Punta del Este Map

Description:

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Description:

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Punta del Este is a city and resort located in the Maldonado Department of southeastern Uruguay. Known as "the St. Tropez of South America," it is one of the most important tourist destinations in South America, attracting visitors from across the globe, particularly from Argentina and Brazil.

The city was founded in 1907 and has grown into a major seaside resort with a permanent population of approximately 13,000 residents, which can swell to over 150,000 during the peak summer season. The city is situated on a peninsula where the Río de la Plata meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Among its most recognizable landmarks is La Mano, or "The Hand," a giant sculpture of fingers emerging from the sand at Brava Beach, created by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal. Other notable attractions include the Casapueblo, a distinctive white villa-museum designed by artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, and the Punta del Este Lighthouse, built in 1860.

The city features two main beaches: Playa Mansa (Calm Beach) and Playa Brava (Rough Beach), each offering different conditions for swimming and water sports. The local economy is primarily driven by tourism, with luxury hotels, casinos, restaurants, and high-end shopping facilities. The Punta del Este International Airport serves the city, facilitating tourist access from major South American cities.

The Facts:
Department: Punta del Este.
Population: ~ 13,000.
Main sights: Playa Mansa, Puerto de Punta del Este, Conrad Casino, Ralli Museum Punta del Este, Mano de Punta del Este.