Discover And Explore Punta Del Este And Montevideo In Uruguay
On our cruise around South America with Oceania Cruises we had two days to explore Punta Del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay. Punta del Este was a beach resort known for its beaches and lively atmosphere. As the capital and cultural centre of Uruguay, Montevideo offered historic sites, architecture and city treats. Our exploration gave us just a little taste of what these two very different cities had to offer.
We wandered on our own in Punta Del Este. But we chose a city tour for one day in Montevideo and then visited a winery on our second cruise port day. This was a great way to get a small taste test of Uruguay on this trip.
The Hand At The Beach In Punta Del Este
We enjoyed two lazy days as wandering around Punta Del Este. We found lots of colourful street art with sea images. Surrounded by the ocean the beach was not hard to find in this city.
The big tourist attraction in Punta Del Este was âThe Handâ (âLa Manoâ). This sculpture by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal showed five human fingers partially emerging from sand. This was a popular spot for people to pose.
From âThe Handâ we wandered along the beach and watched the surf pound in. Surfers had fun as they rode the waves in. At the far end of the beach we saw a small memorial to Virgen de la Candelaria – the patron saint of Punta Del Este.
We wanted to enjoy the beach when we explored Punta Del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay. And we were glad we saw the iconic âThe Handâ statue on our visit.
A Fun Show From The Sea Lions
We loved when we found the playful sea lions on our visits to San Francisco. So when we read about the sea lions in the harbour in Punta Del Este we knew we had to head that way. From across the harbour we saw the crowds drawn to see the sea lion antics.
The sea lions gathered in groups and âsangâ to the crowd. They splashed in the water and hopped up on the dock. We got a fun continual show. We were definitely glad we searched out the sea lions when we explored Punta Del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay
Wandering In Montevideo
From the port we knew there was much to see in the city centre. We found Montevideo was a great town to just wander in. We saw a great variety of architecture in the city centre.
We loved stopping in local markets when we travelled. It was clear that Uruguay offered lots of great meat options. But we found plenty of fresh produce too.
As we explored Montevideo, we found a great variety in the outdoor art. The sculptures we found covered a wide range of topics. And the street art was colourful and interesting.
We circled around the large sculpture we found for a closer look. The José Belloni Monumento La Carreta bronze sculpture consisted of a cart, three yoke of oxen pulling it and two oxen in the back. The sculpture also included a gaucho on horseback holding a shaft. We learned that the sculpture commemorated the first pioneers that travelled into the interior.
Wandering the city centre was a great choice when we explored Punta Del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay.
Food, Wine And Entertainment At The Juanico Winery
After we toured the city centre, we went by bus to the Juanico Winery (Establecimiento Juanicó). The winery has been owned by the Juanicó Deicas family since 1979. At one time the property was owned by the Jesuits but was turned into wine production over the years. Around 1945, the French government gave owners the right to plant the Cognac varietal and to produce Juanicó Cognac.
We got our first view of the fertile vineyards as we approached. And then walked around for a close look at the ripe grapes. Inside the winery we got a short tour of the production facility.
Our wine tasting was done over lunch. We got to try a great variety of wines with local foods. The wines were available for sale after lunch.
For entertainment we watched a tango show put on in the centre of the restaurant area. We watched tango in Spain many times. And were delighted with the show we got.
When we explored Punta Del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay, we were so glad we got to visit a winery and taste the local products.
A Small Taste Of Punta Del Este And Montevideo In Uruguay
We were happy we got saw as much as we did when we explored Punta Del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay when we cruised around South America. Â
We enjoyed the beach sights and fun seal lions in Punta Del Este. And loved the contrast we found when we wandered in the city centre of Montevideo. Everywhere we went we found interesting statues and colourful street art. We knew there was much more of Uruguay to explore on a return trip.
Did you love Punta Del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay? What should we see on our next visit?
