Famous Landmarks in Punta Del Este

Isla de Lobos

• Home to one of the largest colonies of From South america fur seals and pinnipeds.
• Entry by organized boat tours from the Port; no disembarking on the island.
• Book tours in advance, especially during high season. Bring a Zoom lens for wildlife photography.
• Boat trip views of the coastline.
• A protected nature reserve.
• Tour duration and fees vary by operator.

Gorriti Island

• Historic island, short boat ride from the dock.
• Accessible by short boat trips (water taxis); fares are small.
• Features walking trails and remnants of 18th-century Spanish fortifications.
• Two small beaches (Playa Honda and Playa Jardín). Pack a picnic.

Water taxi services run from morning to late afternoon, varying seasonally.

• Religious Sites:

  Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria: A charming church at the tip of the Peninsula, beside the lighthouse.

• Colonial Architecture:

  For colonial architecture, visit Maldonado, the nearby departmental capital, which has more historic buildings and a traditional town square.

• Military Heritage:

  Remnants of 18th-century Spanish fortifications on Gorriti Island offer a view into the region's military past.

• Commemorative Sites:

  The "Hand Sculpture" serves as a de facto monument to the city and a reminder of human interaction with nature.

• Lighthouse History:

  The historic Punta del Este Lighthouse, built in 1860, is one of the earliest in Uruguay, guiding ships.

• Further Exploration:

  For historical insight, explore the accounts behind these long-standing structures.