Sun, Sea & Supper: A Romantic Peninsula Escape in Punta del Este

See it in Navoy

Six unhurried days based on the Punta del Este peninsula. You'll get golden-hour views at Casapueblo, lazy Playa Mansa beach days, the iconic La Mano sculpture, a long lunch in José Ignacio and candlelit dinners in La Barra. The trip falls over the Carnaval holidays on 8–9 February, so book restaurants and beach clubs early, as some shops and venues may keep reduced hours.

1

Salt Air & First Sunset

$200

Settle into peninsula life with a gentle stroll around the port and Plaza Artigas, then watch the light turn gold over the water. An easy seafood dinner closes a soft first evening.

Port & Peninsula Stroll

15:00 - 17:00(2h)$20
Puerto de Punta del Este, Rambla Claudio Williman, Punta del Este

After checking in, wander the fishing port, watch the sea lions near the docks and browse the Plaza Artigas craft stalls. Stop for coffee and an alfajor along the way.

Sunset Drinks on the Rambla

18:45 - 20:15(1h 30m)$50
Rambla Artigas, Península, Punta del Este

Share a bottle of Tannat or Uruguayan sparkling wine at a waterfront café at the peninsula tip and watch the sun sink over Playa Mansa's side of the bay.

Seafood Dinner at the Port

21:00 - 23:00(2h)$130
Puerto de Punta del Este, Rambla Claudio Williman, Punta del Este

A relaxed first-night dinner at a port-side restaurant. Try the fresh catch of the day, Uruguayan-style seafood stew or grilled shrimp. Reserve ahead because Carnaval week is busy.

2

A Day on Playa Mansa

$340

Sleep in and spend the day on the calm, sheltered waters of Playa Mansa. In the evening, head east to La Barra for the first of your dinners there.

Beach Club Morning at Playa Mansa

10:30 - 14:00(3h 30m)$80
Rambla Lorenzo Batlle Pacheco, Playa Mansa, Punta del Este

Reserve a sunbed and umbrella at a beach club on the calm side of the peninsula. The water is gentle and good for swimming, with drinks and snacks delivered to your lounger.

Long Lunch by the Water

14:00 - 15:45(1h 45m)$90
Rambla Williman, Playa Mansa, Punta del Este

Linger over grilled fish, ceviche and a chilled white wine at a Mansa-side restaurant. Then enjoy a siesta back at your hotel.

Dinner in La Barra

21:00 - 23:15(2h 15m)$170
La Barra, Maldonado

Take a short taxi to bohemian La Barra for a candlelit dinner. Expect wood-fired cooking, creative cocktails and a lively but laid-back atmosphere. Stay for a stroll near the Leonel Viera bridge.

3

La Mano & Casapueblo Golden Hour

$220

Start with the famous hand rising from the sand, then spend a long afternoon free before heading to Punta Ballena for the day's highlight: sunset at Casapueblo.

La Mano (Monumento al Ahogado) at Playa Brava

10:00 - 11:30(1h 30m)
Playa Brava, Parada 1, Punta del Este

Visit Mario Irarrázabal's giant hand emerging from the sand on Playa Brava. It's best in the soft morning light, when the beach is quiet. Walk the shoreline and take photos.

Casapueblo Museum & Sunset Ceremony

17:45 - 20:30(2h 45m)$50
Punta Ballena, Maldonado

Explore Carlos Páez Vilaró's whitewashed seaside creation in Punta Ballena. Tour the museum and terraces, then have a drink on the terrace for the daily sunset ceremony. Arrive by taxi in the late afternoon.

Dinner with a View at Casapueblo

20:45 - 22:45(2h)$170
Casapueblo, Punta Ballena, Maldonado

Stay on for a romantic dinner overlooking the dark Atlantic, with the lights of the coast below. Book a window table in advance.

4

Lunch in José Ignacio

$350

Drive along the coast to the chic fishing village of José Ignacio for a leisurely lunch and a walk on the beach. On the way back, stop at an open-air sculpture park in Manantiales.

Taxi or Private Transfer to José Ignacio

11:00 - 11:45(45m)$120
José Ignacio, Maldonado

Take a private car or taxi along the coast (about 40 minutes each way). The driver can wait or pick you up later in the afternoon.

Beachside Lunch in José Ignacio

12:30 - 15:30(3h)$230
Playa Brava, José Ignacio, Maldonado

Enjoy a long lunch at a famous seaside restaurant. Order fire-grilled fish, seasonal vegetables and a bottle of local wine, then walk to the lighthouse and along the sand. Reserve well ahead.

Fundación Pablo Atchugarry Sculpture Park

16:30 - 18:00(1h 30m)
Ruta 104 Km 4.8, Manantiales, Maldonado

On the way back, stop in Manantiales to stroll the open-air gardens and galleries. It's a calm, artistic end to the day. Then head back to the peninsula for an evening of rest.

5

Island Day & Barra Nights

$310

Take a short boat ride to Isla Gorriti for turquoise water and a barefoot afternoon, then finish with another La Barra dinner.

Boat to Isla Gorriti & Beach Time

10:30 - 15:00(4h 30m)$60
Embarcadero, Puerto de Punta del Este (ferry to Isla Gorriti)

Catch the short ferry from the port to Isla Gorriti. Swim in the clear water, relax on the sand and see the old colonial fortifications. Bring sunscreen and towels.

Island Lunch at the Beach

13:00 - 14:30(1h 30m)$80
Isla Gorriti, Punta del Este

Eat a relaxed lunch of fresh seafood and cold drinks at a beachside spot on the island before taking the late-afternoon ferry back.

Dinner in La Barra

21:00 - 23:00(2h)$170
La Barra, Maldonado

Dine at a different La Barra restaurant tonight. Consider sharing small plates, handmade pasta or a parrilla spread, and finish with dessert and a stroll through the lively village.

6

Slow Goodbye to the Peninsula

$210

A pampering morning and a last easy meal before it's time to go.

Couples Spa Massage

10:00 - 12:00(2h)$150
Península, Punta del Este

Start the last day with a relaxing couples massage at a peninsula spa, with time in the hot tub or sauna.

Farewell Brunch & Plaza Artigas Market

12:30 - 14:30(2h)$60
Plaza Artigas, Calle Gorlero y Calle 25, Punta del Este

Have a final unhurried meal at a peninsula café, then browse the Plaza Artigas craft market for ceramics, leather and other souvenirs before your onward journey.

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