←Uruguay travel guide
Maldonado Department, Uruguay
Punta del Este
South America's premier beach peninsula, calm bay on one side, Atlantic swells on the other
BeachesFood & DrinkNightlife
Punta del Este occupies a narrow peninsula dividing the sheltered waters of the Río de la Plata from the open Atlantic, giving it two distinct coastlines within walking distance of each other. Playa Mansa draws families and swimmers while Playa Brava attracts surfers, and the sculpture La Mano rising from the sand has become Uruguay's most photographed landmark.
Check Uruguay visa requirements →
Best time to visit
December to February
Region
Maldonado Department
Main airport
Punta del Este (PDP)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Punta del Este
City
Punta del Este
Uruguay's glamorous beach resort is known for its marina, sculpture of giant fingers rising from the sand, and lively summer scene. Quieter beaches and dunes lie just beyond the town.
Culture
La Mano, Punta del Este
Rising from the sand of Playa Brava, La Mano (also known as Los Dedos) is a concrete and metal sculpture of five fingers, each roughly 10 metres tall, emerging as though a figure were surfacing from beneath the beach. Created by Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal in 1982 for an international open-air sculpture meeting, it has since become the most recognised landmark in Uruguay. The work sits at Parada 1 on the ocean-facing side of the Punta del Este peninsula, directly accessible from the beach.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Uruguay. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Uruguay.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Punta del Este
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Uruguay
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Uruguay page at Yoogo.
Uruguay uses the Uruguayan peso (UYU). Cards are widely accepted in Montevideo, Punta del Este, and tourist areas. Cash is useful for smaller towns and markets. ATMs are widely available. US dollars are sometimes accepted at resorts and tourist businesses, though the exchange rate may not be favourable.
Uruguay is considered one of the safest and most politically stable countries in South America. Crime exists in parts of Montevideo, particularly in peripheral neighbourhoods, but tourist areas are generally safe. Standard urban precautions apply: keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Buses are the primary form of intercity transport and are reliable, comfortable, and affordable. Montevideo has a local bus network and taxis. Renting a car gives flexibility for exploring the countryside and wine regions. Punta del Este is easily reached from Montevideo by bus or car. Driving is on the right.
November to March is summer in Uruguay, with warm weather ideal for beach visits to Punta del Este and the Atlantic coast. The Carnival in Montevideo (January to February) is one of South America's longest and most vibrant celebrations. April to June and September to October offer mild weather for city exploration with fewer crowds.
Spanish is the official language and is spoken throughout the country. Uruguayan Spanish has a distinctive accent and some Italian-influenced vocabulary. English is spoken in tourist areas and hotels in Montevideo and Punta del Este, but limited elsewhere. Basic Spanish is helpful for getting around.
No vaccinations are required to enter Uruguay for most travellers. Routine immunisations should be up to date. Tap water is safe to drink in Montevideo and most urban areas. Healthcare standards are relatively high by regional standards.
Tipping is expected in Uruguay. At restaurants, 10% is standard where a service charge is not included, and some upscale restaurants add a cubierto (cover charge). Taxi drivers are typically tipped by rounding up the fare. Hotel porters and tour guides appreciate small gratuities.
Mobile coverage is excellent across Uruguay, including in rural areas, via providers Antel, Claro, and Movistar. 4G is widely available. Local SIM cards are affordable and easy to obtain. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces in cities.