The 12 Best Things To Do in Punta Del Este, Uruguay

Take a picture with La Mano

Vipersniper / Getty Images

 

Go to Playa Brava next to Parada 1, and you’ll see a giant hand emerging from the sand. Called La Mano ("The Hand"), it was created in the 1980s by Chilean artist Mario Irrazábal as part of a sculpture exhibition. Made of concrete, steel, metal mesh, plastic, and degradation-resistant material, the hand can appear white or gray, depending on the light. Free to visit, it is open to the public for photo opportunities—visitors can even climb on its thumb. The sculpture represents several things, including coming to life, as well as a warning of the risk of drowning for those venturing into the strong waves behind it.

ADDRESS
Stop 1 Brava, Punta del Este, Av. Eduardo Victor Haedo km 162.500, 20001 La Barra Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay
PHONE +598 93 324 497

Hang out at the cat cafe

Courtesy of Adrianusca's Cat Cafe

 

Just three blocks away from Playa Inglesa, Adrianuzca’s Cat Café acts as a cat shelter and adoption center, where patrons can pet the fluffy residents while sipping cat-themed espresso-based beverages. Most of the seating is in the cat room where several felines zip around the ceiling ledge, sit in small chairs, and munch on cat food. A small cat-sized door leads to the shelter, ensuring the cats can come and go as they please. Several rules are also in place to provide a safe environment for the cats. Visitors can adopt the cats or simply play with them while they enjoy their drinks and food.

ADDRESS
C. 22 535, 20100 Punta del Este Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay