Uruguay travel guide
What to see in Punta del Este
South America’s most famous beach resort, with its giant hand in the sand and beaches on two seas.
Updated 18 October 2026 · How we make our guides
- 5 must-see places
- Best time: from September to May
Punta del Este highlights
The places you can’t miss. In the app we sort them by day and close to each other.
- La Mano
A sculpture on Playa Brava.
- Gorriti Island
By boat from the harbour.
- Casapueblo
Carlos Páez Vilaró’s house-museum.
- Harbour
Sea lions beside the boats.
- Lobos Island
A sea lion colony.
Day trips from Punta del Este
We take you straight to the best-rated tour on GetYourGuide, with its reviews and dates.
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When to travel to Punta del Este
The months with the fewest warnings to travel to Punta del Este are from September to May.
- Jan no warnings
- Feb no warnings
- Mar no warnings
- Apr no warnings
- May no warnings
- Jun with warnings
- Jul with warnings
- Aug with warnings
- Sep no warnings
- Oct no warnings
- Nov no warnings
- Dec no warnings
- from June to August
Cool winters
From June to August it’s cold and windy; the beach towns are almost shut.
What to do: For the beach, December to March; Montevideo and Colonia, all year round.
Where and what to eat
To eat like a local: a parrilla or a bodegón. The dishes you can’t miss are in the Uruguay guide.
Frequently asked questions about Punta del Este
What to see in Punta del Este?
La Mano, Gorriti Island, Casapueblo, Harbour and Lobos Island.
What to see in Punta del Este in one day?
Don’t miss La Mano, Gorriti Island, Casapueblo, Harbour and Lobos Island. To split it into days and areas without crossing the city back and forth, the Bagintravel app plans your trip in a minute.
What’s the best time to travel to Punta del Este?
The months with the fewest warnings to travel to Punta del Este are from September to May.
What day trips can you take from Punta del Este?
Punta del Este.
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More in Uruguay
Guide reviewed 18 October 2026. Places, areas and seasons: the same data the Bagintravel app uses. Sources and method.