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What a wonderful glimpse into Uruguay! Punta del Este has been on my bucket list for ages, especially because of La Manoâthat sculpture looks so striking against the sand and ocean. I love that you also visited the Juanico Winery near Montevideo; learning it once belonged to the Jesuits and even produced Cognac was fascinating. Your description really makes me want to experience both the relaxed beach vibe of Punta del Este and the cultural charm of Montevideo on my next South America trip!
We loved the great contrast of visiting both Punta del Este and Montevideo. So glad we got to visit twice.
It looks like this is a really neat place to explore. So many great sights! That is a cool sculpture that is on the beach. I have only been to South America once and it would be cool to go back.
We loved all the unique stops in South America. And were happy we got our first look at Uruguay.
I would love to take a South America cruise and visit Uruguay. I’m glad you got to see the “hand” and I’m sure the sea lions were fun to see. I love the architecture and all of the street art.
The sights in Punta del Este and Montevideo were so different but both quite interesting.
I was just thinking the other day that I hadn’t seen a new post in a while. Turns you were just on another adventure. (PS I hope the move went well.)
We have had a very busy year at home and travelling. Just starting to get caught up.
I’d love to see the sea lions! I love that they “sang” to the crowd!
We always love to find the fun sea lions on our travels.
Those sea lions look and sound adorable to see in person! When I saw pictures of the architecture in the city, I wondered who colonized Uruguay. They don’t look like Portuguese architecture. My curiosity was answered when you wrote about the winery. Interesting country.
Uruguay was definitely an interesting country to visit. Even if we only got a small taste test with Punta del Este and Montevideo.
So much variety here with the amazing street art, markets, and wine tastings. Sounds like the perfect place to spend a weekend exploring.
We loved the variety in things to see and do in Uruguay.
I’m hearing so many great things about Uruguay at the moment! I’ll have to head there when I can.
We were glad to get a small test taste of Uruguay on this trip.
What a beautiful experience this must have been! I always love visiting contrasting places like the ones you included in this itinerary. From the beach resort of Punta Del Este to the historic sites of Montevideo, you really made the most of your trip and captured it so well in this post. Thanks for sharing
It was great to go from the beach to the city to the wineries on this visit to Uruguay.
I love outdoor sculpture! I am fascinated with La mano. Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabalâs five human fingers look so real. Did you find zones for street art?
We too love when we find outdoor art. And especially when we find interesting pieces like La Mano. We saw a little street art as we toured but no major spot.
This place is definately on my bucket list now. As a travel agent I helped a client with travels there last year and loved talking to him about the place when he returned. Now your blog and a couple others really show how great it would be to visit. Plus the Fuzzy looking sealions, so neat! Thanks for the info
I am glad to add to your interest in visiting Uruguay. We were happy we got a little taste test on our cruise.
Since I am reading this on the Day of the Dead I immediately got spooked by all those lifelike fingers. Where is the actual Hand? Or is that the point? You are supposed to imagine it? Loved the Sea Lions! Interesting window into Uruguay., a country most of us know so little about.
I don’t think there is an actual hand – just the fingers. If the hand was buried I might worry that more was buried! It was indeed a Quick Look into what Uruguay has to offer.
Love that there is so much art sprinkled around the city! Thanks for sharing your advice so I can make the most of visiting Uruguay.
We always love when we find outdoor art in our travels. Uruguay gave us some fun pieces.
This was a really enjoyable read and it beautifully captures the contrast between Punta del Este and Montevideo. I especially liked how you described the relaxed beach vibe of Punta del Este alongside the cultural depth of Montevideo, it makes the itinerary feel well balanced. The details about âThe Handâ sculpture and the sea lions added a nice personal touch and made the experience feel very real, not just like a standard travel guide. Your cruise-based perspective is also helpful for travelers planning a similar South America route. Great storytelling and inspiring photos in my imagination, it definitely makes Uruguay feel like a destination worth exploring.
I am happy you enjoyed reading more about our Uruguay stops. We were happy we got to see both places twice on this trip. Such different experiences.