Attractions

The main reason to visit Punta del Este is the beach, but you'll also find a few sights of interest. The symbol of Punta del Este is La Mano, a giant concrete hand sculpture rising out of the sands of the Atlantic, opposite the bus station. On the tip of the peninsula, Puerto Punta del Este is pleasant for strolling and watching the boats come in. A tranquil change of pace from the beach is the church Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, at the corner of Calle 12 (or Virazon) and Calle 5 (or El Faro), a beautiful sky-blue-and-white Victorian structure. Across the street is the Meteorological Station, Calle 5 and Calle 10 (or Calle Dos de Febrero), a modern lookout tower built over a 100-year-old schoolhouse. Directly across the street is Faro de Punta del Este, the city's symbolic lighthouse, dating from 1860, at Calle 5 and Calle 10. Plaza Artigas, at Gorlero and Arrecifes, has a daily artist market with souvenirs and crafts. Along Ruta 10, just outside downtown La Barra, is the Museo del Mar (tel. 042/771-817: www.museodelmar.com.uy), an interesting museum open daily in summer from 10:30am to 8:30pm, and in winter daily from 11am to 6pm. Admission is U$100 for adults and U$50 for children.