city and its history.
Alternatively, you can turn this walking tour into a bike tour and see all that Punta del Este has to offer in just an hour or two. Another great place to visit is José Ignacio, a quiet coastal town on the outskirts of Punta del Este. Here you can find La Huella restaurant. Take the panoramic elevator to the 22nd floor of La Vista in Punta del Este for some of the best views of the city. Isla de Lobos is a small island off the coast of Punta del Este that is home to the second largest colony of sea lions in South America (about 1500) and one of the highest lighthouses in South America.
Playa Puerto Jardin is one of two beaches here that is perfect for picnics or fishing at its rocky tip near Punta Perdida. Windsurfers, kitesurfers, regular surfers and stand-up paddlers can be seen riding the waves along the coast all year round. With so much to do and see, it's no wonder why Punta del Este is such a popular destination for tourists from all over South America and beyond.
