Sun, Surf & Sunsets on the Uruguayan Riviera
See it in NavoySeven days along Uruguay's Atlantic coast, from the Punta del Este peninsula to La Barra, José Ignacio and Punta Ballena. The trip mixes surf at Playa Brava, a boat trip to Isla de Lobos, beach days, golden-hour views from Casapueblo and late dinners with time for nightlife. Each day is balanced, with a morning or midday highlight, a long beach or meal break and an evening out.
1Peninsula Welcome & Golden Hour
$245Ease into the peninsula with its iconic beach sculpture, the working port and a first sunset by the water. The evening ends with a late seafood dinner.
Peninsula Welcome & Golden Hour
La Mano en la Arena & Playa Brava stroll
Visit Punta del Este's best-known landmark, the giant hand rising from the sand, then walk the Brava shoreline to watch the waves and the surfers you'll join tomorrow.
Port & peninsula walk
Stroll the fishing port, where sea lions often lounge by the docks, and browse the yachts and fishermen's stalls. Finish with an ice cream along the peninsula's waterfront.
Sunset drinks on Playa Mansa
Take the west-facing side of the peninsula for a first-night cocktail while the sun goes down over the calm bay.
Late seafood dinner at the port
Have a relaxed Uruguayan-style dinner of grilled fish, seafood and local wine at one of the port restaurants, on the usual late-evening schedule.
2Catching Waves at Brava
$450A morning surf lesson on Playa Brava is followed by a lazy beach afternoon and a late dinner in the center.
Catching Waves at Brava
Surf lesson at Playa Brava
Take a 2-hour group lesson with board and wetsuit included. Brava's consistent Atlantic swell suits beginners and improvers, and instructors will get you standing quickly.
Beachside lunch
Refuel with fresh grilled fish, salads and cold drinks at a beach parador right by the sand.
Beach afternoon
Rent chairs and an umbrella, swim and relax. Take a free-form afternoon of sun and reading, with a break from the water after the lesson.
Late dinner on Gorlero
Head to the center for a late parrilla or pasta dinner on the main avenue. The street stays lively well past midnight.
3Sea Lions & Island Hopping
$575Sail out to Isla de Lobos to see its large sea lion colony. Then cross to sandy Isla Gorriti and end with a night on the peninsula.
Sea Lions & Island Hopping
Isla de Lobos boat trip
Board a boat from the port for the crossing to the sea lion reserve. Watch the colony and pups from the water, and look for birds along the way. Bring a windbreaker and motion-sickness tablets if needed.
Lunch at the port
Order fresh fish, calamari and a cold drink in a casual port restaurant after the boat trip.
Isla Gorriti beach afternoon
Take the short ferry to Gorriti for calm, clear water, wide beaches and the old fort ruins. Rent chairs and swim.
Late dinner and bar night on the peninsula
Have a late dinner, then drinks at one of the lively bars near Gorlero and the port.
4La Barra with Friends
$360Spend the day in bohemian La Barra: the wavy bridge, a long beach session and a night out with your local friends.
La Barra with Friends
Puente Leonel Viera (wavy bridge)
Cross the famous undulating bridge over the Maldonado stream, a classic photo stop at the entrance to La Barra.
Playa Montoya beach day & lunch
Spend the afternoon with your friends on the beach at Montoya, with its laid-back vibe, beach bars and a long lunch of ceviche and grilled food.
Dinner in La Barra
Share a late dinner at a La Barra restaurant with your friends, ideally somewhere with a garden or terrace.
La Barra nightlife
Move on to a lively La Barra bar or club for drinks and dancing. The scene gets going late, so pace yourselves.
5José Ignacio Day
$450A day in the chic fishing village of José Ignacio, with its lighthouse, a famous beach lunch and a sunset by the sea.
José Ignacio Day
José Ignacio lighthouse & village
Climb or admire the lighthouse and wander the sandy streets, small boutiques and galleries of the village.
Lunch at La Huella
Enjoy a long lunch at one of Uruguay's best-known beachfront restaurants, with wood-fired fish and meats and your toes near the sand. Book ahead in January.
Laguna Garzón bridge & shoreline
Drive east to the circular bridge over Laguna Garzón, then walk the quiet beach nearby for a calmer coastal view.
Sunset on José Ignacio beach
Return to the village for sunset drinks by the water, then a snack while the evening light turns golden.
Late dinner in José Ignacio
Dine at a candle-lit village restaurant on fresh seafood and grilled meat before heading back.
6Punta Ballena & Casapueblo Sunset
$390Start with a paddle on the water, then spend the day around Punta Ballena. Finish with sunset at Casapueblo and a late dinner.
Punta Ballena & Casapueblo Sunset
Kayak & SUP session at Portezuelo
Paddle the calm waters off Portezuelo with kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. It's a gentle workout with views of the coastline.
Lunch & beach time at Portezuelo
Have a relaxed lunch at a beach spot, followed by a long swim and some rest before the evening.
Casapueblo visit & sunset
Explore Carlos Páez Vilaró's whitewashed hillside house-museum and stay on the terrace for the sunset, a highlight of the Uruguayan coast.
Late dinner with a view
Have a late dinner back in Punta del Este, or at a restaurant near Casapueblo, with the ocean as a backdrop.
7Slow Last Day & Farewell Night
$210A gentle final day, with brunch, one last beach session and a goodbye dinner and drinks with friends.
Slow Last Day & Farewell Night
Brunch on the peninsula
Start late with coffee, fresh pastries and a big brunch at a favorite peninsula café.
Last beach session on Playa Mansa
Take a last swim and some sun on the calm west-side beach, with time to pack in your head and rest.
Farewell dinner
Finish with a late dinner and a toast with your friends at your favorite restaurant of the week.