Top Things to do in the Pearl of the Atlantic

Uruguay was a short but sweet trip and time well spent with family. We slowed down for a couple weeks in Punta del Este, Uruguay (a seaside city on the Atlantic Coast of Uruguay) while we visited with Uruguayan family.

Fun fact: Did you know that Uruguay is a country of around 3 million people, but is home to around 12,000 cattle? Thats a 4:1 cow to human ratio! The combination of low population with open space has given Uruguay many opportunities for economic development. It is considered the gem of South America, though many people don’t even know it exists!

Punta del Este is known as the “Monaco of the South” or the “Pearl of the Atlantic” for its white sand beaches and resort town feel.  It is like the “Miami Beach” of South America, and it receives upwards of 500,000 visitors every year from Argentina, Brazil and other nearby countries.

Punta del Este location             

If you ever get to visit Punta del Este, here are the top things our family recommends that you do:

1.      Spend a day riding the waves at Brava Beach. One side of the peninsula is called “La Mansa” “The Tame” side. The other side is called “La Brava” – “the Wild Side.”  Depending on the day, we recommend you grab your boogie boards and a picnic lunch and head out to La Brava to catch some waves. The kids really enjoyed getting pummeled by the strong waves, and collecting sea shells. We spent many days just doing this with cousins, aunts and uncles.

2.      Eat at La Pasiva on the peninsula if you want the best “Chivitos” and mustard of your life. A chivito is a Uruguay steak sandwich layered with ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, melted mozzarella and a fried egg usually. Its delicious!

3.      Charter a boat or hop on a ferry for the day and visit Gorriti Island and surrounding beaches

4.      Walk down Avenida Gorlero at night and visit the local “feria” – artisanal market for local crafts and jewelry

5.      Visit Casa Pueblo at Punta Ballena (Whale Point) – a mega white building designed by Carlos Paez Vilaro – a famous Uruguay artist who created this symbol of Punta del Este

image from blogspot.com

6.      Take a stroll on the boardwalk that wraps around the tiny peninsula – the walk will take around 2 hours but you will go from one side to another.

We really enjoyed our time in Punta and hope to be back one day.  You will not regret seeing this tiny country and beautiful resort town! We love and are so thankful for all our family that made our time together truly special!