Punta del Este: The Edge of the World

Punta del Este, a city built in 1907 and governed by Departamento de Maldonado, is located southeast of Uruguay, on the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, 140km away from the capital Montevideo.

The tourism industry is booming in Punta del Este, which is one of the favorite holiday resorts of celebrities. This is where Shakira once visited, and Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and Zinedine Zidane wanted to build up a local shop (named Ituzaingo), but it finally turned into a little fishing village. Many celebrities and travelers are willing to visit the city. It is also the paradise for those who want to enjoy themselves throughout the night at the clubs, restaurants, and bars on the main beaches. In addition, you can also take a walk through the upscale blocks.

Beaches in Punta del Este are glamorous, and Brava Beach and Mansa Beach are the most popular. On one hand, you can watch the Rio de la Plata flow into the sea; on the other hand, you can watch the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

Located on the beach is La Mano (The Hand), created by Mario Irarrázabal, a Chilean artist. This sculpture can easily help us think of a person’s fingers that are coming out of sand. On the island across the sea are large hordes of long-haired sea dogs (pinnipeds) or sea lions. You can head to it by boat to observe the animal only found in South America up close.

In addition to beaches, tourists can also visit Casapueblo, a villa that a famous artist named Carlos Páez Vilaró from Uruguay has begun to build since 1958. His inspiration originated from the Greek Islands: round, smooth lines, and white exterior walls, which all make you feel like you’re looking at buildings of the Mediterranean Sea. Although what floods your view is in fact the Rviewiterranean Seaalls, which all makof the horizon. Recently, the huge sculpture has already been converted to a hotel and a museum, which is now open to the public. Tourists can admire the sculptures and paintings as well as the beautiful sunsets when touring the museum.