Excursions that bring the spirit of travel to life
ALL OF PUNTA DEL ESTE: WAVES, HANDS AND YACHTS
Welcome to Punta del Este, the lively gem of South America. Wander between the historic lighthouse, the bright blue church and the imposing anchor of the Graf Spee, steeped in history and sea views. On Brava beach, admire the famous “Hand” and the powerful waves, while the sea lions welcome you from the island of Lobos. The grand finale takes place in lively General Artigas Square, amongst market stalls and local crafts, before returning to the port with Punta del Este in your eyes and in your heart.
Main stops
- Punta del Este Lighthouse
- Church of Our Lady of Candelaria
- Punta Salinas
- Playa Brava
- Artisans' Square
The programmeGet off the ship in the lively port of Punta del Este, where your adventure begins. Soak up the panoramic view of the marina and sparkling waters before setting off on your journey. Walk to the iconic lighthouse of Punta del Este, a historic lighthouse that has guided sailors since 1860. In front of the lighthouse, visit the charming church of Our Lady of Candelaria, a beautiful celestial structure that stands as a testimony to the rich heritage of the city. Continue your walk to Punta Salinas, the southernmost point of the peninsula. Here you will find the imposing anchor of the Graf Spee, a German warship from the Second World War. This viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view and a touch of maritime history. Proceed to the famous Brava beach, known for its powerful waves and the iconic "La Mano" sculpture. Enjoy a walk along the shore as you gaze out in the distance at Lobos Island, home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the world. End your walking tour in Plaza General Artigas, better known as the Square of Artisans, the beating heart of Punta del Este. Explore the market stalls and admire local crafts. The square is named after Uruguay’s national hero, General José Artigas, whose statue stands proudly in the center.
PUNTA DEL ESTE BY BICYCLE, FROM THE SEA TO THE CITY
Jump into the saddle and discover Punta del Este, accompanied by your local guide: sand, waves and sea lions in the harbor, views to make your head spin at the lighthouse and brightly-colored churches. Every pedal stroke reveals a new wonder, and the city is all yours.
Main stops
- Playa Mansa and port
- Lighthouse, Nuestra Señora de Candelaria church: external visits
The programme
- Travelling by bike is the best way to soak up the endless views and the beautiful sights of Punta del Este. In addition, it's an environmentally friendly means of transport, and is perfect for meandering along the roads of this peninsula.
- From Playa Mansa, a local guide will whisk you away from the chaos of the city. In front of you is a stretch of sand spanning 6km and the sea: Take a deep breath and enjoy the clean air.
- The blue water is inviting, but now is not the time to stop. Pedal your way to the port, where, among the sounds of the ships, you may hear strange calls...it's the sea lions sunbathing between dips into the sea. Have you ever seen them so close up?
- Say goodbye to your new friends: the ride continues towards the lighthouse. Get as close as you can and then look up. If you suddenly feel small, don't worry - it's normal: it's 45 meters high.
- A bit further on, a colorful building draws the eye. It's the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria church, with dazzling white and sky-blue walls.
- You've got a little more pedaling to do to make this city and its sights yours: you've got a taste for it now, right?
- This experience will be narrated in Spanish and English.
- We'll take care of the bicycle, helmet and water bottle.
- Wear appropriate sports shoes and clothing for the trail.
- This is one of the most popular experiences so book early.
PUNTA DEL ESTE: VIPS, MOVIE-WORTHY BEACHES AND DREAMY VILLAS
A tour of the chicest neighborhoods of Punta del Este, where the villas look like they're straight out of a glossy magazine and VIPs enjoy an aperitif, even at breakfast time. From Pinares to Beverly Hills (yes, that's really it's name), to the picturesque Punta Ballena, with its iconic beaches and panoramic roads that cry out for a selfie or two! Avenida Gorlero makes for a perfect finale - the city's high society hub: here, you can enjoy a snack or do some shopping at your leisure. Perfect if you want to see how the other half live.
Main stops
- Harbour
- Playa Mansa
- Playa Brava
- Residential neighbourhoods and Hollywood-style villas
- Avenida Gorlero
- Punta Ballena (photo stop)
The programme
- We leave the port behind us and head towards the residential neighbourhoods of this renowned beach resort in South America, one of the favourite holiday destinations for VIPs and rich entrepreneurs, who also host many of their elegant and fashionable parties here.
- We admire the city's lovely residential neighbourhoods, full of magnificent villas surrounded by the pine trees and lush greenery typical of this coastal area. A perfect combination of architecture and natural beauty that makes Punta del Este truly unique.
- Our tour includes the neighbourhoods of Pinares, Beverly Hills, San Rafael and Punta Ballena as well as the Playa Mansa and Playa Brava beaches.
- Afterwards, drive to Punta Ballena along a panoramic route that takes us to a viewpoint from which we can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
- We then stop nearby lovely Avenida Gorlero, a long street populated with bars, restaurants and shops where we have some free time to grab a quick bite or do some shopping.
PUNTA BALLENA & PUNTA DEL ESTE: VILLAS, BEACHES AND CONTEMPORARY ART
Set off from the port and let yourself be charmed by the exclusive neighborhoods of Punta Ballena: villas nestled amongst the greenery, and the dreamy Playa Mansa and Brava beaches. Between a dip into modern art at the Ralli Museum (under Dalí's watchful eye) and a tour of MACA for a taste of contemporary creativity, lunch and a stroll along Avenida Gorlero, you can enjoy the perfect blend of sun, art and social life in Punta del Este.
