The peninsula
Port, restaurants, hostelsThe tip of Punta, between the Mansa and Brava beaches, with the port and the lighthouse.
Town guide
Things to do in Punta del Este
South America's glamorous beach resort, on a peninsula between a calm bay and the open Atlantic. Packed and pricey in January, relaxed and much cheaper the rest of the year.
10
Hostels in the city
7.5
Average, from 4,441 reviews
2–3
Days to do it properly
The beach resort of the Southern Cone
Punta del Este sits on a narrow peninsula where the Río de la Plata meets the Atlantic, around two hours east of Montevideo. On one side is the Playa Mansa, the calm beach facing the bay, and on the other the Playa Brava, the wild ocean beach with the famous sculpture of a giant hand emerging from the sand. High-rise apartments line the shore, and the small port at the tip has sea lions waiting for scraps from the fishing boats.
In January and early February, Punta becomes the summer playground of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, with beach clubs, nightclubs, art galleries and some of the highest prices in South America. Outside the season it is quiet and much cheaper, with empty beaches and whales passing offshore from July to November.
Give Punta del Este two or three days. Visit Casapueblo, the white sculpted house-museum of the artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, take a boat to the sea lions of the Isla de Lobos, cross the wavy bridge to La Barra and continue to the village of José Ignacio.
Where to base yourself
The peninsula has the port, restaurants and most hostels. La Barra and Manantiales, east along the coast, have the beach clubs and nightlife in summer.
La Barra
Beach clubs, nightlifeAcross the wavy bridge east of town, with galleries, bars and summer clubs.
Manantiales
Surf, partiesFurther east, with Bikini beach and summer parties.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 6 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Punta del Este
Start with the beaches. The Playa Brava, facing the ocean, has the sculpture of La Mano, the fingers of a giant hand rising from the sand, and is good for surfing. The Playa Mansa, on the bay, is calm and best for swimming and sunsets. At the port at the tip of the peninsula, sea lions gather by the fish stalls.
Take a boat trip to the Isla de Lobos, home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in South America, or to the closer Isla Gorriti, with pine forests and beaches. From July to November, southern right whales can often be seen from the shore and on boat trips.
Casapueblo, at Punta Ballena around 15 km west, is the white, cave-like house and museum of the artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, and the terrace is the place to watch the sunset. East of the peninsula, cross the wavy Puente Leonel Viera to La Barra, with its beach clubs and galleries, and continue to José Ignacio, a stylish fishing village with a lighthouse.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The beaches are free, from the Playa Mansa to the Playa Brava and the long stretches east of La Barra. La Mano and the port with its sea lions cost nothing to see.
Walk the Rambla around the peninsula at sunset. Whale watching from the shore, from July to November, is free.
The lighthouse on the peninsula and the sunset viewpoint near Casapueblo are free, though entry to the museum is not.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Seafood and parrilla dominate. Try grilled fish, rabas (fried squid) and chivitos, and look for cheaper parrillas away from the seafront. The port's fish stalls sell fresh catch.
In summer, Punta has some of the most expensive restaurants in South America, especially in La Barra and José Ignacio. Supermarkets and hostel kitchens help a lot.
Pay with a foreign card: in the summer season, restaurants charge foreign visitors no VAT.
Nightlife
Going out
In January, Punta has some of the biggest nightlife in South America, with beach parties at sunset, clubs in La Barra and Manantiales open until sunrise, and international DJs. Nights start very late.
The rest of the year, nightlife is quiet, with a few bars on the peninsula.
In summer, book big events and transport ahead, and use taxis or apps late.
Getting around
Getting around
The peninsula is walkable, and local buses run along the coast to La Barra, Manantiales and José Ignacio. Bikes are a good way to explore in summer.
Buses from Montevideo's Tres Cruces terminal take around two hours, and from Montevideo's airport there are direct services. Laguna del Sauce airport, around 20 minutes away, has flights to Buenos Aires, mostly in summer.
The bus terminal is just outside the peninsula.
Costs
What Punta del Este costs
Punta del Este is the most expensive place in Uruguay. In January, dorm beds can cost several times their off-season price, and the beds sell out early. The rest of the year, dorm beds start around €15 to €25.
Eat at supermarkets and simple parrillas to save. Island boat trips and Casapueblo charge fees.
Foreign visitors pay no VAT on accommodation, and in the summer season none in restaurants when paying by foreign card.
Safety
Safety and scams
Punta del Este is safe. Take normal care with belongings on the beach and in crowded summer clubs.
The Atlantic beaches have strong currents, and lifeguards work only in season. Swim where there are lifeguards and flags, especially on the Playa Brava.
The sun is strong in summer, and the wind can be cold off season. In an emergency, call 911.
Worth leaving town for
Islands, artists' houses and quieter beaches.
Casapueblo
The white house-museum of Carlos Páez Vilaró.
José Ignacio
A stylish fishing village with a lighthouse.
Piriápolis
An old resort with a castle, a cable car and Cerro San Antonio.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Summer parties and whale season.
January
Summer season
Punta del Este and La Barra
Beach parties, clubs and international DJs.
July to November
Whale season
Coast
Southern right whales visit the coast.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Punta del Este, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
Pastora Suites & Hostel
Dorms from €20 a night
See dates and book
B&B Punta Hostel
Dorms from €7 a night
See dates and book
Negrita Hostel
Dorms from €15 a night
See dates and book
RocaMar Hostel Boutique
Dorms from €16 a night
See dates and book
F&F Hostel
Dorms from €22 a night
See dates and book
TAS D VIAJE SUITES - HOSTEL BOUTIQUE
Dorms from €15 a night
See dates and book
When to go
January and early February are peak season, hot, packed and expensive. December, late February and March are warm and calmer. Winter is quiet and cold, with whales offshore from July to November.
Jan
Peak season
Feb
Busy, then calmer
Mar
Warm, quieter
Apr
Mild, quiet
May
Off season
Jun
Cold, quiet
Jul
Whales arrive
Aug
Whales
Sep
Whales, spring
Oct
Whales
Nov
Warming up
Dec
Summer begins
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Sea breezes keep summer comfortable.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on off-season Punta del Este prices.
Treat these as a guide. January prices are much higher.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Punta del Este questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is Punta del Este expensive?
In January, very. The rest of the year it is much cheaper and quieter.
When is the best time to visit Punta del Este?
January for the party, December or March for warm weather without the crowds.
How do I get from Montevideo to Punta del Este?
By bus from Tres Cruces, around two hours.
Can I see whales in Punta del Este?
Yes, from July to November, often from the shore.
Is Casapueblo worth visiting?
Yes, especially at sunset from the terrace.
Which beach is best for swimming?
The Playa Mansa, on the bay, is calmer. The Playa Brava has strong waves and currents.
How many days do you need in Punta del Este?
Two or three, more in summer if you want the beaches and nightlife.
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