Main stops
- Harbour
- Playa Mansa
- Playa Brava
- Residential neighbourhoods and villas
- MACA Museum
- Ralli museums
- Avenida Gorlero
The programme
- We leave the port behind and head towards Punta Ballena, a long itinerary that passes through the beautiful residential neighbourhoods of Pinares, Beverly Hills and San Rafael, where we see numerous villas surrounded by nature, as well as Playa Mansa e Playa Brava.
- In the elegant Beverly Hills neighbourhood, we will visit the Ralli Museums, a modern structure hosting both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions dedicated to Latin American modern art and which has also some sculptures by Salvador Dalì on display.
- We will then proceed to MACA Museum: the first and only museum in Uruguay promoting global contemporary art. Spanning across 90 acres of natural landscape, the museum hopes to become a creative hub for its community, where so many artists have left a permanent mark in the history of art.
- At lunchtime, we have some free time to stroll along Avenida Gorlero, a long street lined with bars, restaurants and shops. We have all the time we need to grab a bite to eat, go to the beach or do some shopping.
- We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
PUNTA DEL ESTE: SEA, VILLAS AND THE JET SET
From Playa Mansa to Playa Brava, with villas nestled in the greenery and yachts that will make your head spin. Punta del Este welcomes you with its iconic beaches and flashy jet set charm. All topped off with two hours of free time for swimming, walking or some shopping like a real VIP.
Main stops
- Residential neighbourhoods and natural areas: Pinares, Playa Mansa, Playa Brava, La Mano, Beverly Hills, San Rafael
- Harbour
- Free time in La Mano
The programme
- After leaving the port behind us, we make our way towards Punta del Este, a world-famous beach resort that combines the beautiful architecture of residential neighbourhoods, the wonderful seaside scenery and the lush green of the pine trees and numerous gardens.
- Our tour takes us to see amazing villas surrounded by the greenery of leafy trees as well as natural areas such as Pinares, Playa Mansa, home of the famous Enjoy Hotel, Playa Brava and its traditional monument,La Mano, Beverly Hills and San Rafael.
- During our visit, our guide tells us the history of the peninsula while we head towards the Port, where we can dream about the many yachts of the VIPs that moor at Punta del Este as well as the lighthouse and other interesting sights.
- After the guided tour, we have two free hours in the La Mano area. We can relax on Playa Brava, stroll along Avenida Gorlero and do some shopping or drop into one of the many bars and restaurants to taste a few local delicacies.
We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
OUTLANDISH SCENERY AND EARTH FLAVORS
Get ready to discover the beauty of Punta del Este, amid outlandish scenery and authentic flavors. Eyes peeled and camera at the ready: On Brava beach you'll see a monumental artwork while Casapueblo is the prime spot to capture the landscape of Punta Ballena. In the hinterland, look forward to be amazed by an experience at an olive oil mill and a tasting of the oil produced here.
Main stops
- Sightseeing bus tour of Punta del Este:
- Brava beach and Punta Ballena: Photo stops
- Visit to an olive oil mill and extra virgin olive oil tasting
The programme
- Step on the bus with your guide: From the coast to the hinterland, you'll get your fill of buildings immersed in luxurious nature, whose produce you'll taste in Punta del Este.
- The coastal area is lively, full of special sights, and you'll start noticing this as you reach Brava beach. Once here, you'll find yourself in front of “La Mano”, a giant artwork arising from the sand, which makes for an unusual sight.
- As you reach Punta Ballena, you'll spot in the distance the nine stories of pure white Casapueblo, which dominates the cliffside with its iconic architecture carved into the stone.
- In the hinterland, the scenery changes and the flavor of a precious product grown here will leave you amazed. At Olivos de Las Ánimas you'll find yourself amid stretches of centuries-old olive trees and an olive mill will open its doors to you to teach you how extra virgin olive oil is made.
- And after having learned about all the production stages, from the hand-harvest to the pressing, get your palate ready: It's time for an oil tasting, directly from the producer!
CASAPUEBLO & PUNTA DEL ESTE: ART, BEACHES AND A SPARKLING LIFE
Set off from the harbor and explore the exclusive neighborhoods of Punta Ballena, with its villas surrounded by greenery and breathtaking beaches, such as Playa Mansa and Brava. The highlight? Casapueblo, Carlos Paez Vilaró's masterpiece, clinging to the cliff with stunning views of the sea. Then stop off on bustling Avenida Gorlero: a little shopping, a bite to eat or just a pause to watch the vibrant life of Punta del Este go by. A blend of art, sunshine and high society that you'll never forget.
Main stops
- Harbour
- Playa Mansa
- Playa Brava
- Residential neighbourhoods and Hollywood-style villas
- Avenida Gorlero
- Casa Pueblo in Punta Ballena
The programme
- We leave the port behind and head towards Punta Ballena, a long itinerary that passes through the beautiful residential neighbourhoods of Pinares, Beverly Hills and San Rafael, where we see numerous villas immersed in nature, as well as Playa Mansa and Playa Brava.
- We then make our way towards the fabulous Casapueblo in Punta Ballena, just a few km from Punta del Este. Casapueblo is a housing complex and cultural centre designed by the famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaró and built on a cliff, offering amazing sea views.
- We then stop in the lively Avenida Gorlero, a long street lined with bars, restaurants and shops where we have some free time to have a bite to eat or do some shopping.